Effect of microwave radiation on Candida albicans

Rosaspina S, Salvatorelli G, Anzanel D, Bovolenta R,

Microbios 78(314):55-59, 1994

Microwave exposure (90 s) provides an effective, rapid sterilization for surgical scalpel blades which have been contaminated with Candida albicans. SEM analysis showed that microwave irradiation induced a morphological modification of the cells.

The longer the exposure time the greater such alterations and this micro-organism in effect fractures after 9 min. No evidence was found of morphological alteration of the fungus after being submerged in boiling water for the same amount of time even though cell death was actually achieved.