Effect of Low Power Microwave Radiation on Microorganisms and other Life Forms

Abstract

Microwaves are a part of electromagnetic spectrum with multiple applications. Thermal effects resulting from high-power microwave radiation are well established, but considerable controversy surrounds the possible microwave specific athermal effects. Reports suggesting its presence or absence keep accumulating in literature. Exact mechanism through which low-power microwave radiation exerts its effect on different life forms including microorganisms yet remains to be elucidated. For this effective experimental strategies needs to be devised, where thermal and athermal effects can be studied separately. Identifying suitable biological model(s) for such studies is also required. This review focuses on the effects of low-power microwave radiation on different life forms, particularly microorganisms. Effects of low-power microwave on growth and enzyme activity of microbes are described. Factors affecting the interaction of microwaves with living systems, such as microwave power, frequency, exposure duration, continuous vs. pulsed treatment, etc. has also been covered. The possibility of using microwaves for mutagenesis (strain improvement) has also been indicated.