EFFECT OF OZONE ON SURVIVAL AND PERMEABILITY OF ESCHERICHIA COLI

Abstract

Escherichia coli cultures in the logarithmic phase or resting were treated with various concentrations of ozone in saline solution. Approximately 2 X 107 molecules of ozone per bacterium killed 50% of the cells. Ozone caused leakage of cell content into the medium and lysis of some cells. Low concentrations of ozone did not react with the glutathione within the cells, although reaction with glutathione in solution was immediate and stoichiometric. The effect on nucleic acid within the cells was to change the solubility and to cause the release of ultraviolet-absorbing material into the medium. Ozone attacked the ring structure of the base or the carbohydrate only when the substance was in the medium. Nucleic-acids released into the medium were reabsorbed by cells which were not lysed. Viable cells resumed growth immediately and grew at rates determined by the nutrients either added to the medium or which resulted from leakage and lysis of nonviable cells. It is postulated that the primary attack of ozone was on the cell wall or membrane of the bacteria probably by reaction with the double bonds of lipids, and that leakage or lysis of the cells depended on the extent of that reaction.