Effect of various microwave frequencies on the physiology of a cyanobacterium, Schizothrix mexicana

The effect of microwave modulated with square waves of different pulse repetition frequencies was studied on the physiologic behavior of the cyanobacterium Schizothrix mexicana Gomont (Oscillatorials). The organism was exposed for 2 h to microwave (9.685 GHz) modulated with square wave pulse repetition frequencies of 900, 720, 540, 360 and 180 Hz at a fixed incident power density (0.768 mW/cm²). Results revealed that growth rate, dry weight and photosynthetic pigments increased significantly especially in frequency of 540 Hz. Total carbohydrate and protein contents, and photosynthesis and nitrogenase activity showed drastic increase in 180, 360 and 540 Hz and dropped down when treated with 720 and 900 Hz frequency. This study revealed that the increase effect of microwave radiation on metabolism of Schizothrix mexicana was found to be frequency dependent. So, electrostimulation of Schizothrix mexicana provides a new extended domain of disciplines and methodologies for cultivation, processing of biomass and biofuels, biofertilizers and biotechnology applications. This study reveals that microwaves athermally induce different biologic effects.