[Experimental tests of a microwave sterilization system].

Data obtained in our experiments indicate that the microwave sterilization system utilized may be considered as a practical and rapid method for decontaminating steel surgical instruments. For the tested organisms (7 Gram- and 2 Gram+ genera) a 3' exposure time to microwaves provides successful sterilization. Microwave irradiation also had a killing action against Bacillus subtilis spores.

Effect of microwave radiation on Candida albicans.

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.

The bactericidal effect of microwaves on Mycobacterium bovis dried on scalpel blades.

The action of microwaves on stainless steel scalpel blades contaminated with Mycobacterium bovis was investigated. The complete destruction of M. bovis was obtained with 4 min of microwave exposure.

[Effect of microwaves on the vegetative and spore forms of Bacillus stearothermophilus].

Microwave irradiation provides a rapid and effective method for sterilization of stainless steel scalpel blades or cover glasses contaminated by B. stearothermophilus. A study by SEM of vegetative forms showed that microwave irradiation induce a progressive series of alterations and finally the complete destruction of the microorganism.

Microwave sterilization of enterobacteria.

A new method is described which makes it possible to treat metal materials with microwaves. In consequence scalpel blades as well as cover glasses contaminated with four species of bacteria (Salmonella typhi, Proteus mirabilis, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) were sterilized. With this method sterilization can be achieved quite rapidly (1.