Chemical Methods of Sterilization and Disinfection

Ethylene oxide. This highly reactive gas (C2H4O) is flammable, toxic, and a strong mucosal irritant. Ethylene oxide can be used for sterilization at low temperatures (20–60 8C). The gas has a high penetration capacity and can even get through some plastic foils. One drawback is that this gas cannot kill dried microorganisms and requires a [...]

Physical Methods of Sterilization and Disinfection

Heat The application of heat is a simple, cheap and effective method of killing pathogens. Methods of heat application vary according to the specific appli- cation. & Pasteurization. This is the antimicrobial treatment used for foods in li- quid form (milk): — Low-temperature pasteurization: 61.5 8C, 30 minutes; 71 8C, 15 seconds. — High-temperature pasteurization: [...]

Nitrogen Fixation

.    The symbiotic association of cyanobacteria with fungi (lichen), cyanobacteria with bryophytes (Anthoceros), with pteridophytes, (Azolla) with gymnospermes (coralloid root of cycas) and bacteria (Rhizobium, Bradyrhizobiun, zorhizobium, sinorhizobium and mesohizobium etc.) With leguminous plants are under mutual beneficial relationship (symbiosis) in which both the host and bacteria are benefitted. There are number of other angiosperms [...]

Bacteria Cause Old Buildings To Feel Off-color

The assumption that time, weather, and pollution are what cause buildings to decline is only partly true. Bacteria are also responsible for the ageing of buildings and monuments – a process known as biodeterioration, where organisms change the properties of materials through their vital activities. Leonila Laiz from the Institute for Natural Resources and Agrobiology [...]