Studies on survival of bacteria: rhythmic response of microorganisms to freeze-drying additives

Abstract

Various materials were mixed with suspensions of Serratia marcescens and other organisms. Samples were removed and frozen at intervals after mixing; the number of cells that survived both freeze-drying and exposure to air varied rhythmically as a function of time between mixing and freezing. When assayed before or immediately after drying there were essentially no fluctuations. The response was evident only when these dried samples were exposed to air. In a typical experiment, the number of cells surviving in the sample frozen 30 sec after adding propyl gallate was at least 10 times that in samples frozen either 20 sec earlier or 20 sec later. Other "peaks" in survival were observed at approximately 125 and 450 sec, but the times at which the peaks were observed were not consistent from one experiment to the next. Although we have been unable to control or predict the time at which maxima in resistance occur, we have shown that the phenomenon does occur with Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae as well as with S. marcescens. Furthermore, a rhythmic response also was obtained after a change in pH or cell concentration. It appears that microorganisms respond physiologically and synchronously to changes in their environment, and some of these responses have survival value.