THE INFLUENCE OF OXYGEN AND INOSITOL ON THE SURVIVAL OF SEMIDRIED MICROORGANISMS

Abstract

Oxygen was found to have no effect on the induction of the λ prophage due to desiccation but enhanced cell death and the inactivation of the intracellular phages at relative humidity (R.H.) levels below 40%. The magnitude of the oxygen effect increased as the R.H. below 30% decreased. Inositol prevented cell death and phage inactivation due to both bound water reorientation and oxidations. Cells freeze-dried before aerosolization were more stable to storage in air at 30% R.H. and below than they were at 40% to 70% R.H. However, most of the killing of pre-dried cells held at 20% R.H. and below in air was found to be due to an effect of oxygen.