Microwave sterilized media supports better microbial growth than autoclaved media

Abstract

Microwave treated media were compared with media sterilized through conventional autoclaving in terms of their ability to support microbial growth, spore germination, and revival of lyophilized bacterial cultures. Microwave sterilized media were found to support better microbial growth. Both bacteria and yeast were able to achieve higher cell density at a faster growth rate in microwaved media. Microwave treatment was found to be  suitable for media of varying compositions. Better retention of nutrient quality in microwave  treated growth media due to shorter heat exposure seems to be the major reason for better microbial growth in it. Microwave sterilization can prove an attractive alternative of conventional autoclaving, especially when media are needed for immediate use, and also when high biomass yield is of particular interest.