Influence of 2.45 GHz EMF on Yeast – Antioxidant Defence and Cell Wall

Abstract

The study of the non-thermal effects of 2.45 GHz electromagnetic fields on living organisms is essential, as in recent years the use of devices that emit them, albeit at low intensity, has significantly increased. The aim of our study is to test whether 2.45 GHz electromagnetic radiation has an effect on the antioxidant system of the cell and whether it affects the structure of the cell wall of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We have investigated the intracellular content of reduced glutathione, total antioxidant and superoxide dismutase activities 1 and 4 h after exposure, as well as 24 h after inoculation of the treated cells in order to monitor delayed effects. A lyticase test was performed to assess changes in the structure of the cell wall. Following a 2 h EMF exposure with 2.45 GHz electromagnetic wave with electric field of 190 V/m glutathione levels decreased and total antioxidant capacity increased 4 h after treatment. A slight trend towards a decrease in superoxide dismutase activity was observed. No significant changes in yeast cell wall integrity were observed under the applied treatment conditions.