Ann Dermatol.  2016 Oct;28(5):575-578. 10.5021/ad.2016.28.5.575.

Investigating Effects of Nano- to Micro-Ampere Alternating Current Stimulation on Trichophyton rubrum Growth

• Kwon DR
• Kwon H
• Lee WR
• Park J

• KMID: 2382881
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2016.28.5.575

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Fungi are eukaryotic microorganisms including yeast and molds. Many studies have focused on modifying bacterial growth, but few on fungal growth. Microcurrent electricity may stimulate fungal growth.
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to investigate effects of microcurrent electric stimulation on Trichophyton rubrum growth.
METHODS
Standard-sized inoculums of T. rubrum derived from a spore suspension were applied to potato dextrose cornmeal agar (PDACC) plates, gently withdrawn with a sterile pipette, and were applied to twelve PDACC plates with a sterile spreader. Twelve Petri dishes were divided into four groups. The given amperage of electric current was 500 nA, 2 µA, and 4 µA in groups A, B, and C, respectively. No electric current was given in group D.
RESULTS
In the first 48 hours, colonies only appeared in groups A and B (500 nA and 2 µA exposure). Colonies in group A (500 nA) were denser. Group C (4 µA) plates showed a barely visible film of fungus after 96 hours of incubation. Fungal growth became visible after 144 hours in the control group.
CONCLUSION
Lower intensities of electric current caused faster fungal growth within the amperage range used in this study. Based on these results, further studies with a larger sample size, various fungal species, and various intensities of electric stimulation should be conducted.

Keyword

Alternating current; Electric stimulation; Trichophyton

MeSH Terms

Agar
Electric Stimulation
Electricity
Fungi
Glucose
Sample Size
Solanum tuberosum
Spores
Trichophyton*
Yeasts
Agar
Glucose

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Diagram of the electric apparatus.

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  Fig. 2 Petri slides with Trichophyton rubrum fungal culture in group A (A1~A3), B (B1~B3), C (C1~C3), and D (D1~D3) after 0, 48, 96, 144, and 192 hours of incubation arranged chronologically. G: growth, NG: no growth.

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