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Description
Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) at 2.45 GHz, commonly emitted by wireless devices, is ubiquitous in modern environments. While its effects on human health have been extensively studied, its impact on skin-residing bacteria like Staphylococcus epidermidis remains underexplored. This study investigates the effects of EMR exposure on S. epidermidis, focusing on oxidative stress and its consequences on cellular integrity. Oxidative stress was assessed by measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS), including hydroxyl (OH) and superoxide (SO) radicals, along with overall intracellular ROS using the DCFH-DA method. EMR-exposed S. epidermidis exhibited a significant increase in ROS generation compared to sham controls. Membrane integrity was severely compromised, as indicated by increased permeability, leakage of macromolecules such as carbohydrates and proteins, and morphological alterations observed through SEM and TEM imaging. Further biochemical analysis revealed elevated lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation, alongside significant DNA damage detected via the comet assay. These findings demonstrate that 2.45 GHz EMR exposure induces oxidative stress, membrane disruption, and DNA fragmentation in S. epidermidis, potentially affecting its role in the skin microbiome and raising concerns about the long-term impact of EMR on cutaneous microbial communities.
