Nonionizing Electromagnetic Radiation-Driven Microbiological Effects

Even to date, there has been a simplistic search, heretofore unsuccessful, for a frequency of radiofrequency radiation (RFR) or microwaves that may specifically kill pathogenic microbes selectively. As we have already shown, any such specificity should be guided by a directed sensitizer that engages specific frequency ranges, with correlated penetration depths, into the microbial matrix and appropriate intensities to minimize collateral damage to materials or tissues. Detection, identification, and monitoring of microbial contact and microbial neutralization are the goals of any such radio-controlled vector. Furthermore, these vectors must penetrate microbial cells or, in the case of viruses and intracellular microbes, host cells and genetically alter the microbes’ susceptibility to antibiotics, other antimicrobial agents, and neutralization by the immune system. This chapter discusses what has been successful, to date, toward these goals; the pathogens attacked; and the potential for countering other pathogens in the environment and in hosts.