More Than One Way to Kill Anthrax Spores

Most of the ultrasound devices mentioned above do not kill bacteria. However, one researcher, Mahesh Bhardwaj from Ultran Labs, has developed a high-powered ultrasound that is able to kill bacterial spores. No gel is needed either. These researchers found that if they placed the high-power ultrasound probe about 3 millimeter or 1/8th of an inch from the mail for 30 seconds they could kill the spores inside the mail. No damage was done to the mail and when the electricity to run the ultrasound machine is turned off the probe is harmless. Other applications of this technology include sterilization of medical and surgical equipment, food materials, the air duct systems of buildings, buildings, airplanes, and even the space station.

In this case the researchers did not use actual Bacillus anthracis spores but Bacillus thuringiensis. These bacteria are closely related and their spores are very similar. If you can kill Bacillus thuringiensis spores with a particular process it is very likely you can also kill Bacillus anthracis spores. Who knows may be someday ultrasound devices will be decontaminating our mail making us all breathe just a little bit easier.

To find out more go to the following websites:

Penn State News Release

Information of ultrasound used in obstetrics

Ultran Labs homepage

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