Detection of cell viability by dielectric properties for bacillus sp

This study was conducted to detect cell viability for Bacillus sp. using dielectric properties, which is considered rapid, sensitive and non-invasive tool for detecting abiotic stress response effects. Cell viability was tested through viable staining, turbidity, colony forming ability and compared to their dielectric properties. Gamma-irradiation and autoclaving were considered as a reference point for cell death. Colonies seized to form at high concentration of hydrogen peroxide, while viable staining showed inconclusive results at concentration 580 mM hydrogen peroxide. At this concentration, the relative permittivity and relaxation time showed values higher than those reported for dead cells. All measured parameters showed decrease with the increase in hydrogen peroxide concentration, but the only two parameters, which contributed to the differentiation between live and dead cells, were the relative permittivity and relaxation time