Disruption ofMicrobial Cells by the Flash Discharge ofHigh - pressure Carbon Dioxide

cells by the rapid release of gas pressure was examined under yarious conditions of pressure, temperature, treatment time and water content of the cells. Wet cells of baker's yeast were completely destroyed, after the microorganisms had been saturated with C02 gas at 40eC and 40 atm for more than 3h when the pressure was suddenly discharged. On the other hand, dry cells were poorly kil}ed even under the same experimental conditions. In particular, N2 gas with low solubility in water had no etfect on the surviyal ratio of the yeast. From these results, the death of microorganisms may be caused by mechanical breakage andtor physiological damage related to gas sorption and desorption by the cells.