Audible Sound in Form of Music Can Influence Microbial Growth, Metabolism and Antibiotic Susceptibility

Abstract

Effect of a type of Indian classical music (Raag Malhar) comprised of the sound corresponding to a frequency range of 41-645Hz, on microbial growth, production of certain important metabolites and antibiotic susceptibility was investigated. All the bacteria and yeasts used as test organisms were found to register better growth under the influence of music, except Serratia marcescens. Music treatment was also found to promote production of bacterial pigments (prodigiosin and violacein) whose production is normally linked with quorum sensing in the producing bacteria. All the test organisms (except S. marcescens) exhibited an increased antibiotic susceptibility under the influence of music. Chromobacterium violaceum and S. marcescens were found to degrade cefazolin at a faster rate when incubated with music. Membrane permeability of the test organisms seemed to get altered owing to music treatment. Concentration of cations (calcium and potassium) and protein content of the music treated cultures was also significantly different than the untreated control. Alcohol tolerance of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was also notably enhanced under the influence of music.