Effects of industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) band frequency 2.45 GHz on membrane integrity and oxidative stress of human skin bacteria

Anuj Kumar Tomar; Neha Jha; Eepsita Priyadarshini; Rohit Gautam; Jay Prakash Nirala; Paulraj Rajamani

doi:10.1080/09553002.2026.2636305

Effects of industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) band frequency 2.45 GHz on membrane integrity and oxidative stress of human skin bacteria

Int J Radiat Biol. 2026 Feb 26:1-15. doi: 10.1080/09553002.2026.2636305. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Anuj Kumar Tomar¹, Neha Jha¹, Eepsita Priyadarshini², Rohit Gautam³, Jay Prakash Nirala¹, Paulraj Rajamani¹

Affiliations

¹ School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India.
² Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, India.
³ Division of Reproductive Child Health and Nutrition, Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, India.

PMID: 41747184
DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2026.2636305

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the effects of 2.45 GHz radiofrequency radiation (RFR) on oxidative stress and membrane integrity of human skin bacteria.

Materials and methods: Cultures of Staphylococcus epidermidis, Micrococcus luteus, and Enterobacter cloacae were exposed to 2.45 GHz RFR. Oxidative stress was assessed by quantifying hydroxyl (•OH) and superoxide (O₂•^-) radicals and total intracellular ROS (DCFH₂-DA assay). Lipid peroxidation (MDA levels) and protein carbonyl content were measured as oxidative damage markers. Membrane integrity was examined by SEM and TEM imaging and by evaluating protein and carbohydrate leakage. All experiments were performed with at least three independent biological replicates.

Results: RFR-exposed bacteria exhibited a marked increase in ROS generation compared to sham and control groups. Total intracellular ROS, hydroxyl radicals, and superoxide radicals were significantly elevated (∼ 2 fold), indicating strong oxidative stress induction. This biochemical stress correlated with structural alterations: SEM and TEM revealed disrupted cell membranes and cytoplasmic disorganization. Functionally, exposed bacteria showed enhanced membrane permeability, evidenced by substantial leakage of proteins and carbohydrates into the extracellular environment. Furthermore, oxidative damage was confirmed biochemically, with significantly elevated malondialdehyde (MDA >1.5 fold) levels reflecting lipid peroxidation, and increased protein carbonyl (>2 fold) content indicating oxidative modification of proteins. These effects were consistent across all three bacterial species, although E. cloacae demonstrated more pronounced damages. Collectively, these findings highlight a clear link between RFR-induced ROS overproduction, oxidative macromolecular damage, and compromised cellular integrity.

Conclusions: Exposure to 2.45 GHz RFR induces oxidative stress, membrane disruption, and macromolecular leakage in skin-associated bacteria, suggesting possible risks to skin microbiome stability under high-RFR environments.

Keywords: 2.45 GHz; Human skin bacteria; ISM frequency; microbiome; oxidative stress; radiofrequency radiation.