The Effects of Different Light Wavelengths on Their Effectiveness In Killing Cutibacterium acnes Bacteria
School Name
Spring Valley High School
Grade Level
10th Grade
Presentation Topic
Microbiology
Presentation Type
Non-Mentored
Abstract
The purpose of this experiment was to test the effectiveness of different lights in eradicating Cutibacterium acne (C.acnes) bacteria. This experiment was conducted due to the prevalence of using different light therapies to treat acne and to attempt to find the most effective light for treatment. It was hypothesized that black light would have the most bactericidal effect due to its higher wavelength that is around 365 nm, with UV lights being an effective way to kill bacteria, due to the high frequency. To conduct this experiment, C.acnes bacteria were first cultured at room temperature for 17 days and then placed under the appropriate light for 24 hours, with no light exposure serving as the control. At the end of the 24 hour period, the bacteria colonies were measured to determine the bactericidal impact. After experimentation, blue light was shown to be the most effective at killing bacteria. Red light and blacklight also inhibited effects on killing bacteria, while LED light and the control allowed the bacteria to continue to grow. An ANOVA test concluded that the different light wavelength's effects on inhibiting C. acnes growth was not significant; F(0.93)
Recommended Citation
Kneece, Vikram, "The Effects of Different Light Wavelengths on Their Effectiveness In Killing Cutibacterium acnes Bacteria" (2020). South Carolina Junior Academy of Science. 228.
https://scholarexchange.furman.edu/scjas/2020/all/228
Location
Furman Hall 126
Start Date
3-28-2020 9:15 AM
Presentation Format
Oral and Written
Group Project
No
The Effects of Different Light Wavelengths on Their Effectiveness In Killing Cutibacterium acnes Bacteria
Furman Hall 126
The purpose of this experiment was to test the effectiveness of different lights in eradicating Cutibacterium acne (C.acnes) bacteria. This experiment was conducted due to the prevalence of using different light therapies to treat acne and to attempt to find the most effective light for treatment. It was hypothesized that black light would have the most bactericidal effect due to its higher wavelength that is around 365 nm, with UV lights being an effective way to kill bacteria, due to the high frequency. To conduct this experiment, C.acnes bacteria were first cultured at room temperature for 17 days and then placed under the appropriate light for 24 hours, with no light exposure serving as the control. At the end of the 24 hour period, the bacteria colonies were measured to determine the bactericidal impact. After experimentation, blue light was shown to be the most effective at killing bacteria. Red light and blacklight also inhibited effects on killing bacteria, while LED light and the control allowed the bacteria to continue to grow. An ANOVA test concluded that the different light wavelength's effects on inhibiting C. acnes growth was not significant; F(0.93)
