Faculty Advisor
Crusberg, Theodore C.
Abstract
In 2001, the spore form of the Bacillus anthracis bacteria was used as a weapon of biological terrorism in the United States. During this outbreak the dried spores, which proved to be fatal when exposed to those unknowingly exposed, infected people throughout the Washington D.C. region. The vehicle of infection ended up being our very own postal system as the spores were circulated on the inside and outside of letters. This MQP tested the effect white pulsed light has on denaturing Bacillus subtilis, a surrogate of anthrax, in hopes of replacing the current use of radiation to disinfect mail used in post office nationwide. The findings of this project indicate that pulsed white light does contribute to the inactivation of the resistant spores fomed by B. subtilis.
Publisher
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Date Accepted
January 2004
Major
Biology
Project Type
Major Qualifying Project
Copyright Statement
Access to this report is limited to members of the WPI community. Please contact a project advisor or their department to request access
Accessibility
Restricted-WPI community only
Advisor Department
Biology and Biotechnology
Advisor Program
Biology and Biotechnology