The Effects of -Propiolactone on Bacterial Spores

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Abstract
Washed spores were seeded into different substrates, treated with BPL, with or without activation of the spores by mild heat. Colony spore counts were made before and after treatment. BPL (0.3%) rapidly killed spores of Bacillus subtilis, B. cereus, B. stearothermophilus, Clostridium botulinum and P. A. 3679 in water, nutrient broth, and skim milk. The spores did not die at a uniform rate, although death rate was essentially linear for 99+ % destruction; rapid and complete destruction of spores occurred only at relatively high concentrations of BPL. At 37[degree] C, 0.5 to 1.5% BPL rapidly sterilized nutrient broth, heavily seeded with spores (106/ml). A near-to-normal temperature coefficient was indicated. Spores previously treated with BPL were more susceptible to heat at 100[degree] C than were spores not previously exposed to the drug. In aqueous substrates, at room temperature and above, BPL is rapidly converted into compounds (chiefly hydracrylic acid), which have no sporicidal activity. Limitations and possible utility of the drug are discussed.

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