A Novel Magnetic Field Device: Effects of Magnetic Fields on Planktonic Yeasts and Fungal Mats

Microorganisms evolved within the geomagnetic field and can be affected by magnetic field exposure. However, the mechanisms underlying many magnetic phenomena in microbes remain to be elucidated. We develop a 3D-printed magnetic field exposure device to perform experiments on microbes. This device is designed in AutoCAD, modeled in COMSOL, and validated using a Gaussmeter. Using the magnetic field exposure device, we perform static magnetic field experiments on different strains of the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We find that static magnetic field exposure slows the spatially-structured expansion of yeast mats that expands in two dimensions, but not yeast mats that expand in three dimensions, across the surface of semi-solid media. We also find that magnetic fields do not affect the growth of yeast cells in well-mixed liquid media. This study provides a novel device for magnetic field exposure experiments on microorganisms and advances our understanding of the effects of magnetic fields on fungi. Why it mattersMicroorganisms have evolved to function, survive, and reproduce in Earths magnetic field. However, the mechanisms underlying magnetic phenomena in microorganisms are unknown. This is especially true for fungi, which are important microorganisms for microbiological research, industrial application, and infectious disease. To elucidate mechanisms driving magnetic phenomena, we need devices to perform controlled experiments in a variety of conditions. We develop a 3D-printed magnetic field exposure device using computer-aided design, physics modeling software, and a magnetometer. Using this novel magnetic field device, we discover that magnetic fields can slow the growth of yeast on agar plates, but that magnetic fields do not affect the growth of yeast in liquid media.