Abstract: The reproduction, growth and multiplication of microorganisms and their destruction in a nutritive medium which is electrically conductive is effected by introducing into the medium ions of at least one oligodynamic transition metal by providing on a roughened surface within a container for that medium a multiplicity of galvanic couples each including an anode of the transition metal and a cathode constituted by at least one metal having a standard oxidation potential lower than that of the transition metal. The surface is designed to provide a multiplicity of triple contact points between the anodic metal, the cathodic metal and the medium.

Abstract: A method of altering (i.e., deactivating or activating) the biological activity of macromolecular species that employs laser beam radiation at a frequency that excites vibrational and rotational states of the irradiated species and at an intensity sufficient to activate the species (but below the denaturation level) or to a level such that the weak bonds-- e.g., hydrogen bonds--that determine the spatial character, and hence the biological activity of macromolecules are irreversibly broken to such extent that the macromolecule loses its original form (the process of denaturation) and assumes an inactive (denatured) configuration. The latter is a sterilization or inactivating process and for such sterilization the macromolecular species may be disposed on a highly reflecting surface, such as a metal, which reflects the beam and is capable of amplifying the destructive characteristic, or upon absorbing surfaces, such as plastics, cloth or paper which ordinarily would be destroyed by the beam.