Low-intensity electromagnetic irradiation of 70.6 and 73Â GHz frequencies enhances the effects of disulfide bonds reducer on Escherichia coli growth and affects the bacterial surface oxidation-reduction state

► Low intensity 70.6 and 73 GHz electromagnetic irradiation (EMI) strongly suppressed Escherichia coli growth at 73 GHz and pH 7.3. ► Reducer DL-dithiothreitol had bactericidal effect and disturbed the SH-groups number. ► EMI enhanced E. coli sensitivity toward dithiothreitol. ► EMI decreased the SH-groups number of membrane disturbed by ATP and N,N′-dicyclohexycarbodiimide. ► The changed membrane oxidation-reduction state could be the primary mechanisms in EMI effects.