Fungicidal action of hydroxyl radicals generated by ultrasound in water.

It is well known that hydroxyl radicals are generated by ultrasound in water. This study with an electron spin resonance spin-trapping technique showed that hydroxyl radical generation was positively correlated with ultrasound duration and water temperature. The clear fungicidal action against Trichophyton spp. evident by studying cultured cells and the degradation of cytoplasmic and surface structures observed by transmission and scanning electron microscopy suggest that ultrasound in hot water is effective for sterilization of dermatophyte contamination and could be effective for the treatment of tinea infection.