Sterilization effect of atmospheric plasma on Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis endospores |
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Authors: | YF Hong JG Kang HY Lee HS Uhm E Moon YH Park |
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Institution: | Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Youngtong-Gu, Suwon, Korea; Department of Biology, Ajou University, Youngtong-Gu, Suwon, Korea |
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Abstract: | Aims: Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis spores were treated with an atmospheric plasma mixture created by the ionization of helium and oxygen to investigate the inactivation efficiency of a low-temperature plasma below 70°C. Methods and results: An electrical discharge plasma was produced at a radio frequency (RF) of 13·56 MHz, connected to a perforated circular electrode with a discharge spacing of 1–15 mm. The discharge gas was helium with 0–2% oxygen. For the plasma treatment, a dried E. coli cell or B. subtilis endospore suspension on a cover-glass was exposed to oxygen downstream of the plasma from holes in an RF-powered electrode. The sterilization effect of the RF plasma was highest with 0·2% oxygen, corresponding to the maximum production of oxygen radicals. Conclusions: Oxygen radicals generated by RF plasma are effective for the destruction of bacterial cells and endospores. Significance and Impact of the study: Low-temperature atmospheric plasma can be used for the disinfection of diverse objects, especially for the inactivation of bacterial endospores. |
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Keywords: | Bacillus subtilis spores Escherichia coli low-temperature atmospheric plasma oxygen radicals plasma sterilization |
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