Inactivation of Consortiums of Microorganisms by Air Plasma Jet at Atmospheric Pressure

摘要

We realize an atmospheric pressure glow discharge air plasma jet at direct current and detect the bactericidal components in plasma jet using optical emission and infrared-absorption spectroscopy. We investigate degree of inactivation of planktonic microorganisms and their consortium after treatment with air plasma jet. We then test the efficiency of plasma inactivation on the natural consortium and find a decreased ability of the surviving microorganisms to form biofilms. Among the variety of low-temperature plasma, sources that may be promising for bio-medical application are being developed. A basic requirement for nondestructive medical applications is a cold plasma source at atmospheric pressure, wherein the gas temperature does not exceed 45°C. Special attention has focused on the development and application of plasma jets to treat objects of complex shapes and sizes outside a closed discharge volume. However, despite extensive research, the mechanisms of plasma jet action on microorganisms remain poorly understood.