title: Surface-dependent inactivation of model microorganisms with shielded sliding plasma discharges and applied air flow.
abstract: Cold atmospheric plasma inactivates bacteria through reactive species produced from the applied gas. The use of cold plasma clinically has gained recent interest, as the need for alternative or supplementary strategies are necessary for preventing multi-drug resistant infections. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of a novel shielded sliding discharge based cold plasma reactor operated by nanosecond voltage pulses in atmospheric air on both biotic and inanimate surfaces. Bacterial inactivation was determined by direct quantification of colony forming units. The plasma activated air (afterglow) was bactericidal against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis seeded on culture media, laminate, and linoleum vinyl. In general, E. coli was more susceptible to plasma exposure. A bacterial reduction was observed with the application of air alone on a laminate surface. Whole-cell real-time PCR revealed a decrease in the presence of E. coli genomic DNA on exposed samples. These findings suggest that plasma-induced bacterial inactivation is surface-dependent.
authors.affiliation: Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, 4211 Monarch Way, Suite 300, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA.
authors.forename: Chelsea M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Edelblute
authors.affiliation: Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, 4211 Monarch Way, Suite 300, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA.
authors.forename: Muhammad A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Malik
authors.affiliation: Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, 4211 Monarch Way, Suite 300, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA; School of Medical Diagnostic & Translational Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA. Electronic address: lheller@odu.edu.
authors.forename: Loree C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Heller
mesh_terms: D000388:Air; D001431:Bacteriological Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D004203:Disinfection / Q000379:methods*; D055664:Electrochemical Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation; D004867:Equipment Design; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D009585:Nitrogen Dioxide / Q000032:analysis; D010126:Ozone / Q000032:analysis; D058626:Plasma Gases; D060888:Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; D013212:Staphylococcus epidermidis / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D058626:Plasma Gases; D010126:Ozone; D009585:Nitrogen Dioxide
keywords: Bacterial inactivation; Nonthermal plasma; Plasma medicine; Shielded sliding discharge