Atmospheric plasma jet for surface treatment of biomaterials

Abstract

A direct current (DC) powered low-temperature atmospheric pressure plasma (LTAPP) jet device was built and used to sterilize Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. The plasma jet’s general properties, such as length and temperature, were first tested and found to be strongly related to the plasma jet’s operational flow mode (laminar or turbulent flow). The optical emission spectra of various gas mixtures were measured to confirm the presence of active radicals, which is critical for sterilization success. Pure helium gas or a combination of helium with a small percentage of oxygen (6.25%) was found to have the highest intensities of bactericidal species such as atomic oxygen (O) and hydroxide (OH). These mixtures were then used to treat E. coli bacteria previously grown in a Petri dish. Sterilization was accomplished by repeatedly treating the bacteria for 10 s for 5–10 rounds for short periods. The best results were obtained when the bacteria had enough time to rest between rounds.