Ar/O2 Argon-Based Round Atmospheric-Pressure Plasma Jet on Sterilizing Bacteria and Endospores

Abstract

In this paper, we want to develop and characterize a round argon-based nonthermal atmospheric-pressure plasma jet (APPJ) with an application of sterilization. We measured the basic properties of APPJ by an alcohol thermometer, an optical emission spectrometer (OES), a high-voltage probe and a Rogowski coil. The plasma jet temperature at the tube exit is lower than 37 °C, which will not induce damage to living tissue. The plasma absorbed power is about 2.7 W. The OES data indicate that this APPJ has a relatively high intensity of hydroxyl radicals (OH) in postdischarge region. Furthermore, we applied this device to inactivate the bacteria ( E. coli and B. subtilis ) and endospore (B. subtilis endospore). In addition, the trace amount of oxygen addition (0.04%) into working gas can not only enhance the OH radicals but also speed up the killing of bacteria and endospore. The results of D value and scanning electron microscope images show its great potential for the use of general sterilization in the future.