Abstract
The disinfection of the inner surface of a medical device has long been a challenge for the central sterile supply departments. Dental unit waterline system (DUWLs) foster the attachment of microorganisms and development of biofilm, which lead to continuous contamination of the outlet water from dental units; this contamination may be responsible for a potential risk of infection due to the exposure of patients and medical staff. The present study investigated the disinfection effects of cold atmospheric plasma-activated water (CAPAW) on DUWLs using a model of 5-day-old Enterococcus faecalis biofilm. The results showed that the colony-forming unit was reduced from 107 to 0 after 5 min of treatment. The physicochemical properties of CAPAW were evaluated, including the pH value, oxidation reduction potential, and NO radical. The results showed that the inactivation mechanisms were mainly triggered by the reactive oxygen/nitrogen species. Additionally, CAPAW had a metal corrosion rate same as that of deionized water. We conclude that CAPAW can be applied as an appropriate alternative disinfectant against biofilm contamination of DUWLs.
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