On the use of the resistive barrier discharge to kill bacteria: recent results

Abstract

Summary form only given, as follows. Large volume, atmospheric pressure, low-temperature plasmas have been shown to be effective biological and chemical decontamination devices. However, most of the discharges use RF power sources capable of generating high voltages at relatively high frequencies. Such sources are not only expensive, but they radiate power which can potentially affect sensitive electronics located in their surroundings. In order to solve these cost and technical drawbacks, Alexeff, Laroussi, and co-workers (1999) introduced the resistive barrier discharge (RBD) which uses either DC or quasi-DC (60 Hz) sources. With an input power less than 1 kW, and helium as a carrier gas, the RBD is capable of generating a few liters of low-temperature plasma, at atmospheric pressure. Recent work by Laroussi, Dobbs, and co-workers has demonstrated that the plasma generated by the RBD decreases viability (estimated by cultural techniques) of bacteria In this paper, in addition to reporting on the germicidal potential of the RBD, an attempt to identify some of its biochemical impact on bacterial cells will be made.