Inactivation of Escherichia coli Cells in Aqueous Solution by Atmospheric-Pressure N2, He, Air, and O2Microplasmas

Abstract

ABSTRACTAtmospheric-pressure N2, He, air, and O2microplasma arrays have been used to inactivateEscherichia colicells suspended in aqueous solution. Measurements show that the efficiency of inactivation ofE. colicells is strongly dependent on the feed gases used, the plasma treatment time, and the discharge power. Compared to atmospheric-pressure N2and He microplasma arrays, air and O2microplasma arrays may be utilized to more efficiently killE. colicells in aqueous solution. The efficiencies of inactivation ofE. colicells in water can be well described by using the chemical reaction rate model, where reactive oxygen species play a crucial role in the inactivation process. Analysis indicates that plasma-generated reactive species can react withE. colicells in water by direct or indirect interactions.