Sterilizing Processes and Mechanisms for Treatment of Escherichia coli with Dielectric-Barrier Discharge Plasma

• DOI: 10.1128/aem.01907-19
• Publication Date: 2019-10-17T12:13:41Z
• Authors: Hao Wang; Liyang Zhang; Haiyun Luo; Xinxin Wang; Jinfeng Tie; Zhe Ren
• Keywords: Membranes; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; Plasma Gases; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; 0103 physical sciences; Escherichia coli; Sterilization; 01 natural sciences; 6. Clean water; 3. Good health

Compared with traditional methods, plasma sterilization has advantages of high efficiency, easy operation, and environmental protection. This may be more suitable for air and sewage sterilization in specific spaces, such as hospitals, laboratories, and pharmaceutical factories. However, the mechanisms of sterilization are still relatively unknown, especially for bactericidal activities. Knowledge of sterilization processes provides guidance for practical applications. For example, the bactericidal action mainly occurs during the reaction period, and the treatment time can be set based on the reaction period, which could save a lot of energy. The results of this study will help to improve the efficiency of plasma sterilization devices.