[Bacterial DNA alteration by plasma generated atomic nitrogen. Real-time PCR detection contribution]

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Microbiology
• Plasma Physics

Background:

• Plasma sterilization is a low-temperature, dry process gaining interest for medical equipment.
• Its effectiveness on bacterial DNA is crucial for validating its use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of nitrogen plasma atomic flux on bacterial DNA.
• To determine if nitrogen plasma damages bacterial genetic material.

Main Methods:

• Bacterial DNA from Bacillus stearothermophilus, Staphylococcus aureus MRSA, and Helicobacter pylori was extracted.
• DNA samples underwent a vacuum cycle and then nitrogen plasma treatment at 60°C.
• Real-Time PCR was used to analyze DNA integrity after treatment.

Main Results:

• Vacuum and heat treatments alone did not affect bacterial DNA.
• Nitrogen plasma treatment resulted in significant deterioration of amplified DNA sequences.

Conclusions:

• Extracted genomic bacterial DNA is damaged by nitrogen plasma gaseous flux.
• This finding supports the development of nitrogen plasma as a novel sterilization method for medical materials.