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Inactivation of bacterial opportunistic skin pathogens by nonthermal DC-operated afterglow atmospheric plasma

L C Heller1, C M Edelblute, A M Mattson

  • 1Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23505, USA. lheller@odu.edu

Letters in Applied Microbiology
|November 30, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Atmospheric plasma effectively inactivates multidrug-resistant bacteria like Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. This nonthermal plasma offers a promising new method for disinfecting skin and medical surfaces.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Plasma Physics
  • Biomedical Engineering

Background:

  • Multidrug-resistant opportunistic pathogens pose significant clinical challenges.
  • Novel antimicrobial strategies are crucial for infection control.
  • Atmospheric plasma is an emerging technology with potential antimicrobial applications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of atmospheric plasma for inactivating key multidrug-resistant bacteria.
  • To compare bacterial inactivation on agar plates versus in vitro porcine skin models.
  • To investigate the potential of plasma as a disinfectant for clinical settings.

Main Methods:

  • Bacterial cells (Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus) were exposed to atmospheric plasma.
  • A nonthermal plasma jet generated with DC voltage from ambient air was utilized.
  • Inactivation was quantified by measuring log(10) reductions in colony-forming units (CFUs).

Main Results:

  • Direct plasma exposure achieved significant bacterial inactivation, approximately 6 log(10) reduction on agar plates.
  • Inactivation on porcine skin was lower, ranging from 2-3 log(10) reduction, likely due to surface protective effects.
  • An indirect 'bystander' inactivation effect was observed on agar plates outside the direct plasma delivery area.

Conclusions:

  • Atmospheric plasma demonstrates potent antimicrobial activity against clinically relevant bacteria.
  • The efficacy of plasma inactivation is influenced by the surface type, with reduced effect on complex biological surfaces like skin.
  • Atmospheric plasma holds significant potential as a disinfectant for patient skin and medical surfaces.

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