Fabrication and Performance of a Multi-Discharge Cold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Array.

Area of Science:

• Plasma Physics and Chemistry
• Microbiology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAP) is recognized for its antimicrobial properties.
• Biofilms and bacterial contamination pose significant challenges in healthcare and food safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize a unique Cold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma (CAP) array device for antimicrobial applications.
• To evaluate the efficacy of the CAP device against bacterial biofilms and contaminated surfaces.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a CAP array device using Low Temperature Co-fired Ceramic (LTCC) layers with linear-discharge channels and silver electrodes.
• Generation of Argon/Oxygen plasma using AC voltage and investigation of discharge uniformity with ballast resistors.
• Assessment of antimicrobial effects on *Pseudomonas* biofilms and *Salmonella* on eggshells.

Main Results:

• The developed CAP array device achieved a ~5 cm² treatment area.
• Internal thick film ballast resistors were integrated for device uniformity, with typical element currents of 1-2.5 mA and total array current of 20 mA.
• Plasma discharge produced reactive hydrogen peroxide and resulted in >99% killing of bacterial cells within 60 seconds.

Conclusions:

• The novel CAP array device is effective for rapid and efficient bacterial inactivation.
• The device shows promise for applications in disinfection and sterilization, particularly against biofilms.
• The integration of LTCC technology and internal ballasts enables a compact and uniform plasma treatment solution.