Mask disinfection using atmospheric pressure cold plasma

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Microbiology
• Materials Science

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic led to mask shortages and increased skin issues due to prolonged use and bacterial overgrowth.
• Conventional disinfection methods may be insufficient or unsustainable for widespread mask reuse.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate atmospheric pressure cold plasma as a sustainable technology for mask disinfection.
• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of cold plasma treatment for mask reuse.

Main Methods:

• Testing various microorganisms (e.g., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus spp.) against cold plasma.
• Optimizing plasma parameters including gas type (nitrogen, argon, air), power (90-300 W), and treatment duration (45 seconds to 5 minutes).

Main Results:

• Nitrogen gas at 300 W for 1.5 minutes proved most effective for disinfection.
• Post-treatment analysis confirmed no adverse effects on mask morphology, breathing, or filtering performance after multiple cycles.

Conclusions:

• Atmospheric pressure cold plasma offers an inexpensive, eco-friendly, and sustainable solution for mask disinfection.
• This technology supports mask reusability, potentially alleviating mask shortages.