Bacterial decontamination using ambient pressure nonthermal discharges

Journal Article · Mon Jan 31 23:00:00 EST 2000 · IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1109/27.842862· OSTI ID:20067747

Birmingham, J G; Hammerstrom, D J

Atmospheric pressure nonthermal plasmas can efficiently deactivate bacteria in gases, liquids, and on surfaces, as well as can decompose hazardous chemicals. This paper focuses on the changes to bacterial spores and toxic biochemical compounds, such as mycotoxins, after their treatment in ambient pressure discharges. The ability of nonthermal plasmas to decompose toxic chemicals and deactivate hazardous biological materials has been applied to sterilizing medical instruments, ozonating water, and purifying air. In addition, the fast lysis of bacterial spores and other cells has led us to include plasma devices within pathogen detection instruments, where nucleic acids must be accessed. Decontaminating chemical and biological warfare materials from large, high value targets such as building surfaces, after a terrorist attack, are especially challenging. A large area plasma decontamination technology is described.

• Research Organization: MesoSystems Technology, Inc., Richland, WA (US)
• OSTI ID: 20067747
• Journal Information: IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), Journal Name: IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 28; ISSN ITPSBD; ISSN 0093-3813
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
BACTERIA
BIOLOGICAL WARFARE AGENTS
CHEMICAL WARFARE AGENTS
DECOMPOSITION
ELECTRIC DISCHARGES
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
PLASMA
STERILIZATION
TOXIC MATERIALS