Sterilization of Bacteria with Low-Pressure Low-Temperature Plasma Discharge

Abstract

The study investigates the effectiveness of using low-pressure oxygen plasma, generated by microwave discharge, to sterilize bacterial spores of Bacillus Stearothermophilus and Bacillus Subtilis. Plasma, a highly ionized state of matter consisting of positive ions and free electrons, is created by applying high temperatures or accelerating electrons through an electric field. This method provides an innovative alternative to traditional sterilization techniques, particularly beneficial for heatsensitive materials. In the experiments, microwave at 2.45 GHz with 1000 W and 500 W intensities (990 W and 495 W) were applied in a vacuum chamber at a pressure of $10^{-3}$ Torr. Spores were exposed to the plasma using two types of holders: Petri dishes and centrifuge tubes, for 1, 5, and 10 minutes. The findings revealed that direct exposure to oxygen plasma at a 1000 W microwave power effectively inactivated spores in Petri dishes, especially for B. Subtilis. Conversely, centrifuge tubes did not allow sufficient plasma exposure, leading to the survival of bacteria posttreatment. The inactivation process involves UV induced DNA damage and the erosion of spores' protective layers by oxygen radicals. The study concludes that low-pressure oxygen plasma is a promising technology for sterilizing heat-sensitive materials. Optimal conditions identified include a 1000 W microwave power and exposure times of at least 5 minutes for B. Stearothermophilus and 1 minute for B. Subtilis. Petri dishes proved more effective than centrifuge tubes due to the closer and more direct plasma contact. This method offers a safe and efficient alternative to traditional sterilization techniques, with significant potential for applications in the sterilization of medical devices and other delicate materials.