Publications

Selected publication  

Machala Z., Tarabová B., Hensel K., Špetlíková E., Šikurová L., Lukeš P.: Formation of ROS and RNS in water sprayed through transient spark discharge in air and their bactericidal effects, Plasma Process. Polym. 10 (7), 649-659 (2013).
citations: 200  

Abstract

Bio-decontamination of water and surfaces contaminated by bacteria (Salmonella typhimurium, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli) was investigated in two types of positive DC discharges in atmospheric
pressure air, in needle-to-plane geometry: the streamer corona and the transient spark with short high current pulses of limited energy. Both generate cold non-equilibrium plasma. Electro-spraying of the treated water through the needle electrode resulted in fast bio-decontamination. Experiments providing separation of various biocidal plasma agents, the emission spectra, oxidation stress measurements in the cell membranes, and chemical changes induced in the treated water helped better understanding of the plasma agents responsible for microbial inactivation. Radicals and reactive oxygen species seem to be
dominant biocidal agents, although understanding plasma-induced water chemistry requires further research.