Publications

Selected publication  

Lavrikova A., Dadi N. C. T., Bujdáková H., Hensel K.: Inactivation pathways of E. coli and S. aureus induced by transient spark discharge in liquids, Plasma Process. Polym. 21 (1), e2300147, 14 pp (2024), https://doi.org/10.1002/ppap.202300147 (2024).
citations: 0

Abstract

Cold plasma finds considerable interest in bio-decontamination. A major issue is to elucidate the pathways of plasma–bacteria interaction. The present work aims at studying inactivation mechanisms for planktonic bacteria Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus induced by cold plasma generated by a transient spark discharge. Changes in bacterial viability, metabolic activity, membrane integrity, intracellular reactive oxygen species level, and cell morphology reveal different patterns of cellular damage of the bacteria. Our results emphasize the importance of cell membrane integrity and maintenance of intracellular redox balance to resist plasma treatment. The physicochemical properties of the plasma-treated liquid are monitored. Acidification and accumulation of various reactive species including •OH, H2O2, ONOOH, and NO3− in plasma-treated liquid play crucial roles in bacterial inactivation.