Publications

Selected publication  

Galmiz O., Kimani B. G., Peťková M., Roufou S., Valdramidis V., Machala Z.: Bacterial and Biofilm Inactivation in Tubular Systems Using Surface Dielectric Barrier Discharge with Liquid Electrodes, Plasma 9(3), 37 (2026).
citations: 0

Abstract

Biofilm formation on material surfaces represents a major challenge in many technological and biomedical applications, particularly in confined geometries such as tubes and channels. In this study, the antibacterial performance of a surface dielectric barrier discharge system with liquid electrodes was investigated to develop a plasma-assisted approach for inactivating bacterial biofilms on internal surfaces. The discharge operated along the inner surface of the dielectric tubes as it was gradually filled with water. This configuration created a dynamic plasma–liquid environment in which plasma filaments propagated along the treated surface, while reactive species were produced simultaneously in both the gas and liquid phases. The formation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in plasma-treated water was characterized, and its antimicrobial activity was evaluated against planktonic Escherichia coli CCM 3954. The effectiveness of both plasma-activated water and direct plasma exposure in inactivating E. coli biofilms grown on the inner surfaces of polymer tubes was also investigated. The results demonstrate that the investigated surface dielectric barrier discharge configuration enables simultaneous direct plasma treatment and in situ generation of plasma-activated water. This approach shows promise for plasma-assisted decontamination of tubular materials and confined systems, where conventional disinfection methods may be limited.