Session IW1: Disinfection/Sterlization by Plasma

High sensitive virus and bacteria detection using plasma-surface-functionalized and antibody-integrated carbon nanomaterials

In this study we will present our recent results on the virus and bacteria detection system using the surface-functionalized carbon-encapsulated magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) fabricated by dc arc discharge, and carbon nanotube(CNT) dot-array prepared with a combined thermal and plasma CVD system. Surface functionalization of their surfaces has been carried out by plasma chemical modification using a low-pressure RF plasma for carbon-encapsulated magnetic NPs, and an ultrafine atmospheric pressure plasma jet(APPJ) for CNT dot-array substrate. After immobilization of the relevant biomolecules onto the surface of nano-structured materials, we have carried out the experiments on virus or bacteria detection using these surface-functionalized nano-structured materials. From the preliminary experiments with carbon-encapsulated magnetic NPs, we confirmed that influenza A (H1N1) virus concentration of 17.3-fold was achieved by using anti-influenza A virus hemagglutinin (HA) antibody. We have also confirmed a rapid and sensitive detection of \textit{Salmonella} using the proposed method. The feasibility of CNT dot-array as a microarray biosensor has been studied by maskless functionalization of amino (-NH$_{\mathrm{2}})$ and carboxyl (-COOH) groups onto CNTs by using a ultrafine APPJ with a micro-capillary. The experimental results of chemical derivatization with the fluorescent dye showed that the CNT dot-array was not only functionalized with amino group and carboxyl group, but was also functionalized without any interference between functional groups. The success of maskless functionalization in the line pattern provides a feasibility of a multi-functionalization CNT dot-array device for future application of a microarray biosensor.   

Innovative Plasma Disinfection Technique with the Reduced-pH Method and the Plasma-Treated Water (PTW) -Safety and Powerful Disinfection with Cryopreserved PTW-

Among the applications of the plasma disinfection to human body, plasma sterilization in liquid is crucial. We found that the plasma-treated water (PTW) has strong bactericidal activity under low pH condition and the half-lives of its activity depend on temperature. Lower temperature brings longer half-life and the bactericidal activity of PTW can be kept by cryopreservation. These physicochemical properties were in accordance with Arrhenius equation both in liquid and solid states. From the experimental results of ESR (Electron Spin Resonance) measurement of O$_{2}^{-}$\textbullet\ in liquid against PTW with spin trapping method, half-lives of PTW were also in accordance with Arrhenius equation. It suggests that high concentration PTW as integrated value can be achieved by cooling of plasma apparatus. Pure PTW has disinfection power of 22 log reduction (B. subtilis). This corresponds to 65{\%} H2O2, 14{\%} hypochlorous acid and 0.33{\%} peracetic acid, which are deadly poison for human. On the other hand, PTW is deactivated soon at body temperature. This indicates that toxicity to human body seems to be low. PTW, which is a sort of indirect plasma exposure, with pH and temperature controls could be applied for safety and powerful disinfection.   

Disinfection of Streptococcus mutans Biofilm by a Non-Thermal Atmospheric Plasma Brush

This study investigated the argon plasma treatment effect on disinfecting dental biofilm by using an atmospheric pressure plasma brush. S. mutans biofilms were developed for 3 days on the surfaces of hydroxyapatite discs, which were used to simulate human tooth enamel. After plasma treatment, cell viability in the S. mutans biofilms was characterized by using MTT assay and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Compared with the untreated control group, about 90{\%} and 95{\%} bacterial reduction in the biofilms was observed after 1 and 5 min plasma treatment, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy examination indicated severe cell damages occurred on the top surface of the plasma treated biofilms. CLSM showed that plasma treatment was effective as deep as 20 $\mu $m into the biofilms. When combined with 0.2{\%} chlorhexidine digluconate solution, the plasma treatment became more effective and over 96{\%} bacterial reduction was observed with 1 min plasma treatment. These results indicate that plasma treatment is effective and promising in dental biofilm disinfection.   

Uniform dose atmospheric pressure microplasma exposure of individual bacterial cells

Plasma -- bacteria interactions have been studied for some time with a view to using plasma exposure for wound healing, sterilization and decontamination. While high efficacy has been demonstrated, important fundamental mechanisms are not understood and may be critical for ultimate acceptance. The dose variation across the exposed population and the impact of non-lethal exposure on subsequent bacterial growth are important issues. We demonstrate that individual bacterial cells can remain viable after exposure to a uniform plasma dose. Each bacteria cell (E coli) is delivered to the atmospheric pressure plasma in an aerosolised droplet (d $\sim$ 10~micron). The estimated plasma density is 1E13 -- 1E14 cm$^{-3}$, gas temperature \textless 400K, and exposure times vary between 0.04 and 0.1ms [1]. Droplet evaporation in flight is $\sim$ 2~micron and plasma -- cell interactions are mediated by the surrounding liquid (Ringers solution) where plasma-induced droplet surface chemistry and charging is known to occur. We report the cell viability and recovery dynamics of individual exposed cells as well as impact on DNA and membrane components with reference to measured plasma parameters.\\[4pt] [1] P. Maguire et al: Appl. Phys. Lett. 106 (2015) 224101   

Soluble Proteins Form Film by the Treatment of Low Temperature Plasma

It has been pointed out that low temperature plasma in atmosphere was feasible to use for hemostasis without heat injury. Indeed, earlier studies demonstrated that low temperature plasma played an important role to stimulate platelets to aggregate and turned on the proteolytic activities of coagulation factors, resulting in the acceleration of the natural blood coagulation process. On the other hands, our developed equips could immediately form clots upon the contact with plasma flair, while the histological appearance was different from natural coagulation. Based on these findings in formed clots, we sought to determine if plasma flair supplied by our devices was capable of forming film using a series of soluble proteins Following plasma treatment, films were formed from bovine serum albumin, and the other plasma proteins at physiological concentration. Analysis of trans-electron microscope demonstrated that plasma treatment generated small protein particles and made them fuse to be larger aggregations The combined results demonstrated that plasma are capable of aggregating soluble proteins and that platelets and coagulation factors are not necessary for plasma induced blood coagulation.