Limiting pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation using cold atmospheric pressure plasma

Abstract

We investigate the ability to disrupt and limit growth biofilms ol Pseudomonas aeruginosa using application of cold atmospheric pressure (CAP) plasma. The effect of the bio-film's exposure to a helium (CAP)jet was assessed at varying time points during biofilm matura­tion. Results showed that the amount of time during biofilm growth that CAP pressure was applied has a crucial role on the ability of biofilms to mature and recover after CAP exposure. Intervention during the early stages of biofilm formation (0-8 h) results in a 4-5-log reduction in viable bacte­rial cells (measured at 24 h of incubation) relative to untreated biofilms. However, CAP treatment of biofilm at 12 h and above only results in a 2-log reduction in viable cells. This has potentially important implications for future clinical application of CAP to treat infected wounds.