Synergistic effects of atmospheric pressure plasma-emitted components on DNA oligomers: A Raman spectroscopic study

Abstract

Cold atmospheric-pressure plasmas have become of increasing importance in sterilization processes especially with the growing prevalence of multi-resistant bacteria. Albeit the potential for technological application is obvious, much less is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying bacterial inactivation. X-jet technology separates plasma-generated reactive particles and photons, thus allowing the investigation of their individual and joint effects on DNA. Raman spectroscopy shows that particles and photons cause different modifications in DNA single and double strands. The treatment with the combination of particles and photons does not only result in cumulative, but in synergistic effects. Profilometry confirms that etching is a minor contributor to the observed DNA damage in vitro. Schematics of DNA oligomer treatment with cold atmospheric-pressure plasma. Plasma is a partially ionized gas containing free electrons, ions, and neutral particles. Recent developments in cold atmospheric-pressure plasmas have led to increased interest in their disinfecting properties. Despite an ongoing clinical evaluation, little is known about the mechanisms that lead to molecular modifications. The study aims to gain insight into inactivation mechanisms of plasmas. The focus is on the impact of plasma components of an indirect plasma on DNA oligomers in vitro. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH