A systematic characterization of a novel surface dielectric barrier discharge for biomedical experiments

Abstract

A new surface dielectric barrier discharge (sDBD) based on ceramic materials for improved discharge stability and long-term application was used to investigate the generation of biologically active species in liquids and their effect on planktonic microorganisms. The source was characterized by measurements of dissipated energy, temperature, spectral emission of the discharge, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy of the derived working gas. Liquid analysis of plasma-treated samples included the quantitative determination of nitrite, nitrate, and hydrogen peroxide, as well as pH measurements. The biological performance of the discharge was estimated by recording inactivation kinetics for Escherichia coli. The obtained results were compared with those of a well-established epoxy sDBD system, which has the same geometrical electrode arrangement but consists of different dielectric materials. Both systems show different physical and chemical performance but very similar antimicrobial effects. This article considers the role of active components of plasma and plasma-induced liquid chemistry in biological effects, and also discusses the main differences between both discharges in detail.