Destruction of Bacillus Subtilis cells using an atmospheric-pressure capillary plasma electrode discharge

We report the results of experiments aimed at the investigation of the destruction of spore-forming bacteria, which are believed to be among the most resistant micro-organisms, using a novel atmospheric-pressure capillary plasma electrode discharge plasma. Various well-characterized cultures of Bacillus Subtilis were prepared, subjected to atmospheric-pressure plasma jets emanating from a plasma-shower reactor operated either in He or in air (N/sub 2//O/sub 2/ mixture) at various power levels and exposure times, and analyzed after plasma treatment. Reductions in colony-forming units ranged from 10/sup 4/ (He plasma) to 10/sup 8/ (air plasma) for plasma exposure times of less than 10 min.