Decontamination of surface borne bacteria by ionized antimicrobial vapours

Abstract

A cold plasma discharge, such as a corona discharge generates biologically reactive ionized species that are lethal to a range of microorganisms. A number of workers have reported log number reductions in bacteria seeded onto solid surfaces, fabrics and agar media when in close proximity to the ions source (1-4). The aim of this research was to investigate and compare the antimicrobial efficacy of two sources of ionisation – a corona discharge and a flame. The use of antimicrobial volatile compounds to increase the antibacterial efficacy for these ionisation sources was also investigated. Paraffin wax candles and an ion wind generator delivering an air flow of 0.6 m/second were used as ion sources and dispersal methods for the volatile β-pinene. Experiments were conducted in enclosed test booths. The results demonstrated that the combination of an ionising source, such as a corona discharge or a candle flame, with a bactericidal volatile have a greater effect on surface-borne bacteria than either treatment alone. These effects could arise through the direct vapour adsorption onto microorganisms being promoted through the impingement and action of ions.

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