https://doi.org/10.1051/epjap:2004034
Sterilization of dental bacteria in a N2-O2 microwaves post-discharge, at low pressure: influence of temperature
1
CPAT, University Paul Sabatier, 118 route
de Narbonne, 31062 Toulouse, France
2
GREMI, University Paul Sabatier, 118 route
de Narbonne, 31062 Toulouse, France
Corresponding author: svilleger@voila.fr
Received:
30
October
2003
Revised:
28
December
2003
Accepted:
12
March
2004
Published online:
11
May
2004
Recently, plasmas have been largely studied to develop a new cold and safe sterilization process. The plasma efficiency on bacteria destruction has been proved at low or near atmospheric pressure. In our investigation we used a N2-O2 post discharge at low pressure, where the experimental conditions allowing the optimal production of active species have been determined: 100 Watt, 1 Ln.min−1, 5 Torr. By exposing E. coli to these plasma conditions, it is demonstrated a synergy of N and O active atoms on substrate temperature: a reduction of 6 log was achieved after a treatment time of 20 minutes at 80 °C and of 12 log after 5 minutes at 120 °C.
PACS: 52.80.-s – Electric discharges / 52.70.-m – Plasma diagnostic techniques and instrumentation / 81.65.-b – Surface treatments
© EDP Sciences, 2004
