Multi-hollow surface dielectric barrier discharge characterization prior to application for inactivation of microorganisms

Abstract This study is focused on the characterization of multi-hollow surface dielectric barrier discharge (MSDBD) plasma operating at atmospheric pressure for the application in the inactivation of microorganisms. The generated plasma was analysed using optical emission spectroscopy and the reactive species were identify by FT-IR spectroscopy. Special focus was placed on the effect of plasma on aqueous environments, including changes in physicochemical properties such as pH, conductivity, and oxidation–reduction potential. The production of nitrites, nitrates and hydrogen peroxide and their role in microbial inactivation were investigated. Experiments with yeast strains S. pombe and C. parapsilosis demonstrated differential sensitivity to plasma treatment.