The efficacy of helium generated cold atmospheric plasma for skin disinfection

The present study was performed to evaluate the disinfecting effects of helium-generated cold atmospheric plasma (He-CAP) against bacteria. The study further explored the biosafety of He-CAP. Antibacterial effects of He-CAP were evaluated on gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Optimization was done by testing the bactericidal effects of He-CAP against different combinations of working parameters including exposure time, gas flow rate and applied voltage. Cell membrane integrity was evaluated by amount of protein leakage and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Biosafety evaluation of He-CAP was done on mice. Optimization of working parameters showed highest bactericidal effects at gas flow rate of 5 litres per minute (LPM), 5 min exposure and applied voltage at 2.5 kV (p–p) at 10 mm distance maintained between the plasma jet and bacterial cultures. Protein leakage and SEM images confirmed membrane rupture. Skin irritation and sensitivity was not observed in mice. In conclusion, He-CAP has promising bactericidal effects.