Sterilization of bacillus subtilis spores using an atmospheric plasma jet

As an alternative to conventiona¹ sterilization techniques, atmospheric pressure plasma jets (APPJs), have received significant attention because of their low operating temperatures and cost-effective operation¹. According to previous studies the addition of oxygen gas (O₂) can cause helium/argon plasma to produce more active oxygen species. These active species play important roles in spore decontamination². Although some investigations have been performed on sterilization mechanisms involving atmospheric pressure plasma jet, the respective contributions of each of the various agents generated by the plasma are still not clear.