Non-equilibrium plasma sterilization of superficial tissue wounds and burns

Summary form only given. Bacterial infection of wounds and burns is a major management concern for healthcare professionals. Infections in wounds can complicate illness, increase healing time, increase discomfort, can cause anxiety, and can lead to complications and death. Non-equilibrium plasma was shown to be effective at sterilizing surfaces and Floating-Electrode Dielectric Barrier Discharge (FE-DBD) has been used on living tissues without causing any damage. Our experiments show that treatment of surface wounds with FE-DBD can reduce the concentration of pathogenic bacteria present in the wound.