Title :
Theoretical and Experimental Considerations for Bacteria Sterilization Using a Novel Multielectrode Dielectric-Barrier Discharge System
Author :
Forde, Edward ; Guiney, Ivor ; Arshak, Khalil ; Adley, Catherine ; Barry, Catherine ; Jordan, Kieran
Author_Institution :
Dept. of Electron. & Comput. Eng., Limerick Univ., Limerick
Abstract :
A novel multielectrode dielectric-barrier discharge plasma system operating at atmospheric pressure in air, which has improved microbial inactivation properties is described. The interaction of high-voltage components necessary to create the discharge is outlined, and the unique configuration of electrodes driven by power insulated gate bipolar transistors is put forward. Active species gain is in evidence in this system due to the effective feedforward mechanism employed and are validated by carrying out microbial inactivation studies on E. coli. Both active species gain and microbial inactivation hypotheses are verified by numerical modeling.
Keywords :
decontamination; discharges (electric); electrodes; microorganisms; plasma applications; E. coli inactivation; active species gain; atmospheric plasma; bacteria sterilization; feedforward mechanism; medical application; microbial inactivation; multielectrode dielectric-barrier discharge plasma system; power insulated gate bipolar transistor; textile application; Dielectrics; Electrodes; Microorganisms; Numerical models; Plasma accelerators; Plasma applications; Plasma density; Plasma properties; Surface discharges; Surface treatment; Dielectric-barrier discharge (DBD); indirect treatment; multielectrode; sterilization;
Journal_Title :
Plasma Science, IEEE Transactions on
DOI :
10.1109/TPS.2008.2002821
