Abstract
Sterilization device using an atmospheric pressure discharge has been expected as a next-generation sterilization method due to easy handling, low cost and safety. In the present study, we generated plasmas in air and water vapor. The sterilization of spores of Geobacillus stearothermophilus was completed in the air plasma for 40 min-discharge and the water vapor plasma for 180 min-discharge, respectrively. In the case of air plasma, NOx were considered as one of sterilization factors since NOx were observed by a spectrum analysis. This result implies that sterilization in the air plasma at atmospheric pressure has a good performance as a sterilization device.
