Biological and Agricultural Studies on Application of Discharge Plasma and Electromagnetic Fields 2.Sterilization by Electrical Discharges and Plasmas

Abstract

The use of electrical discharges and plasmas for sterilization is reviewed. Plasmas generated by a silent discharge, a pulse discharge, and a radio frequency discharge under atmospheric pressure have been used for sterilization. Furthermore, a microwave plasma, a radio frequency plasma, and a low temperature plasma with hydrogen peroxide under low pressure conditions have been also used for sterilization. Sterilization results from injury caused by the discharge current, and from the reaction of species affected by the discharge. A silent discharge with air or oxygen is most effective for the sterilization. Nitrogen discharge also has a significant effect, however, argon discharge does not have a significant effect.