Sterilization effects of atmospheric cold plasma brush

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Q. S.; Huang, C.; Hsieh, F.-H.; Huff, H.; Duan, Yixiang

2006-01-01

This study investigated the sterilization effects of a brush-shaped plasma created at one atmospheric pressure. A population of 1.0×104-1.0×105 Escherichia coli or Micrococcus luteus bacteria was seeded in filter paper media and then subjected to Ar and/or Ar +O2 plasmas. A complete kill of the Micrococcus luteus required about 3 min argon plasma exposures. With oxygen addition into the argon plasma gas streams, a complete kill of the bacteria needed only less than 1 min plasma exposure for Micrococcus luteus and about 2 min exposure for Escherichia coli. The plasma treatment effects on the different bacteria cell structures were examined using scanning electron microscopy.

Plasma Sterilization: New Epoch in Medical Textiles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Senthilkumar, P.; Arun, N.; Vigneswaran, C.

2015-04-01

Clothing is perceived to be second skin to the human body since it is in close contact with the human skin most of the times. In hospitals, use of textile materials in different forms and sterilization of these materials is an essential requirement for preventing spread of germs. The need for appropriate disinfection and sterilization techniques is of paramount importance. There has been a continuous demand for novel sterilization techniques appropriate for use on various textile materials as the existing sterilization techniques suffer from various technical and economical drawbacks. Plasma sterilization is the alternative method, which is friendlier and more effective on the wide spectrum of prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms. Basically, the main inactivation factors for cells exposed to plasma are heat, UV radiation and various reactive species. Plasma exposure can kill micro-organisms on a surface in addition to removing adsorbed monolayer of surface contaminants. Advantages of plasma surface treatment are removal of contaminants from the surface, change in the surface energy and sterilization of the surface. Plasma sterilization aims to kill and/or remove all micro-organisms which may cause infection of humans or animals, or which can cause spoilage of foods or other goods. This review paper emphasizes necessity for sterilization, essentials of sterilization, mechanism of plasma sterilization and the parameters influencing it.

Sterilization of bacterial endospores by an atmospheric-pressure argon plasma jet

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Uhm, Han S.; Lim, Jin P.; Li, Shou Z.

2007-06-25

Argon plasma jets penetrate deep into ambient air and create a path for oxygen radicals to sterilize microbes. A sterilization experiment with bacterial endospores indicates that an argon-oxygen plasma jet very effectively kills endospores of Bacillus atrophaeus (ATCC 9372), thereby demonstrating its capability to clean surfaces and its usefulness for reinstating contaminated equipment as free from toxic biological warfare agents. However, the spore-killing efficiency of the atmospheric-pressure argon-oxygen jet depends very sensitively on the oxygen concentration in the argon gas.

Sterilization effects of atmospheric cold plasma brush

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yu, Q.S.; Huang, C.; Hsieh, F.-H.

2006-01-02

This study investigated the sterilization effects of a brush-shaped plasma created at one atmospheric pressure. A population of 1.0x10{sup 4}-1.0x10{sup 5} Escherichia coli or Micrococcus luteus bacteria was seeded in filter paper media and then subjected to Ar and/or Ar+O{sub 2} plasmas. A complete kill of the Micrococcus luteus required about 3 min argon plasma exposures. With oxygen addition into the argon plasma gas streams, a complete kill of the bacteria needed only less than 1 min plasma exposure for Micrococcus luteus and about 2 min exposure for Escherichia coli. The plasma treatment effects on the different bacteria cell structuresmore » were examined using scanning electron microscopy.« less

Characteristics of Surface Sterilization using ECR Plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yonesu, Akira; Hara, Kazufumi; Nishikawa, Tatsuya; Hayashi, Nobuya

2015-09-01

Plasma sterilization techniques have superior characteristics such as a short treatment times, non-toxicity and low thermal damages on the sterilized materials. In plasma sterilization, microorganisms can be sterilized by active radicals, energetic charged particles, and vacuum UV radiation. The influence of each factor depends on the plasma operating parameters. Microwave discharges under the electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) condition produce higher electron temperature and density plasma as compared with other plasma generation techniques. In the present study, characteristics of surface sterilization using ECR plasma have been investigated.The experiment was performed in the vacuum chamber which contains a magnet holder. A pair of rectangular Sm-Co permanent magnets is aligned parallel to each other within the magnet holder. The region of the magnetic field for ECR exists near the magnet holder surface. When the microwave is introduced into the vacuum chamber, a ECR plasma is produced around surface of the magnet holder. High energy electrons and oxygen radicals were observed at ECR zone by electric probe method and optical spectroscopic method. Biological indicators (B.I.) having spore of 106 was sterilized in 2min for oxygen discharge. The temperature of the B.I. installation position was about 55°. The sterilization was achieved by the effect of oxygen radicals and high energy electrons.

Observation of Effectiveness of Clinical Sterilization by CASP-80A Low-Temperature Plasma Sterilizer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Si; Zhang, Yangde; Liu, Weidong

2006-09-01

The influence on the effectiveness of sterilization by low-temperature plasma sterilizer CASP-80A was investigated so as to provide a theoretical basis for reducing medical costs and achieving ideal sterilization effectiveness. To conduct the on-site simulation test, a clinical material sterilization test and a test of the influence of organic substance were conducted, the former by using the representative of Bacillus Stearothermophilus, preparing the bacteria-contaminated carrier through polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) simulated hose endoscopes, and the latter by using calf serum as the influence factor of the organic substance. The results show that the CASP-80A low-temperature plasma sterilizer could achieve effective sterilization by either the short-cycle or the long-cycle sterilization method depending on different materials, apparatus, and extent of contamination. The organic substances could influence the effectiveness of sterilization by the low-temperature plasma (H2O2) sterilizer.

Study on the role of active radicals on plasma sterilization inside small diameter flexible polymeric tubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mstsuura, Hiroto; Fujiyama, Takatomo; Okuno, Yasuki; Furuta, Masakazu; Okuda, Shuichi; Takemura, Yuichiro

2015-09-01

Recently, atmospheric pressure discharge plasma has gathered attention in various fields. Among them, plasma sterilization with many types of plasma source has studied for decades and its mechanism is still an open question. If active radicals produced in plasma has main contribution of killing bacterias, direct contact of the so-called plasma flame might not be necessary. To confirm this, sterilization inside small diameter flexible polymeric tubes is studied in present work. DBD type plasma jet is produce by flowing helium gas in a glass tube. A long polymeric tube is connected and plasma jet is introduced into it. Plasma flame length depends on helium gas flow rate, but limited to about 10 cm in our experimental condition. E.colis set at the exit plasma source is easily killed during 10 min irradiation. At the tube end (about 20 cm away from plasma source exit), sterilization is possible with 30 min operation. This result shows that active radical is produced with helium plasma and mist contained in sample, and it can be transferred more than 20 cm during it life time. More plasma diagnostic data will also be shown at the conference. This work was partially supported by the ''ZE Research Program, IAE(ZE27B-4).

21 CFR 880.6860 - Ethylene oxide gas sterilizer.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Ethylene oxide gas sterilizer. 880.6860 Section... Miscellaneous Devices § 880.6860 Ethylene oxide gas sterilizer. (a) Identification. An ethylene gas sterilizer is a nonportable device intended for use by a health care provider that uses ethylene oxide (ETO) to...

Sterilization Efficiency of Spore forming Bacteria in Powdery Food by Atmospheric Pressure Plasmas Sterilizer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nagata, Masayoshi; Tanaka, Masashi; Kikuchi, Yusuke

2015-09-01

To provide food sterilization method capable of killing highly heat resistant spore forming bacteria, we have studied effects of plasma treatment method at atmospheric pressure in order to develop a new high speed plasma sterilization apparatus with a low cost and a high efficiency. It is also difficult even for the plasma treatment to sterilize powdery food including spices such as soybean, basil and turmeric. This paper describes that an introduction of mechanical rotation of a treatment space increases the efficiency so that perfect inactivation of spore forming bacteria in these materials by a short treatment time has been demonstrated in our experiments. We also will discuss the sterilization mechanism by dielectric barrier discharge.

Evaluation of Penicillium digitatum sterilization using non-equilibrium atmospheric pressure plasma by terahertz time-domain spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hiraoka, Takehiro; Ebizuka, Noboru; Takeda, Keigo; Ohta, Takayuki; Kondo, Hiroki; Ishikawa, Kenji; Kawase, Kodo; Ito, Masafumi; Sekine, Makoto; Hori, Masaru

2011-10-01

Recently, the plasma sterilization has attracted much attention as a new sterilization technique that takes the place of spraying agricultural chemicals. The conventional methods for sterilization evaluation, was demanded to culture the samples for several days after plasma treatment. Then, we focused on Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS). At the THz region, vibrational modes of biological molecules and fingerprint spectra of biologically-relevant molecules were also observed. In this study, our purpose was measurement of the fingerprint spectrum of the Penicillium digitatum (PD) spore and establishment of sterilization method by THz-TDS. The sample was 40mg/ml PD spore suspensions which dropped on cover glass. The atmospheric pressure plasma generated under the conditions which Ar gas flow was 3slm, and alternating voltage of 6kV was applied. The samples were exposed the plasma from 10mm distance for 10 minutes. We could obtain the fingerprint spectrum of the PD spore from 0.5 to 0.9THz. This result indicated the possibility of in-situ evaluation for PD sterilization using THz-TDS.

Simultaneous Sterilization With Surface Modification Of Plastic Bottle By Plasma-Based Ion Implantation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sakudo, N.; Ikenaga, N.; Ikeda, F.

2011-01-07

Dry sterilization of polymeric material is developed. The technique utilizes the plasma-based ion implantation which is same as for surface modification of polymers. Experimental data for sterilization are obtained by using spores of Bacillus subtilis as samples. On the other hand we previously showed that the surface modification enhanced the gas barrier characteristics of plastic bottles. Comparing the implantation conditions for the sterilization experiment with those for the surface modification, we find that both sterilization and surface modification are simultaneously performed in a certain range of implantation conditions. This implies that the present bottling system for plastic vessels will bemore » simplified and streamlined by excluding the toxic peroxide water that has been used in the traditional sterilization processes.« less

Effects of repeated gas sterilization on closure rates of ameroid ring constrictors in vitro.

PubMed

Kimberlin, William W; Wardlaw, Jennifer L; Madsen, Richard W

2016-01-01

To determine the effect of repeated gas sterilization on rate of closure of ameroid ring constrictors in vitro. Twenty-four 3.5-mm ameroid ring constrictors. Ameroid ring constrictors were allocated to 1 of 4 treatment groups (6/group) to undergo gas sterilization 0, 1, 5, or 10 times. After sterilization, constrictors were incubated in canine plasma at a protein concentration of 3 g/dL for 27 days. A digital camera was used to obtain images of the constrictors prior to and at various points during incubation, and lumen diameter was measured. Mean ± SD percentage of lumen closure for all groups of ameroid ring constrictors combined was 85.2 ± 1.6% at day 0 (prior to plasma incubation) and 95.4 ± 0.8% at day 27. Mean lumen area was 3.64 ± 0.43 mm(2) (95% confidence interval, 2.67 to 4.77 mm(2)) at day 0 and 1.32 ± 0.25 mm(2) (95% confidence interval, 0.76 to 2.04 mm(2)) at day 27. None of the ameroid ring constrictors had closed completely by day 27. Overall closure rates for ameroid ring constrictors appeared to be unaffected by repeated gas sterilization up to 10 times. Findings suggested that veterinary surgeons can resterilize ameroid ring constrictors up to 10 times with confidence that ring properties would remain suitable for clinical use.

Low-Temperature Sterilization with Surface-Wave-Excited Oxygen Plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nagatsu, Masaaki; Terashita, Fumie; Koide, Yukio

2003-07-01

Low-temperature plasma sterilization has been experimentally demonstrated using surface-wave plasma excited by a 2.45 GHz microwave. With the spores of Bacillus stearothermophilus and Bacillus subtilis as biological indicators, we have carried out the plasma sterilization experiments by varying the irradiation period of oxygen plasma discharges. It was experimentally confirmed that the spores with a population of 1.5 × 106 were sterilized by irradiating them with oxygen plasma discharges generated with a microwave power of 700 W at a pressure of 60-80 mTorr for 3 min or longer. From the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of the spores, we found that the sterilized spores clearly had different sizes and shapes compared with those before the plasma irradiation. Furthermore, present experiments suggested that the changes of spore shapes were mainly attributed to the reactive interactions with oxygen radicals.

Sterilization of Long Tube Inner Surface Using Oxygen and Water Vapor Plasmas Produced by AC HV Discharge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kitazaki, Satoshi; Hayashi, Nobuya

2009-10-01

Oxygen and water vapor plasmas inside a narrow long tube were produced using an AC HV glow discharge at low pressure in order to sterilize the inner surface of a tube. In order to produce plasma inside a narrow tube, an AC high voltage was adopted. The material of the tube used in this experiment was silicon rubber. The length and diameter of the tubes ranged from 300 to 1,000 mm and from 1 to 4 mm, respectively. The tube was placed in a stainless steel vacuum chamber and was evacuated to 10 Pa using a rotary pump. The material gas for plasma and radical productions was pure oxygen or water vapor, which was introduced to the chamber from a gas cylinder or water reservoir. Light emission spectral lines of oxygen and OH radicals were observed at 777 nm and 306 nm, respectively. The chemical indicator was inserted into the tube and turned to a yellowish color (from the original red) after a treatment, which indicates the generation of sufficient oxygen on OH radicals for sterilization. A tube with the length of 500 mm and diameter of 4 mm is sterilized using oxygen plasma by 10 minutes treatment. Also a tube with the length of 300 mm and diameter of 2 mm is sterilized using water vapor plasma by 5 minutes treatment.

Comparison of two radio-frequency plasma sterilization processes using microspot evaluation of microbial inactivation.

PubMed

Lassen, Klaus S; Johansen, Jens E; Grün, Reinar

2006-07-01

In this study, we evaluated gas plasma surface sterilization methods in a specific sterilizer. We have introduced a new monitoring method using 0.4 microm pore size membranes, which in this study gave the information corresponding to 3000 exposed biological indicators per treatment cycle. This enabled us to compare the fraction of inoculates that showed no growth after exposure for 30 different locations in the chamber, and hereby identify weak and strong spots in the chamber with regard to sporicidal effect. Membranes were also used to expose a broad spectrum of soil bacteria for plasma treatment at four different conditions. The organisms were identified using PCR and sequencing. The test showed that Bacillus stearothermophilus spores were inactivated at the slowest rate among the tested microorganisms. Further alpha-proteobacteria (Gram negative) seemed more sensitive than the rest of the tested organisms. The microspot evaluation approach has been a most useful tool in the assessment of sterilization performance in sterilizers that do not have clear measurable parameters related to the sterilization.

Effect of Dielectric and Liquid on Plasma Sterilization Using Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma

PubMed Central

Mastanaiah, Navya; Johnson, Judith A.; Roy, Subrata

2013-01-01

Plasma sterilization offers a faster, less toxic and versatile alternative to conventional sterilization methods. Using a relatively small, low temperature, atmospheric, dielectric barrier discharge surface plasma generator, we achieved ≥6 log reduction in concentration of vegetative bacterial and yeast cells within 4 minutes and ≥6 log reduction of Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores within 20 minutes. Plasma sterilization is influenced by a wide variety of factors. Two factors studied in this particular paper are the effect of using different dielectric substrates and the significance of the amount of liquid on the dielectric surface. Of the two dielectric substrates tested (FR4 and semi-ceramic (SC)), it is noted that the FR4 is more efficient in terms of time taken for complete inactivation. FR4 is more efficient at generating plasma as shown by the intensity of spectral peaks, amount of ozone generated, the power used and the speed of killing vegetative cells. The surface temperature during plasma generation is also higher in the case of FR4. An inoculated FR4 or SC device produces less ozone than the respective clean devices. Temperature studies show that the surface temperatures reached during plasma generation are in the range of 30°C–66°C (for FR4) and 20°C–49°C (for SC). Surface temperatures during plasma generation of inoculated devices are lower than the corresponding temperatures of clean devices. pH studies indicate a slight reduction in pH value due to plasma generation, which implies that while temperature and acidification may play a minor role in DBD plasma sterilization, the presence of the liquid on the dielectric surface hampers sterilization and as the liquid evaporates, sterilization improves. PMID:23951023

Effect of dielectric and liquid on plasma sterilization using dielectric barrier discharge plasma.

PubMed

Mastanaiah, Navya; Johnson, Judith A; Roy, Subrata

2013-01-01

Plasma sterilization offers a faster, less toxic and versatile alternative to conventional sterilization methods. Using a relatively small, low temperature, atmospheric, dielectric barrier discharge surface plasma generator, we achieved ≥ 6 log reduction in concentration of vegetative bacterial and yeast cells within 4 minutes and ≥ 6 log reduction of Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores within 20 minutes. Plasma sterilization is influenced by a wide variety of factors. Two factors studied in this particular paper are the effect of using different dielectric substrates and the significance of the amount of liquid on the dielectric surface. Of the two dielectric substrates tested (FR4 and semi-ceramic (SC)), it is noted that the FR4 is more efficient in terms of time taken for complete inactivation. FR4 is more efficient at generating plasma as shown by the intensity of spectral peaks, amount of ozone generated, the power used and the speed of killing vegetative cells. The surface temperature during plasma generation is also higher in the case of FR4. An inoculated FR4 or SC device produces less ozone than the respective clean devices. Temperature studies show that the surface temperatures reached during plasma generation are in the range of 30°C-66 °C (for FR4) and 20 °C-49 °C (for SC). Surface temperatures during plasma generation of inoculated devices are lower than the corresponding temperatures of clean devices. pH studies indicate a slight reduction in pH value due to plasma generation, which implies that while temperature and acidification may play a minor role in DBD plasma sterilization, the presence of the liquid on the dielectric surface hampers sterilization and as the liquid evaporates, sterilization improves.

Characteristics of surface sterilization using electron cyclotron resonance plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yonesu, Akira; Hara, Kazufumi; Nishikawa, Tatsuya; Hayashi, Nobuya

2016-07-01

The characteristics of surface sterilization using electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) plasma were investigated. High-energy electrons and oxygen radicals were observed in the ECR zone using electric probe and optical emission spectroscopic methods. A biological indicator (BI), Geobacillus stearothermophilus, containing 1 × 106 spores was sterilized in 120 s by exposure to oxygen discharges while maintaining a temperature of approximately 55 °C at the BI installation position. Oxygen radicals and high-energy electrons were found to be the sterilizing species in the ECR region. It was demonstrated that the ECR plasma could be produced in narrow tubes with an inner diameter of 5 mm. Moreover, sterilization tests confirmed that the spores present inside the narrow tube were successfully inactivated by ECR plasma irradiation.

Formulation and Characterization of a Plasma Sterilized, Pharmaceutical Grade Chitosan Powder

PubMed Central

Crofton, Andrew R; Hudson, Samuel M; Howard, Kristy; Pender, Tyler; Abdelgawad, Abdelrahman; Wolski, Daniel; Kirsch, Wolff M

2016-01-01

Chitosan has great potential as a pharmaceutical excipient. In this study, chitosan flake was micronized using cryo-ball and cryo-jet milling and subsequently sterilized with nitrogen plasma. Micronized chitosan was characterized by laser diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), conductometric titration, viscometry, loss on drying, FTIR, and limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) assays. Cryo-jet milling produced mean particle size of 16.05 μm, 44% smaller than cryo-ball milling. Cryomilled chitosan demonstrated increased hygroscopicity, but reduced molecular weight and degree of deacetylation (DD). SEM imaging showed highly irregular shapes. FTIR showed changes consistent with reduced DD and an unexplained shift at 1100 cm−1. Plasma treated chitosan was sterile with <2.5 EU/g after low-pressure plasma and <1.3 EU/g after atmospheric pressure plasma treatment. Plasma treatment decreased the reduced viscosity of chitosan flake and powder, with a greater effect on powder. In conclusion, pharmaceutical grade, sterile chitosan powder was produced with cryo-jet milling and plasma sterilization. PMID:27112892

Inductively-Coupled RF Powered O2 Plasma as a Sterilization Source

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sharma, S. P.; Rao, M. V. V. S.; Cruden, B. A.; Meyyappan, M.; Mogul, R.; Khare, B.; Chan, S. L.; Arnold, James O. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

Low-temperature or cold plasmas have been shown to be effective for the sterilization of sensitive medical devices and electronic equipment. Low-temperature plasma sterilization procedures possess certain advantages over other protocols such as ethylene oxide, gamma radiation, and heat due to the use of inexpensive reagents, the insignificant environmental impacts and the low energy requirements. In addition, plasmas may also be more efficacious in the removal of robust microorganisms due to their higher chemical reactivity. Together, these attributes render cold plasma sterilization as ideal for the surface decontamination requirements for NASA Planetary Protection. Hence, the work described in this study involves the construction, characterization, and application of an inductively-coupled, RF powered oxygen (O2) plasma.

Innovative non-thermal plasma disinfection process inside sealed bags: Assessment of bactericidal and sporicidal effectiveness in regard to current sterilization norms

PubMed Central

Charpentier, Emilie; Le-Bras, Florian; Maho, Thomas; Robert, Eric; Pouvesle, Jean-Michel; Polidor, Franck; Gangloff, Sophie C.; Boudifa, Mohamed

2017-01-01

In this work, we developed a device capable to generate a non-thermal plasma discharge inside a sealed bag. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the oxygen, nitrogen and argon plasma sterilization on Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis spores according to the NF EN 556 Norm. Moreover the bag integrity which is a critical key to maintain the sterile state of items after the end of the process was verified by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectrometry (XPS) analyses. After plasma treatments, the bacterial counting showed a 6 log reduction of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus in 45 min and 120 min respectively whatever the gas used and a 4 log reduction of B. subtilis spores in 120 min with only oxygen plasma. These results were confirmed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) observations showing altered bacteria or spores and numerous debris. Taking into account the studied microorganisms, the oxygen plasma treatment showed the highest efficiency. FTIR and XPS analyses showed that this treatment induced no significant modification of the bags. To conclude this non-thermal plasma sterilization technique could be an opportunity to sterilize heat and chemical-sensitive medical devices and to preserve their sterile state after the end of the process. PMID:28662202

Sterilization of Turmeric by Atmospheric Pressure Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Setareh, Salarieh; Davoud, Dorranian

2013-11-01

In this study atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma has been employed for sterilizing dry turmeric powders. A 6 kV, 6 kHz frequency generator was used to generate plasma with Ar, Ar/O2, He, and He/O2 gases between the 5 mm gap of two quartz covered electrodes. The complete sterilization time of samples due to plasma treatment was measured. The most important contaminant of turmeric is bacillus subtilis. The results show that the shortest sterilization time of 15 min is achieved by exposing the samples to Ar/O2 plasma. Survival curves of samples are exponential functions of time and the addition of oxygen to plasma leads to a significant increase of the absolute value of time constant of the curves. Magnitudes of protein and DNA in treated samples were increased to a similar value for all samples. Taste, color, and solubility of samples were not changed after the plasma treatment.

Plasma sterilization of Geobacillus Stearothermophilus by O{mathsf2}:N{mathsf2} RF inductively coupled plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kylián, O.; Sasaki, T.; Rossi, F.

2006-05-01

The aim of this work is to identify the main process responsible for sterilization of Geobacillus Stearothermophilus spores in O{2}:N{2} RF inductively coupled plasma. In order to meet this objective the sterilization efficiencies of discharges in mixtures differing in the initial O{2}/N{2} ratios are compared with plasma properties and with scanning electron microscopy images of treated spores. According to the obtained results it can be concluded that under our experimental conditions the time needed to reach complete sterilization is more related to O atom density than UV radiation intensity, i.e. complete sterilization is not related only to DNA damage as in UV sterilization but more likely to the etching of the spore.

Cold atmospheric plasma sterilization: from bacteria to biomolecules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kong, Michael

2009-10-01

Although ionized gases have been known to have biological effects for more than 100 years, their impact on the practice in healthcare service became very significant only recently. Today, plasma-based surgical tools are used for tissue reduction and blood coagulation as surgical procedures. Most significant however is the speed at which low-temperature gas plasmas are finding new applications in medicine and biology, including plasma sterilization, wound healing, and cancer therapies just to name a few. In the terminology of biotechnology, the ``pipeline'' is long and exciting. This presentation reviews the current status of the field with a particular emphasis on plasma inactivation of microorganisms and biomolecules, for which comprehensive scientific evidence has been obtained. Some of the early speculations of biocidal plasma species are now being confirmed through a combination of optical emission spectroscopy, laser-induced fluorescence, mass spectrometry, fluid simulation and biological sensing with mutated bacteria. Similarly, fundamental studies are being performed to examine cell components targeted by gas plasmas, from membrane, through lipid and membrane proteins, to DNA. Scientific challenge is significant, as the usual complexity of plasma dynamics and plasma chemistry is compounded by the added complication that cells are live and constantly evolving. Nevertheless, the current understanding of plasma inactivation currently provides strong momentum for plasma decontamination technologies to be realized in healthcare. We will discuss the issue of protein and tissue contaminations of surgical instruments and how cold atmospheric plasmas may be used to degrade and reduce their surface load. In the context of plasma interaction with biomolecules, we will consider recent data of plasma degradation of adhesion proteins of melanoma cells. These adhesion proteins are important for cancer cell migration and spread. If low-temperature plasmas could be used to

Ozone Gas as a Benign Sterilization Treatment for PLGA Nanofiber Scaffolds

PubMed Central

de Jesus Andreoli Pinto, Terezinha; Bou-Chacra, Nadia Araci; Galante, Raquel; de Araújo, Gabriel Lima Barros; do Nascimento Pedrosa, Tatiana; Maria-Engler, Silvya Stuchi

2016-01-01

The use of electrospun nanofibers for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications is a growing trend as they provide improved support for cell proliferation and survival due, in part, to their morphology mimicking that of the extracellular matrix. Sterilization is a critical step in the fabrication process of implantable biomaterial scaffolds for clinical use, but many of the existing methods used to date can negatively affect scaffold properties and performance. Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) has been widely used as a biodegradable polymer for 3D scaffolds and can be significantly affected by current sterilization techniques. The aim of this study was to investigate pulsed ozone gas as an alternative method for sterilizing PLGA nanofibers. The morphology, mechanical properties, physicochemical properties, and response of cells to PLGA nanofiber scaffolds were assessed following different degrees of ozone gas sterilization. This treatment killed Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores, the most common biological indicator used for validation of sterilization processes. In addition, the method preserved all of the characteristics of nonsterilized PLGA nanofibers at all degrees of sterilization tested. These findings suggest that ozone gas can be applied as an alternative method for sterilizing electrospun PLGA nanofiber scaffolds without detrimental effects. PMID:26757850

Ozone Gas as a Benign Sterilization Treatment for PLGA Nanofiber Scaffolds.

PubMed

Rediguieri, Carolina Fracalossi; Pinto, Terezinha de Jesus Andreoli; Bou-Chacra, Nadia Araci; Galante, Raquel; de Araújo, Gabriel Lima Barros; Pedrosa, Tatiana do Nascimento; Maria-Engler, Silvya Stuchi; De Bank, Paul A

2016-04-01

The use of electrospun nanofibers for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications is a growing trend as they provide improved support for cell proliferation and survival due, in part, to their morphology mimicking that of the extracellular matrix. Sterilization is a critical step in the fabrication process of implantable biomaterial scaffolds for clinical use, but many of the existing methods used to date can negatively affect scaffold properties and performance. Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) has been widely used as a biodegradable polymer for 3D scaffolds and can be significantly affected by current sterilization techniques. The aim of this study was to investigate pulsed ozone gas as an alternative method for sterilizing PLGA nanofibers. The morphology, mechanical properties, physicochemical properties, and response of cells to PLGA nanofiber scaffolds were assessed following different degrees of ozone gas sterilization. This treatment killed Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores, the most common biological indicator used for validation of sterilization processes. In addition, the method preserved all of the characteristics of nonsterilized PLGA nanofibers at all degrees of sterilization tested. These findings suggest that ozone gas can be applied as an alternative method for sterilizing electrospun PLGA nanofiber scaffolds without detrimental effects.

Radiative decay of keV-mass sterile neutrino in magnetized electron plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dobrynina, Alexandra; Mikheev, Nicolay; Raffelt, Georg

2017-10-01

The radiative decay of sterile neutrinos with typical masses of 10 keV is investigated in the presence of an external magnetic field and degenerate electron plasma. Full account is taken of the modified photon dispersion relation relative to vacuum. The limiting cases of relativistic and nonrelativistic plasma are analyzed. The decay rate calculated in a strongly magnetized plasma, as a function of the electron number density, is compared with the unmagnetized plasma limit. It is found that the presence of the strong magnetic field in the electron plasma suppresses the catalyzing influence of the plasma by itself on the sterile-neutrino decay rate.

Confirmation of the sterilization effect using a high concentration of ozone gas for the bio-clean room.

PubMed

Iwamura, Takuji; Nagano, Katsunori; Nogami, Toshihiro; Matsuki, Noritomo; Kosaka, Noriyoshi; Shintani, Hideharu; Katoh, Miyoshi

2013-01-01

A high-level aseptic environment must be maintained in bio-cleanrooms used for the manufacture of sterile products. In the past, formaldehyde gas was most commonly used to sterilize bio-cleanrooms, but due to strict residual limitations there has been a need to develop a less toxic alternative choice. The authors have developed a revolutionary new sterilization system using a high concentration of ozone gas and used this system to sterilize an actual bio-cleanroom. This system integrates the ozone gas generator with the air conditioning system by proper control. The design specifications for the system included an ozone gas concentration of 200 ppm or more, relative humidity of 80% or more, and a sterilizing time of 120 min. Blow vents and suction ports were placed to ensure a uniform airflow which would extend through the entire room during ozone gas sterilization. Tests regarding long-term material exposure to ozone gas were conducted when the system was introduced to distinguish usable and unusable materials. In an actually constructed cleanroom, simulations were used to predict the evenness of the diffusion of ozone gas concentration and relative humidity during ozone gas sterilization, and measurements of the actual indoor ozone gas concentration, temperature and relative humidity during sterilization revealed that the ozone concentration and relative humidity needed for sterilization had been achieved generally throughout the entire environment. In addition, the CT value (mg/m(3) (=ppm) × min) , derived by multiplying the ozone gas concentration during ozone gas sterilization by the sterilization time, was equal to or greater than the target value of 24 × 10(3) (ppm·min) . When the results of sterilization in a cleanroom were confirmed using a biological indicator (BI) , negative results were obtained at all measurement points, demonstrating that sterilization was being performed effectively in the actual factory at which the ozone gas sterilization system

Spacecraft Sterilization Using Non-Equilibrium Atmospheric Pressure Plasma

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cooper, Moogega; Vaze, Nachiket; Anderson, Shawn; Fridman, Gregory; Vasilets, Victor N.; Gutsol, Alexander; Tsapin, Alexander; Fridman, Alexander

2007-01-01

As a solution to chemically and thermally destructive sterilization methods currently used for spacecraft, non-equilibrium atmospheric pressure plasmas are used to treat surfaces inoculated with Bacillus subtilis and Deinococcus radiodurans. Evidence of significant morphological changes and reduction in viability due to plasma exposure will be presented, including a 4-log reduction of B. subtilis after 2 minutes of dielectric barrier discharge treatment.

Discharge conditions for CW and pulse-modulated surface-wave plasmas in low-temperature sterilization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, L.; Terashita, F.; Nonaka, H.; Ogino, A.; Nagata, T.; Koide, Y.; Nanko, S.; Kurawaki, I.; Nagatsu, M.

2006-01-01

The discharge conditions required for low-temperature plasma sterilization were investigated using low-pressure surface-wave plasma (SWP). The discharge conditions for both continuous wave (CW) and pulse-modulated SWPs in low-temperature sterilization of Geobacillus stearothermophilus with a population of 1.5 × 106 and 3.0 × 106 were studied by varying the microwave input power from 500 W to 3 kW, and the effective plasma treatment time from 40 to 300 s. Results showed that sterilization was possible in a shorter treatment time using a higher microwave power for both CW and pulse-modulated SWPs. Pulse-modulated SWPs gave effective sterilization at a temperature roughly 10 to 20 °C below that of CW SWPs under the same average microwave power.

Effect of feed-gas humidity on nitrogen atmospheric-pressure plasma jet for biological applications.

PubMed

Stephan, Karl D; McLean, Robert J C; DeLeon, Gian; Melnikov, Vadim

2016-11-14

We investigate the effect of feed-gas humidity on the oxidative properties of an atmospheric-pressure plasma jet using nitrogen gas. Plasma jets operating at atmospheric pressure are finding uses in medical and biological settings for sterilization and other applications involving oxidative stress applied to organisms. Most jets use noble gases, but some researchers use less expensive nitrogen gas. The feed-gas water content (humidity) has been found to influence the performance of noble-gas plasma jets, but has not yet been systematically investigated for jets using nitrogen gas. Low-humidity and high-humidity feed gases were used in a nitrogen plasma jet, and the oxidation effect of the jet was measured quantitatively using a chemical dosimeter known as FBX (ferrous sulfate-benzoic acid-xylenol orange). The plasma jet using high humidity was found to have about ten times the oxidation effect of the low-humidity jet, as measured by comparison with the addition of measured amounts of hydrogen peroxide to the FBX dosimeter. Atmospheric-pressure plasma jets using nitrogen as a feed gas have a greater oxidizing effect with a high level of humidity added to the feed gas.

Effects of different sterilization methods on the physico-chemical and bioresponsive properties of plasma-treated polycaprolactone films.

PubMed

Ghobeira, Rouba; Philips, Charlot; Declercq, Heidi; Cools, Pieter; De Geyter, Nathalie; Cornelissen, Ria; Morent, Rino

2017-01-24

For most tissue engineering applications, surface modification and sterilization of polymers are critical aspects determining the implant success. The first part of this study is thus dedicated to modifying polycaprolactone (PCL) surfaces via plasma treatment using a medium pressure dielectric barrier discharge, while the second part focuses on the sterilization of plasma-modified PCL. Chemical and physical surface changes are examined making use of water contact angle goniometry (WCA), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. Bioresponsive properties are evaluated by performing cell culture tests. The results show that air and argon plasmas decrease the WCA significantly due to the incorporation of oxygen-containing functionalities onto the PCL surface, without modifying its morphology. Extended treatment times lead to PCL degradation, especially in the case of air plasma. In addition to surface modification, the plasma potential to sterilize PCL is studied with appropriate treatment times, but sterility has not been achieved so far. Therefore, plasma-modified films are subjected to UV, H 2 O 2 plasma (HP) and ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilizations. UV exposure of 3 h does not alter the PCL physico-chemical properties. A decreased wettability is observed after EtO sterilization, attributable to the modification of PCL chain ends reacting with EtO molecules. HP sterilization increases the WCA of the plasma-treated samples, presumably due to the scission of the hydrophilic bonds generated during the prior plasma treatments. Moreover, HP modifies the PCL surface morphology. For all the sterilizations, an improved cell adhesion and proliferation is observed on plasma-treated films compared to untreated ones. EtO shows the lowest proliferation rate compared to HP and UV. Overall, of the three sterilizations, UV is the most effective, since the physical alterations provoked by HP might interfere with the structural integrity when it comes to 3D

Exploiting novel sterilization techniques for porous polyurethane scaffolds.

PubMed

Bertoldi, Serena; Farè, Silvia; Haugen, Håvard Jostein; Tanzi, Maria Cristina

2015-05-01

Porous polyurethane (PU) structures raise increasing interest as scaffolds in tissue engineering applications. Understanding the effects of sterilization on their properties is mandatory to assess their potential use in the clinical practice. The aim of this work is the evaluation of the effects of two innovative sterilization techniques (i.e. plasma, Sterrad(®) system, and ozone) on the morphological, chemico-physical and mechanical properties of a PU foam synthesized by gas foaming, using water as expanding agent. In addition, possible toxic effects of the sterilization were evaluated by in vitro cytotoxicity tests. Plasma sterilization did not affect the morphological and mechanical properties of the PU foam, but caused at some extent degradative phenomena, as detected by infrared spectroscopy. Ozone sterilization had a major effect on foam morphology, causing the formation of new small pores, and stronger degradation and oxidation on the structure of the material. These modifications affected the mechanical properties of the sterilized PU foam too. Even though, no cytotoxic effects were observed after both plasma and ozone sterilization, as confirmed by the good values of cell viability assessed by Alamar Blue assay. The results here obtained can help in understanding the effects of sterilization procedures on porous polymeric scaffolds, and how the scaffold morphology, in particular porosity, can influence the effects of sterilization, and viceversa.

Effects of oxygen radicals in low-pressure surface-wave plasma on sterilization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nagatsu, Masaaki; Terashita, Fumie; Nonaka, Hiroyuki; Xu, Lei; Nagata, Toshi; Koide, Yukio

2005-05-01

The effects of oxygen radicals on sterilization were studied using a 2.45GHz surface-wave oxygen plasma. A population of 1.5×106 Bacillus stearothermophilus spores was irradiated for 3min or more with oxygen plasma, generated at pressures between 6 and 14Pa. The decimal reduction value (D value), a measure of the effectiveness of sterilization, was determined to be about 15-25s. Using only oxygen radicals, excluding all charged particles, the 1.5×106 spores were sterilized with a D value of 30-45s after 5min or more of irradiation. On scanning electron microscopy, the length and width of the spores changed significantly due to chemical etching by oxygen radicals.

Impact of ethylene oxide gas sterilization of duodenoscopes after a carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae outbreak.

PubMed

Naryzhny, Igor; Silas, Dean; Chi, Kenneth

2016-08-01

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) outbreaks have been implicated at several medical institutions involving gastroenterology laboratories and, specifically, duodenoscopes. Currently, there are no specific guidelines to eradicate or prevent the outbreak of this bacteria. We describe ethylene oxide (ETO) gas sterilizations of duodenoscopes to address this issue. A complete investigation of the gastroenterology laboratory and an evaluation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concluded that no lapses were found in the reprocessing of the equipment. With no deficiencies to address, we began a novel cleaning process using surgical ETO gas sterilizers in addition to standard endoscope reprocessing recommendations and guidelines, all while trying to eradicate the CRE contamination and prevent future recurrences. We also instituted a surveillance system for recurrence of CRE contamination via monthly cultures of the duodenoscopes. Between October 2013 and April 2014, 589 ERCPs were performed with 645 ETO gas sterilizations of 6 duodenoscopes. Given the extra 16 hours needed to sterilize the duodenoscopes, our institution incurred costs resulting from purchasing additional equipment and surveillance cultures. Four duodenoscopes sustained damage during this period; however, this could not be directly attributed to the sterilization process. Furthermore, after an 18-month success period we encountered a positive CRE culture after sterilization, albeit of a different strain than originally detected during the outbreak. The duodenoscope underwent additional ETO gas sterilization, with a negative repeated culture; all potentially exposed individuals screened negative for CRE. Proper use of high-level disinfection alone may not eliminate multidrug-resistant organisms from duodenoscopes. In this single-center study, the addition of ETO sterilization and frequent monitoring with cultures reduced duodenoscope contamination and eliminated clinical infections

Influence of oxygen in atmospheric-pressure argon plasma jet on sterilization of Bacillus atrophaeous spores

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lim, Jin-Pyo; Uhm, Han S.; Li, Shou-Zhe

2007-09-01

A nonequilibrium Ar /O2 plasma discharge at atmospheric pressure was carried out in a coaxial cylindrical reactor with a stepped electrode configuration powered by a 13.56MHz rf power supplier. The argon glow discharge with high electron density produces oxygen reactive species in large quantities. Argon plasma jets penetrate deep into ambient air and create a path for oxygen radicals to sterilize microbes. A sterilization experiment with bacterial endospores indicates that an argon-oxygen plasma jet very effectively kills endospores of Bacillus atrophaeus (ATCC 9372), thereby demonstrating its capability to clean surfaces and its usefulness for reinstating contaminated equipment as free from toxic biological warfare agents. The decimal reduction time (D values) of the Ar /O2 plasma jet at an exposure distance of 0.5-1.5cm ranges from 5 to 57s. An actinometric comparison of the sterilization data shows that atomic oxygen radicals play a significant role in plasma sterilization. When observed under a scanning electron microscope, the average size of the spores appears to be greatly reduced due to chemical reactions with the oxygen radicals.

Effects of oxygen radicals in low-pressure surface-wave plasma on sterilization

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nagatsu, Masaaki; Terashita, Fumie; Nonaka, Hiroyuki

2005-05-23

The effects of oxygen radicals on sterilization were studied using a 2.45 GHz surface-wave oxygen plasma. A population of 1.5x10{sup 6} Bacillus stearothermophilus spores was irradiated for 3 min or more with oxygen plasma, generated at pressures between 6 and 14 Pa. The decimal reduction value (D value), a measure of the effectiveness of sterilization, was determined to be about 15-25 s. Using only oxygen radicals, excluding all charged particles, the 1.5x10{sup 6} spores were sterilized with a D value of 30-45 s after 5 min or more of irradiation. On scanning electron microscopy, the length and width of themore » spores changed significantly due to chemical etching by oxygen radicals.« less

Comparison of sterilization of reusable endoscopic biopsy forceps by autoclaving and ethylene oxide gas.

PubMed

Yoon, Jai Hoon; Yoon, Byung Chul; Lee, Hang Lak; Lee, Jun Kyu; Kim, Yong-Tae; Lee, Dong Ho; Choi, Il Ju; Lee, Don Haeng; Kim, Dong Hee

2012-02-01

Every country has standardized reprocessing guidelines for reducing the risk of microorganism transmission via reusable biopsy forceps. Sterilization is performed either by autoclaving or with the use of ethylene oxide (EO) gas. However, there are no clear standard global recommendations. The aim of this study was to determine whether EO gas or autoclaving is a safer and more effective method for the sterilization of reusable forceps. This was a prospective study conducted at multiple tertiary referral centers. Seventy reusable biopsy forceps that had been reused at least 20 times each were collected from six endoscopy centers. In all, 61 forceps from five centers were sterilized using EO gas, and the nine forceps from the remaining center were placed in an autoclave. We performed real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for Mycobacterium tuberculosis and hepatitis B virus and performed bacterial cultures on the reusable forceps, which were cut into 2- to 3-cm sections. The forceps were also scanned with an electron microscope (EM) to detect surface damage and contamination. Escherichia coli bacteria were cultured from 2 of the 61 (3.3%) reusable biopsy forceps sterilized with EO gas. On EM scanning, abundant debris and tissue materials remained on the cup surfaces of the reused biopsy forceps and on their inner wires. No microorganisms were found on the autoclaved forceps. Sterilization with EO gas may be inadequate because the complicated structure of the forceps may interfere with sterilization. Therefore, for optimum safety, reusable biopsy forceps should be sterilized by autoclaving.

Investigation on physicochemical properties of plasma-activated water for the application of medical device sterilization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abuzairi, Tomy; Ramadhanty, Savira; Puspohadiningrum, Dini Fithriaty; Ratnasari, Anita; Poespawati, Nji Raden; Purnamaningsih, Retno Wigajatri

2018-02-01

Plasma activated water (PAW) is a new approach to bacterial inactivation while ensuring safety and maintaining the properties of the material sterilized. Reported research imply that PAW has been effective for inactivation of bacteria. In this paper, plasma treatment using atmospheric pressure plasma was demonstrated. Physicochemical properties such as pH, temperature, ORP, and nitrite concentration were assessed. The results suggest that plasma treatment causes acidification on water and generate reactive species, creating an environment suitable for killing bacteria. Therefore, plasma activated water is an assuring method for medical devices sterilization.

Influence of oxygen in atmospheric-pressure argon plasma jet on sterilization of Bacillus atrophaeous spores

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lim, Jin-Pyo; Uhm, Han S.; Li, Shou-Zhe

2007-09-15

A nonequilibrium Ar/O{sub 2} plasma discharge at atmospheric pressure was carried out in a coaxial cylindrical reactor with a stepped electrode configuration powered by a 13.56 MHz rf power supplier. The argon glow discharge with high electron density produces oxygen reactive species in large quantities. Argon plasma jets penetrate deep into ambient air and create a path for oxygen radicals to sterilize microbes. A sterilization experiment with bacterial endospores indicates that an argon-oxygen plasma jet very effectively kills endospores of Bacillus atrophaeus (ATCC 9372), thereby demonstrating its capability to clean surfaces and its usefulness for reinstating contaminated equipment as freemore » from toxic biological warfare agents. The decimal reduction time (D values) of the Ar/O{sub 2} plasma jet at an exposure distance of 0.5-1.5 cm ranges from 5 to 57 s. An actinometric comparison of the sterilization data shows that atomic oxygen radicals play a significant role in plasma sterilization. When observed under a scanning electron microscope, the average size of the spores appears to be greatly reduced due to chemical reactions with the oxygen radicals.« less

Sterilization by negative and positive DC plasma with a micro discharge gap at atmospheric pressure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Hua; Jiang, Lin-Xiu; Jiang, Yong-Rong; Zhu, Jian-Min; Chen, Zhen-Cheng

2017-11-01

A new needle-to-droplet electrode structure with a micro discharge gap (2 mm) was designed to achieve direct current (DC) discharge plasma in ambient air with the aim of using the plasma to sterilize liquids. Without using noble gases or an external air flow, we succeeded in generating both a negative and positive DC plasma at atmospheric pressure. The plasma was driven by a 0 to -20,000 V, 100 W DC power supply. A stainless steel needle with a tip diameter of ˜ 50μm and a 200-μL droplet of bacteria-containing liquid served as the electrodes. At atmospheric pressure and room temperature (23∘C), utilizing the negative DC plasma, the discharge time lasted 10 s; the results showed that the higher the discharge voltage, the more efficient the sterilization effect. Conversely, when we applied a voltage of -5.5 kV, we found that the sterilization effect was more efficient for longer discharge times. Our findings demonstrate that Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) can be killed in about 30 s. Our experiments show that our sterilization method required less time and was more efficient for positive than for negative DC plasma under the same conditions.

Sterilization of Surfaces with a Handheld Atmospheric Pressure Plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hicks, Robert; Habib, Sara; Chan, Wai; Gonzalez, Eleazar; Tijerina, A.; Sloan, Mark

2009-10-01

Low temperature, atmospheric pressure plasmas have shown great promise for decontaminating the surfaces of materials and equipment. In this study, an atmospheric pressure, oxygen and argon plasma was investigated for the destruction of viruses, bacteria, and spores. The plasma was operated at an argon flow rate of 30 L/min, an oxygen flow rate of 20 mL/min, a power density of 101.0 W/cm^3 (beam area = 5.1 cm^2), and at a distance from the surface of 7.1 mm. An average 6log10 reduction of viable spores was obtained after only 45 seconds of exposure to the reactive gas. By contrast, it takes more than 35 minutes at 121^oC to sterilize anthrax in an autoclave. The plasma properties were investigated by numerical modeling and chemical titration with nitric oxide. The numerical model included a detailed reaction mechanism for the discharge as well as for the afterglow. It was predicted that at a delivered power density of 29.3 W/cm^3, 30 L/min argon, and 0.01 volume% O2, the plasma generated 1.9 x 10^14 cm-3 O atoms, 1.6 x 10^12 cm-3 ozone, 9.3 x 10^13 cm-3 O2(^1δg), and 2.9 x 10^12 cm-3 O2(^1σ^+g) at 1 cm downstream of the source. The O atom density measured by chemical titration with NO was 6.0 x 10^14 cm-3 at the same conditions. It is believe that the oxygen atoms and the O2(^1δg) metastables were responsible for killing the anthrax and other microorganisms.

Chlorine Dioxide Gas Sterilization under Square-Wave Conditions

PubMed Central

Jeng, David K.; Woodworth, Archie G.

1990-01-01

Experiments were designed to study chlorine dioxide (CD) gas sterilization under square-wave conditions. By using controlled humidity, gas concentration, and temperature at atmospheric pressure, standard biological indicators (BIs) and spore disks of environmental isolates were exposed to CD gas. The sporicidal activity of CD gas was found to be concentration dependent. Prehumidification enhanced the CD activity. The D values (time required for 90% inactivation) of Bacillus subtilis subsp. niger ATCC 9372 BIs were estimated to be 1.5, 2.5, and 4.2 min when exposed to CD concentrations of 30, 15, and 7 mg/liter, respectively, at 23°C and ambient (20 to 40%) relative humidity (RH). Survivor tailings were observed. Prehumidification of BIs to 70 to 75% RH in an environmental chamber for 30 min resulted in a D value of 1.6 min after exposure to a concentration of 6 to 7 mg of CD per liter at 23°C and eliminated survivor tailing. Prolonging prehumidification at 70 to 75% RH for up to 16 h did not further improve the inactivation rate. Prehumidification by ultrasonic nebulization was found to be more effective than prehumidification in the environmental chamber, improving the D value to 0.55 min at a CD concentration of 6 to 7 mg/liter. Based on the current observations, CD gas is estimated, on a molar concentration basis, to be 1,075 times more potent than ethylene oxide as a sterilant at 30°C. A comparative study showed B. subtilis var. niger BIs were more resistant than other types of BIs and most of the tested bacterial spores of environmental isolates. PMID:16348127

Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Induced Sterilization and Chemical Neutralization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garate, Eusebio; Evans, Kirk; Gornostaeva, Olga; Alexeff, Igor; Lock Kang, Weng; Wood, Thomas K.

1998-11-01

We are studying chemical neutralization and surface decontamination using atmospheric pressure plasma discharges. The plasma is produced by corona discharge from an array of pins and a ground plane. The array is constructed so that various gases, like argon or helium, can be flowed past the pins where the discharge is initiated. The pin array can be biased using either DC, AC or pulsed discharges. Results indicate that the atmospheric plasma is effective in sterilizing surfaces with biological contaminants like E-coli and bacillus subtilus cells. Exposure times of less than four minutes in an air plasma result in a decrease in live colony counts by six orders of magnitude. Greater exposure times result in a decrease of live colony counts of up to ten orders of magnitude. The atmospheric pressure discharge is also effective in decomposing organic phosphate compounds that are simulants for chemical warfare agents. Details of the decomposition chemistry, by-product formation, and electrical energy consumption of the system will be discussed.

Comparison of low-temperature hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilization for endoscopes using various Sterrad models.

PubMed

Okpara-Hofmann, J; Knoll, M; Dürr, M; Schmitt, B; Borneff-Lipp, M

2005-04-01

This study compared the effectiveness of sterilizing four types of endoscope using different models of the Sterrad system (Sterrad 50, 100, 100S and 200). Sterilization levels meeting international requirements were attained in all cases with carriers inoculated with Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores. The endoscopes were tested in half cycles ('overkill'). This is the first study to compare the Sterrad models marketed to date in terms of effective sterilization of endoscopes with narrow lumens.

Cold Atmospheric Air Plasma Sterilization against Spores and Other Microorganisms of Clinical Interest

PubMed Central

Isbary, Georg; Shimizu, Tetsuji; Li, Yang-Fang; Zimmermann, Julia L.; Stolz, Wilhelm; Schlegel, Jürgen; Morfill, Gregor E.; Schmidt, Hans-Ulrich

2012-01-01

Physical cold atmospheric surface microdischarge (SMD) plasma operating in ambient air has promising properties for the sterilization of sensitive medical devices where conventional methods are not applicable. Furthermore, SMD plasma could revolutionize the field of disinfection at health care facilities. The antimicrobial effects on Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria of clinical relevance, as well as the fungus Candida albicans, were tested. Thirty seconds of plasma treatment led to a 4 to 6 log10 CFU reduction on agar plates. C. albicans was the hardest to inactivate. The sterilizing effect on standard bioindicators (bacterial endospores) was evaluated on dry test specimens that were wrapped in Tyvek coupons. The experimental D23°C values for Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus atrophaeus, and Geobacillus stearothermophilus were determined as 0.3 min, 0.5 min, 0.6 min, and 0.9 min, respectively. These decimal reduction times (D values) are distinctly lower than D values obtained with other reference methods. Importantly, the high inactivation rate was independent of the material of the test specimen. Possible inactivation mechanisms for relevant microorganisms are briefly discussed, emphasizing the important role of neutral reactive plasma species and pointing to recent diagnostic methods that will contribute to a better understanding of the strong biocidal effect of SMD air plasma. PMID:22582068

Cold atmospheric air plasma sterilization against spores and other microorganisms of clinical interest.

PubMed

Klämpfl, Tobias G; Isbary, Georg; Shimizu, Tetsuji; Li, Yang-Fang; Zimmermann, Julia L; Stolz, Wilhelm; Schlegel, Jürgen; Morfill, Gregor E; Schmidt, Hans-Ulrich

2012-08-01

Physical cold atmospheric surface microdischarge (SMD) plasma operating in ambient air has promising properties for the sterilization of sensitive medical devices where conventional methods are not applicable. Furthermore, SMD plasma could revolutionize the field of disinfection at health care facilities. The antimicrobial effects on Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria of clinical relevance, as well as the fungus Candida albicans, were tested. Thirty seconds of plasma treatment led to a 4 to 6 log(10) CFU reduction on agar plates. C. albicans was the hardest to inactivate. The sterilizing effect on standard bioindicators (bacterial endospores) was evaluated on dry test specimens that were wrapped in Tyvek coupons. The experimental D(23)(°)(C) values for Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus atrophaeus, and Geobacillus stearothermophilus were determined as 0.3 min, 0.5 min, 0.6 min, and 0.9 min, respectively. These decimal reduction times (D values) are distinctly lower than D values obtained with other reference methods. Importantly, the high inactivation rate was independent of the material of the test specimen. Possible inactivation mechanisms for relevant microorganisms are briefly discussed, emphasizing the important role of neutral reactive plasma species and pointing to recent diagnostic methods that will contribute to a better understanding of the strong biocidal effect of SMD air plasma.

Generation of a nonequlibrium plasma in heterophase atmospheric-pressure gas-liquid media and demonstration of its sterilization ability

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Akishev, Yu. S.; Grushin, M. E.; Karal'nik, V. B.

Results are presented from experiments on the generation of a low-temperature nonequilibrium plasma in atmospheric-pressure heterophase gas-liquid media of different compositions: (i) a liquid with air bubbles and (ii) air with liquid aerosol. To illustrate possible application of a low-temperature plasma in a heterophase medium, experiments on the inactivation of some microorganisms by a low-temperature plasma have been performed.

System for sterilizing objects. [cleaning space vehicle systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bryan, C. J.; Wright, E. E., Jr.; Moyers, C. V. (Inventor)

1981-01-01

A system for producing a stream of humidified sterilizing gas for sterilizing objects such as the water systems of space vehicles and the like includes a source of sterilant gas which is fed to a mixing chamber which has inlet and outlet ports. The level of the water only partially fills the mixing chamber so as to provide an empty space adjacent the top of the chamber. A heater is provided for heating the water in the chamber so as to produce a humidified atmosphere. The sterilant gas is fed through an arcuate shaped tubular member connected to the inlet port of the mixing chamber for producing a vortex type of flow of sterilant gas into the chamber for humidification. A tubular member extends from the mixing chamber for supplying the humidified sterilant gas to the object for being sterilized. Scrubbers are provided for removing the sterilant gas after use.

Sterilization of silicone-based hydrogels for biomedical application using ozone gas: Comparison with conventional techniques.

PubMed

Galante, Raquel; Ghisleni, Daniela; Paradiso, Patrizia; Alves, Vitor D; Pinto, Terezinha J A; Colaço, Rogério; Serro, Ana Paula

2017-09-01

Sterilization of hydrogels is challenging due to their often reported sensitivity to conventional methods involving heat or radiation. Although aseptic manufacturing is a possibility, terminal sterilization is safer in biological terms, leading to a higher overall efficiency, and thus should be used whenever it is possible. The main goal of this work was to study the applicability of an innovative ozone gas terminal sterilization method for silicone-based hydrogels and compare its efficacy and effects with those of traditional sterilization methods: steam heat and gamma irradiation. Ozone gas sterilization is a method with potential interest since it is reported as a low cost green method, does not leave toxic residues and can be applied to thermosensitive materials. A hydrogel intended for ophthalmological applications, based on tris(trimethylsiloxy)silyl] propyl methacrylate, was prepared and extensively characterized before and after the sterilization procedures. Alterations regarding transparency, swelling, wettability, ionic permeability, friction coefficient, mechanical properties, topography and morphology and chemical composition were monitored. Efficacy of the ozonation was accessed by performing controlled contaminations and sterility tests. In vitro cytotoxicity testes were also performed. The results show that ozonation may be applied to sterilize the studied material. A treatment with 8 pulses allowed sterilizing the material with bioburdens≤10 3 CFU/mL, preserving all the studied properties within the required known values for contact lenses materials. However, a higher exposure (10 pulses) led to some degradation of the material and induced mild cytotoxicity. Steam heat sterilization led to an increase of swelling capacity and a decrease of the water contact angle. Regarding gamma irradiation, the increase of irradiation dose led to an increase of the friction coefficient. The higher dose (25kGy) originated surface degradation and affected the

Comparative evaluation of the sporicidal activity of new low-temperature sterilization technologies: ethylene oxide, 2 plasma sterilization systems, and liquid peracetic acid.

PubMed

Rutala, W A; Gergen, M F; Weber, D J

1998-08-01

This study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of 4 new low-temperature sterilization technologies: ethylene oxide with hydrochlorofluorocarbons, a liquid peracetic acid immersion system (Steris System 1 Processor), and 2 plasma sterilization processes that use vaporized hydrogen peroxide (Sterrad 100 and the Sterrad 100S). The Sterrad 100S system potentially improves sterilizer efficacy by using 2 cycles of a diffusion stage and a plasma stage per sterilization cycle. Flat stainless steel carriers were inoculated with approximately 10(6) Bacillus stearothermophilus spores. These carriers were aseptically placed in the middle of 40 cm long stainless steel lumens (hollow tubes). Two types of lumen were used:(1) a lumen test unit with a removable 5 cm center piece (1.2 cm diameter) of stainless steel sealed to the narrower steel tubing by hard rubber septums and (2) a straight lumen. Three different diameters of the lumen test unit (1, 2, and 3 mm) and a single diameter of the straight lumen (3 mm) were studied. At least 40 replicates were performed for each type of lumen and sterilization method. After inoculation, the test unit was evaluated in 1 of the low-temperature sterilization technologies. After sterilization, the carriers were cultured in trypticase soy broth for 14 days at 55 degrees C and assessed for growth of B stearothermophilus spores. Our results demonstrated that ethylene oxide with hydrochlorofluorocarbons, the Sterrad 100s, and the Sterrad 100S half cycle were highly effective in killing approximately 10(6) B stearothermophilus spores present in the center of narrow-lumen stainless steel tubes. As the lumen diameter decreased with the lumen test unit, the Sterrad 100 demonstrated reduced ability to kill B stearothermophilus spores present on the carrier. At the smallest diameter tested (1 mm), the Sterrad 100 system failed 74% of the time. The Steris System 1 was not effective in completely eliminating the 10(6) inoculum under test conditions

Lumen claims of the STERRAD 100NX sterilizer: testing performance limits when processing equipment containing long, narrow lumens.

PubMed

Diab-Elschahawi, Magda; Blacky, Alexander; Bachhofner, Nicole; Koller, Walter

2011-11-01

According to manufacturers information, the STERRAD 100NX sterilizer-a low temperature H(2)O(2) gas plasma sterilizer-can adequately process single channel stainless steel lumens with an inside diameter of 0.7 mm or larger and a maximum length of 500 mm using standard cycle sterilizing conditions. The aim of this study was to qualify the performance of this H(2)O(2) gas plasma sterilizer under different experimental settings representing worst case conditions. Inoculated carriers were placed at the midpoint position of specified lumens and then submitted to flex scope sterilizing conditions. To simulate insufficient cleaning or crystalline residues, we added organic and inorganic challenges to our inoculated carriers. For experiments done with unchallenged carriers, quantitative analysis reached a log(10) reduction rate of ≥5.71, whereas qualitative results showed no growth in 24 out of 30 biologic indicators tested using flex scope half cycle conditions. Any additional kind of challenge significantly impaired the sterilization outcome. The findings of our current study emphasize the importance of a thorough validated cleaning of medical devices as well as timing for cleaning and decontamination before being exposed to the H(2)O(2) sterilization process and, furthermore, the need for strict adherence to manufacturer's recommendations. Copyright © 2011 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Sterilization of medical equipment and contaminated articles by making use of a resistive barrier discharge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uhm, Han S.; Kang, Jung G.; Choi, Eun H.; Cho, Guang S.

2012-08-01

Presented here is an apparatus consisting of an atmospheric resistive-barrier discharge for the sterilization of medical tools wrapped in typical hospital cloths, for the sterilization of manufactured drugs in typical packaging materials, and for the sterilization of biologically-contaminated articles. The sterilization apparatus consists of layers of the resistive-barrier discharge device operating at room temperature, a sterilization chamber, and an ozone destruction device. An electrical discharge in the resistive-barrier discharge system generates an atmospheric plasma in oxygen gas, generating ozone, which in turn efficiently sterilizes medical tools and biologically contaminated articles at room temperature. A sterilization experiment was carried out at an apparatus volume of 100 liters, with a sterilization chamber volume of 60 liters, and a discharge device volume of 40 liters. The sterilization in this experiment required 60 W of power for 5 hours of residence time. For a given sterilization time, the required electrical power was proportional to the apparatus volume. Ozone in the sterilization chamber was destroyed safely after sterilization.

The effect of poly sterilization on wear, osteolysis and survivorship of a press-fit cup at 10-year followup.

PubMed

Engh, Charles A; Powers, Cara C; Ho, Henry; Beykirch-Padgett, Sarah E; Hopper, Robert H; Engh, C Anderson

2012-02-01

During the mid-1990s when our institution was using a press-fit porous-coated cup without supplemental initial fixation for primary THA, the manufacturer transitioned from gamma irradiation to gas plasma for the terminal sterilization of their polyethylene liners. At minimum 10-year followup, we asked whether the fixation achieved by solely relying on a press-fit would be durable and how different liner sterilization methods affected radiographic wear, osteolysis, and survivorship. We retrospectively reviewed 373 patients who underwent 398 primary THAs with a press-fit porous-coated cup between March 1995 and December 1996. Mean age at time of surgery was 61.5 ± 13.3 years and mean followup was 10.4 ± 3.7 years. We determined reasons for revision, survivorship, femoral head penetration, osteolysis, and wear-related complications. Among 20 revisions involving any component, seven were associated with wear and osteolysis. Kaplan-Meier survivorship, using component revision for any reason as an end point, was 95.7% (95% confidence interval, 93.6%-97.9%) at 10 years. Noncrosslinked liners sterilized with gas plasma demonstrated a mean head penetration rate of 0.20 ± 0.09 mm/year compared with 0.13 ± 0.07 mm/year for liners sterilized with gamma irradiation in air and 0.09 ± 0.04 mm/year for liners sterilized with gamma-irradiation with barrier packaging without oxygen. THAs with increased volumetric wear tended to demonstrate larger osteolytic lesions (r = 0.40) and there tended to be less osteolysis among the liners sterilized with gamma-irradiation with barrier packaging without oxygen. However, there was no difference in survivorship among the sterilization groups and there has been no cup or stem loosening associated with osteolysis. Durable biologic fixation through 10-year followup can be achieved by solely relying on an initial press-fit. Noncrosslinking gas plasma for terminal sterilization of the polyethylene liners was associated with greater head

Molecular mechanism of plasma sterilization in solution with the reduced pH method: importance of permeation of HOO radicals into the cell membrane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takai, Eisuke; Ikawa, Satoshi; Kitano, Katsuhisa; Kuwabara, Junpei; Shiraki, Kentaro

2013-07-01

Sterilization of certain infected areas of the human body surface is necessary for dental and surgical therapies. Because the blood is filled with body fluid, sterilization in solution is essential. In vitro solution sterilization has been successively carried out using a combination of low-temperature atmospheric-pressure plasma and the reduced pH method, where the solution is sufficiently acidic. Here, we show the molecular mechanism of such plasma sterilization in solution based on microbiology. Three kinds of bacteria were inactivated by plasma treatment under various pH conditions. The theoretical and experimental models revealed that the sterilization was characterized by the concentration of hydroperoxy radicals (HOO·), which were dependent on the pH value. Bacterial inactivation rates were proportional to the HOO· concentrations calculated by the theoretical model. To evaluate the penetration of radicals into the cell membrane, a bacterial model using dye-included micelles was used. Decolouration rates of the model were also in proportion with the calculated HOO· concentrations. These results indicate that the key species for plasma sterilization were hydroperoxy radicals. More importantly, the high permeation of hydroperoxy radicals into the cell membrane plays a key role for efficient bactericidal inactivation using the reduced pH method.

Treatment of enterococcus faecalis bacteria by a helium atmospheric cold plasma brush with oxygen addition

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chen Wei; Huang Jun; Wang Xingquan

2012-07-01

An atmospheric cold plasma brush suitable for large area and low-temperature plasma-based sterilization is designed. Results demonstrate that the He/O{sub 2} plasma more effectively kills Enterococcus faecalis than the pure He plasma. In addition, the sterilization efficiency values of the He/O{sub 2} plasma depend on the oxygen fraction in Helium gas. The atmospheric cold plasma brush using a proper ratio of He/O{sub 2} (2.5%) reaches the optimum sterilization efficiency. After plasma treatment, the cell structure and morphology changes can be observed by the scanning electron microscopy. Optical emission measurements indicate that reactive species such as O and OH play amore » significant role in the sterilization process.« less

Investigating the Detrimental Effects of Low Pressure Plasma Sterilization on the Survival of Bacillus subtilis Spores Using Live Cell Microscopy.

PubMed

Fuchs, Felix M; Raguse, Marina; Fiebrandt, Marcel; Madela, Kazimierz; Awakowicz, Peter; Laue, Michael; Stapelmann, Katharina; Moeller, Ralf

2017-11-30

Plasma sterilization is a promising alternative to conventional sterilization methods for industrial, clinical, and spaceflight purposes. Low pressure plasma (LPP) discharges contain a broad spectrum of active species, which lead to rapid microbial inactivation. To study the efficiency and mechanisms of sterilization by LPP, we use spores of the test organism Bacillus subtilis because of their extraordinary resistance against conventional sterilization procedures. We describe the production of B. subtilis spore monolayers, the sterilization process by low pressure plasma in a double inductively coupled plasma reactor, the characterization of spore morphology using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the analysis of germination and outgrowth of spores by live cell microscopy. A major target of plasma species is genomic material (DNA) and repair of plasma-induced DNA lesions upon spore revival is crucial for survival of the organism. Here, we study the germination capacity of spores and the role of DNA repair during spore germination and outgrowth after treatment with LPP by tracking fluorescently-labelled DNA repair proteins (RecA) with time-resolved confocal fluorescence microscopy. Treated and untreated spore monolayers are activated for germination and visualized with an inverted confocal live cell microscope over time to follow the reaction of individual spores. Our observations reveal that the fraction of germinating and outgrowing spores is dependent on the duration of LPP-treatment reaching a minimum after 120 s. RecA-YFP (yellow fluorescence protein) fluorescence was detected only in few spores and developed in all outgrowing cells with a slight elevation in LPP-treated spores. Moreover, some of the vegetative bacteria derived from LPP-treated spores showed an increase in cytoplasm and tended to lyse. The described methods for analysis of individual spores could be exemplary for the study of other aspects of spore germination and outgrowth.

The relative safety of gamma-ray, autoclave, and ethylene oxide gas sterilization of thermosetting polyurethane.

PubMed

Shintani, H

1995-01-01

Sterilization of polyurethane (PU) produces 4,4'-methylenedianiline (MDA), a known carcinogen, and various other compounds. The relationships of the components of PU to the formation of these compounds by sterilization were studied. Specimens of PU fabricated from different combinations of isocyanates and polyols were obtained from dialyzers. The molecular weight of the particular polyol was found to influence the production of MDA by sterilization. Sterilization also produced many unidentified compounds. MDA production was not always associated with the production of the other compounds. Compared with gamma-ray irradiation and ethylene oxide gas (EOG) sterilization, autoclave sterilization eluted more hydrophilic compounds. This phenomenon was significant for PUs produced from smaller-molecular-weight polyols. The combination of autoclave sterilization and a PU produced from a larger-molecular-weight polyol is recommended to minimize the production of potentially toxic compounds. Of the techniques studied, EOG sterilization produced the least amounts of MDA and the other compounds, but the residue of EOG is itself problematic. The risk posed by the amounts of MDA extracted was not significant, but the biological safety of the other compounds remains to be determined.

Acid Etching and Plasma Sterilization Fail to Improve Osseointegration of Grit Blasted Titanium Implants

PubMed Central

Saksø, Mikkel; Jakobsen, Stig S; Saksø, Henrik; Baas, Jørgen; Jakobsen, Thomas; Søballe, Kjeld

2012-01-01

Interaction between implant surface and surrounding bone influences implant fixation. We attempted to improve the bone-implant interaction by 1) adding surface micro scale topography by acid etching, and 2) removing surface-adherent pro-inflammatory agents by plasma cleaning. Implant fixation was evaluated by implant osseointegration and biomechanical fixation. The study consisted of two paired animal sub-studies where 10 skeletally mature Labrador dogs were used. Grit blasted titanium alloy implants were inserted press fit in each proximal tibia. In the first study grit blasted implants were compared with acid etched grit blasted implants. In the second study grit blasted implants were compared with acid etched grit blasted implants that were further treated with plasma sterilization. Implant performance was evaluated by histomorphometrical investigation (tissue-to-implant contact, peri-implant tissue density) and mechanical push-out testing after four weeks observation time. Neither acid etching nor plasma sterilization of the grit blasted implants enhanced osseointegration or mechanical fixation in this press-fit canine implant model in a statistically significant manner. PMID:22962567

Ternary gas plasma welding torch

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rybicki, Daniel J. (Inventor); Mcgee, William F. (Inventor); Waldron, Douglas J. (Inventor)

1995-01-01

A plasma arc welding torch is discussed. A first plasma gas is directed through the body of the welding torch and out of the body across the tip of a welding electrode disposed at the forward end of the body. A second plasma gas is disposed for flow through a longitudinal bore in the electrode. The second plasma gas enters one end of the electrode and exits the electrode at the tip thereof for co-acting with the electric welding arc to produce the desired weld. A shield gas is directed through the torch body and circulates around the head of the torch adjacent to the electrode tip.

System and method of applying energetic ions for sterilization

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schmidt, John A.

2003-12-23

A method of sterilization of a container is provided whereby a cold plasma is caused to be disposed near a surface to be sterilized, and the cold plasma is then subjected to a pulsed voltage differential for producing energized ions in the plasma. Those energized ions then operate to achieve spore destruction on the surface to be sterilized. Further, a system for sterilization of a container which includes a conductive or non-conductive container, a cold plasma in proximity to the container, and a high voltage source for delivering a pulsed voltage differential between an electrode and the container and acrossmore » the cold plasma, is provided.« less

Comparative study of different techniques for the sterilization of poly-L-lactide electrospun microfibers: effectiveness vs. material degradation.

PubMed

Rainer, Alberto; Centola, Matteo; Spadaccio, Cristiano; Gherardi, Giovanni; Genovese, Jorge A; Licoccia, Silvia; Trombetta, Marcella

2010-02-01

Electrospinning of biopolymeric scaffolds is a new and effective approach for creating replacement tissues to repair defects and/or damaged tissues with direct clinical application. However, many hurdles and technical concerns regarding biological issues, such as cell retention and the ability to grow, still need to be overcome to gain full access to the clinical arena. Interaction with the host human tissues, immunogenicity, pathogen transmission as well as production costs, technical expertise, and good manufacturing and laboratory practice requirements call for careful consideration when aiming at the production of a material that is available off-the-shelf, to be used immediately in operative settings. The issue of sterilization is one of the most important steps for the clinical application of these scaffolds. Nevertheless, relatively few studies have been performed to systematically investigate how sterilization treatments may affect the properties of electrospun polymers for tissue engineering. This paper presents the results of a comparative study of different sterilization techniques applied to an electrospun poly-L-lactide scaffold: soaking in absolute ethanol, dry oven and autoclave treatments, UV irradiation, and hydrogen peroxide gas plasma treatment. Morphological and chemical characterization was coupled with microbiological sterility assay to validate the examined sterilization techniques in terms of effectiveness and modifications to the scaffold. The results of this study reveal that UV irradiation and hydrogen peroxide gas plasma are the most effective sterilization techniques, as they ensure sterility of the electrospun scaffolds without affecting their chemical and morphological features.

Gas discharge plasmas are effective in inactivating Bacillus and Clostridium spores.

PubMed

Tseng, Shawn; Abramzon, Nina; Jackson, James O; Lin, Wei-Jen

2012-03-01

Bacterial spores are the most resistant form of life and have been a major threat to public health and food safety. Nonthermal atmospheric gas discharge plasma is a novel sterilization method that leaves no chemical residue. In our study, a helium radio-frequency cold plasma jet was used to examine its sporicidal effect on selected strains of Bacillus and Clostridium. The species tested included Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus stearothermophilus, Clostridium sporogenes, Clostridium perfringens, Clostridium difficile, and Clostridium botulinum type A and type E. The plasmas were effective in inactivating selected Bacillus and Clostridia spores with D values (decimal reduction time) ranging from 2 to 8 min. Among all spores tested, C. botulinum type A and C. sporogenes were significantly more resistant to plasma inactivation than other species. Observations by phase contrast microscopy showed that B. subtilis spores were severely damaged by plasmas and the majority of the treated spores were unable to initiate the germination process. There was no detectable fragmentation of the DNA when the spores were treated for up to 20 min. The release of dipicolinic acid was observed almost immediately after the plasma treatment, indicating the spore envelope damage could occur quickly resulting in dipicolinic acid release and the reduction of spore resistance.

Power Efficient Plasma Technique for Rapid Water Sterilization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hershcovitch, Ady

2015-11-01

Water especially good quality drinking water is a dwindling resource for significant segments of the world population. The BBC quoted this article (http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/8e42bdc8-0838-11e4-9afc-00144feab7de.html) for a claim that water shortage is a bigger problem than climate change. One option for increasing the water supply is to recycle waste and polluted water by inexpensive, environmentally friendly methods. First steps involve filtrations while the last step is water disinfection. Presently disinfection is done chemically and/or UV radiation. Some chemicals cannot be used in large quantity due to residual toxicity, while UV disinfection systems consume a great deal electricity. Plasmas in water are very attractive for water sterilization due to UV radiation, ozone, etc. generation inside the water volume. Commercially available devices like NK-03 Blue Ballast System are used aboard ships for water purification. But, presently utilized plasmas: glow, pulsed arcs are not power efficient. Vortex stabilized plasmas, which are power efficient, can even degrade medications (antibiotics) advancing the state-of-the-art by orders of magnitude, especially when combined with electron beams. Disinfection scheme will be presented. Work supported by Contract No. DE-AC02-98CH1-886 with the US DOE.

Development of advanced antimicrobial and sterilized plasma polypropylene grafted muga (Antheraea assama) silk as suture biomaterial.

PubMed

Gogoi, Dolly; Choudhury, Arup Jyoti; Chutia, Joyanti; Pal, Arup Ratan; Khan, Mojibur; Choudhury, Manash; Pathak, Pallabi; Das, Gouranga; Patil, Dinkar S

2014-04-01

Surface modification of silk fibroin (SF) materials using environmentally friendly and non-hazardous process to tailor them for specific application as biomaterials has drawn a great deal of interest in the field of biomedical research. To further explore this area of research, in this report, polypropylene (PP) grafted muga (Antheraea assama) SF (PP-AASF) suture is developed using plasma treatment and plasma graft polymerization process. For this purpose, AASF is first sterilized in argon (Ar) plasma treatment followed by grafting PP onto its surface. AASF is a non-mulberry variety having superior qualities to mulberry SF and is still unexplored in the context of suture biomaterial. AASF, Ar plasma treated AASF (AASFAr) and PP-AASF are subjected to various characterization techniques for better comparison and the results are attempted to correlate with their observed properties. Excellent mechanical strength, hydrophobicity, antibacterial behavior, and remarkable wound healing activity of PP-AASF over AASF and AASFAr make it a promising candidate for application as sterilized suture biomaterial. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Understanding of the importance of the spore coat structure and pigmentation in the Bacillus subtilis spore resistance to low-pressure plasma sterilization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raguse, Marina; Fiebrandt, Marcel; Denis, Benjamin; Stapelmann, Katharina; Eichenberger, Patrick; Driks, Adam; Eaton, Peter; Awakowicz, Peter; Moeller, Ralf

2016-07-01

Low-pressure plasmas have been evaluated for their potential in biomedical and defense purposes. The sterilizing effect of plasma can be attributed to several active agents, including (V)UV radiation, charged particles, radical species, neutral and excited atoms and molecules, and the electric field. Spores of Bacillus subtilis were used as a bioindicator and a genetic model system to study the sporicidal effects of low-pressure plasma decontamination. Wild-type spores, spores lacking the major protective coat layers (inner, outer, and crust), pigmentation-deficient spores or spore impaired in encasement (a late step in coat assembly) were systematically tested for their resistance to low-pressure argon, hydrogen, and oxygen plasmas with and without admixtures. We demonstrate that low-pressure plasma discharges of argon and oxygen discharges cause significant physical damage to spore surface structures as visualized by atomic force microscopy. Spore resistance to low-pressure plasma was primarily dependent on the presence of the inner, and outer spore coat layers as well as spore encasement, with minor or less importance of the crust and spore pigmentation, whereas spore inactivation itself was strongly influenced by the gas composition and operational settings.

Effects of Low-Temperature Plasma-Sterilization on Mars Analog Soil Samples Mixed with Deinococcus radiodurans.

PubMed

Schirmack, Janosch; Fiebrandt, Marcel; Stapelmann, Katharina; Schulze-Makuch, Dirk

2016-05-26

We used Ar plasma-sterilization at a temperature below 80 °C to examine its effects on the viability of microorganisms when intermixed with tested soil. Due to a relatively low temperature, this method is not thought to affect the properties of a soil, particularly its organic component, to a significant degree. The method has previously been shown to work well on spacecraft parts. The selected microorganism for this test was Deinococcus radiodurans R1, which is known for its remarkable resistance to radiation effects. Our results showed a reduction in microbial counts after applying a low temperature plasma, but not to a degree suitable for a sterilization of the soil. Even an increase of the treatment duration from 1.5 to 45 min did not achieve satisfying results, but only resulted in in a mean cell reduction rate of 75% compared to the untreated control samples.

The cold and atmospheric-pressure air surface barrier discharge plasma for large-area sterilization applications

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang Dacheng; Department of Aeronautics, Fujian Key Laboratory for Plasma and Magnetic Resonance, School of Physics and Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005; Zhao Di

2011-04-18

This letter reports a stable air surface barrier discharge device for large-area sterilization applications at room temperature. This design may result in visually uniform plasmas with the electrode area scaled up (or down) to the required size. A comparison for the survival rates of Escherichia coli from air, N{sub 2} and O{sub 2} surface barrier discharge plasmas is presented, and the air surface plasma consisting of strong filamentary discharges can efficiently kill Escherichia coli. Optical emission measurements indicate that reactive species such as O and OH generated in the room temperature air plasmas play a significant role in the sterilizationmore » process.« less

Endotoxin removal by radio frequency gas plasma (glow discharge)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Poon, Angela

2011-12-01

Contaminants remaining on implantable medical devices, even following sterilization, include dangerous fever-causing residues of the outer lipopolysaccharide-rich membranes of Gram-negative bacteria such as the common gut microorganism E. coli. The conventional method for endotoxin removal is by Food & Drug Administration (FDA)-recommended dry-heat depyrogenation at 250°C for at least 45 minutes, an excessively time-consuming high-temperature technique not suitable for low-melting or heat-distortable biomaterials. This investigation evaluated the mechanism by which E. coli endotoxin contamination can be eliminated from surfaces during ambient temperature single 3-minute to cumulative 15-minute exposures to radio-frequency glow discharge (RFGD)-generated residual room air plasmas activated at 0.1-0.2 torr in a 35MHz electrodeless chamber. The main analytical technique for retained pyrogenic bio-activity was the Kinetic Chromogenic Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) Assay, sufficiently sensitive to document compliance with FDA-required Endotoxin Unit (EU) titers less than 20 EU per medical device by optical detection of enzymatic color development corresponding to < 0.5 EU/ml in sterile water extracts of each device. The main analytical technique for identification of chemical compositions, amounts, and changes during sequential reference Endotoxin additions and subsequent RFGD-treatment removals from infrared (IR)-transparent germanium (Ge) prisms was Multiple Attenuated Internal Reflection (MAIR) infrared spectroscopy sensitive to even monolayer amounts of retained bio-contaminant. KimaxRTM 60 mm x 15 mm and 50mm x 15mm laboratory glass dishes and germanium internal reflection prisms were inoculated with E. coli bacterial endotoxin water suspensions at increments of 0.005, 0.05, 0.5, and 5 EU, and characterized by MAIR-IR spectroscopy of the dried residues on the Ge prisms and LAL Assay of sterile water extracts from both glass and Ge specimens. The Ge prism MAIR

Material conformity and bactericidal properties of high-frequency-pulse-modulated and low-frequency-pulse-excited plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Okawa, H.; Akitsu, T.

2018-05-01

Plasma sterilization attracts an increasing attention as an alternative method for chemical sterilization. In this study, we investigate plasma sterilization for practical applications, particularly in dentistry and oral surgery [1]. Helium-diluted oxygen was excited by a dielectric barrier electrode at normal atmospheric pressure. Control of the neutral gas temperature was performed under the plasma sterilization. The relation between the intensity of the spectral emission from the excited oxygen atoms and bactericidal effect was investigated using Bacillus stearothermophilus and opportunistic infection bacterium. A comparison is performed with a low-frequency wide-gap discharge. Degradation and material conformity were investigated using the Tyvek unwoven fabric for the sterile package and soft-silicone resin, methyl-methacrylate powder filler used in the dental surgery.

Ozone-mist spray sterilization for pest control in agricultural management

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ebihara, Kenji; Mitsugi, Fumiaki; Ikegami, Tomoaki; Nakamura, Norihito; Hashimoto, Yukio; Yamashita, Yoshitaka; Baba, Seiji; Stryczewska, Henryka D.; Pawlat, Joanna; Teii, Shinriki; Sung, Ta-Lun

2013-02-01

We developed a portable ozone-mist sterilization system to exterminate pests (harmful insects) in agricultural field and greenhouse. The system is composed of an ozone generator, an ozone-mist spray and a small container of ozone gas. The ozone generator can supply highly concentrated ozone using the surface dielectric barrier discharge. Ozone-mist is produced using a developed nozzle system. We studied the effects of ozone-mist spray sterilization on insects and agricultural plants. The sterilization conditions are estimated by monitoring the behavior of aphids and observing the damage of the plants. It was shown that aphids were exterminated in 30 s without noticeable damages of the plant leaves. The reactive radicals with strong oxidation potential such as hydroxyl radical (*OH), hydroperoxide radical (*HO2), the superoxide ion radical (*O2‒) and ozonide radical ion (*O3‒) can increase the sterilization rate for aphids. Contribution to the Topical Issue "13th International Symposium on High Pressure Low Temperature Plasma Chemistry (Hakone XIII)", Edited by Nicolas Gherardi, Henryca Danuta Stryczewska and Yvan Ségui.

In vitro bactericidal efficacy of atmospheric-pressure plasma jet on titanium-based implant infected with Staphylococcus aureus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Young-Ouk; Lee, Chang-Min; Kim, Myung-Sun; Jung, Sang-Chul; Yang, Seong-Won; Kook, Min-Suk; Kim, Byung-Hoon

2017-01-01

Staphylococcus aureus is a representative of gram-positive bacteria that causes skin infection, respiratory diseases, and burned tissue infections. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sterilizing efficiency of an atmospheric-pressure plasma jet (APPJ) on S. aureus adhered on a titanium surface. During the APPJ sterilization, the plasma gases used were Ar, Ar+N2, and Ar+O2. With increasing APPJ treatment time, the viability of S. aureus decreased. The addition of O2 gas to Ar gas resulted in a higher sterilizing efficiency than the addition of other groups. Plasma exposure induced bacterial oxidative stress, and it was confirmed that the cell membrane was seriously damaged by the production of reactive oxygen species. Our finding suggests that the APPJ is an effective tool for clinical antimicrobial therapy.

Sterilization of Exopolysaccharides Produced by Deep-Sea Bacteria: Impact on Their Stability and Degradation

PubMed Central

Rederstorff, Emilie; Fatimi, Ahmed; Sinquin, Corinne; Ratiskol, Jacqueline; Merceron, Christophe; Vinatier, Claire; Weiss, Pierre; Colliec-Jouault, Sylvia

2011-01-01

Polysaccharides are highly heat-sensitive macromolecules, so high temperature treatments are greatly destructive and cause considerable damage, such as a great decrease in both viscosity and molecular weight of the polymer. The technical feasibility of the production of exopolysaccharides by deep-sea bacteria Vibrio diabolicus and Alteromonas infernus was previously demonstrated using a bioproduct manufacturing process. The objective of this study was to determine which sterilization method, other than heat sterilization, was the most appropriate for these marine exopolysaccharides and was in accordance with bioprocess engineering requirements. Chemical sterilization using low-temperature ethylene oxide and a mixture of ionized gases (plasmas) was compared to the sterilization methods using gamma and beta radiations. The changes to both the physical and chemical properties of the sterilized exopolysaccharides were analyzed. The use of ethylene oxide can be recommended for the sterilization of polysaccharides as a weak effect on both rheological and structural properties was observed. This low-temperature gas sterilizing process is very efficient, giving a good Sterility Assurance Level (SAL), and is also well suited to large-scale compound manufacturing in the pharmaceutical industry. PMID:21566796

New disinfection and sterilization methods.

PubMed Central

Rutala, W. A.; Weber, D. J.

2001-01-01

New disinfection methods include a persistent antimicrobial coating that can be applied to inanimate and animate objects (Surfacine), a high-level disinfectant with reduced exposure time (ortho-phthalaldehyde), and an antimicrobial agent that can be applied to animate and inanimate objects (superoxidized water). New sterilization methods include a chemical sterilization process for endoscopes that integrates cleaning (Endoclens), a rapid (4-hour) readout biological indicator for ethylene oxide sterilization (Attest), and a hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilizer that has a shorter cycle time and improved efficacy (Sterrad 50). PMID:11294738

Paraelectric gas flow accelerator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sherman, Daniel M. (Inventor); Wilkinson, Stephen P. (Inventor); Roth, J. Reece (Inventor)

2001-01-01

A substrate is configured with first and second sets of electrodes, where the second set of electrodes is positioned asymmetrically between the first set of electrodes. When a RF voltage is applied to the electrodes sufficient to generate a discharge plasma (e.g., a one-atmosphere uniform glow discharge plasma) in the gas adjacent to the substrate, the asymmetry in the electrode configuration results in force being applied to the active species in the plasma and in turn to the neutral background gas. Depending on the relative orientation of the electrodes to the gas, the present invention can be used to accelerate or decelerate the gas. The present invention has many potential applications, including increasing or decreasing aerodynamic drag or turbulence, and controlling the flow of active and/or neutral species for such uses as flow separation, altering heat flow, plasma cleaning, sterilization, deposition, etching, or alteration in wettability, printability, and/or adhesion.

Optical and application study of gas-liquid discharge excited by bipolar nanosecond pulse in atmospheric air.

PubMed

Wang, Sen; Wang, Wen-chun; Yang, De-zheng; Liu, Zhi-jie; Zhang, Shuai

2014-10-15

In this study, a bipolar nanosecond pulse with 20ns rising time is employed to generate air gas-liquid diffuse discharge plasma with room gas temperature in quartz tube at atmospheric pressure. The image of the discharge and optical emission spectra of active species in the plasma are recorded. The plasma gas temperature is determined to be approximately 390K by compared the experimental spectra with the simulated spectra, which is slightly higher than the room temperature. The result indicated that the gas temperature rises gradually with pulse peak voltage increasing, while decreases slightly with the electrode gap distance increasing. As an important application, bipolar nanosecond pulse discharge is used to sterilize the common microorganisms (Actinomycetes, Candida albicans and Escherichia coli) existing in drinking water, which performs high sterilization efficiency. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Application of a Dense Gas Technique for Sterilizing Soft Biomaterials

PubMed Central

Karajanagi, Sandeep S.; Yoganathan, Roshan; Mammucari, Raffaella; Park, Hyoungshin; Cox, Julian; Zeitels, Steven M.; Langer, Robert; Foster, Neil R.

2017-01-01

Sterilization of soft biomaterials such as hydrogels is challenging because existing methods such as gamma irradiation, steam sterilization, or ethylene oxide sterilization, while effective at achieving high sterility assurance levels (SAL), may compromise their physicochemical properties and biocompatibility. New methods that effectively sterilize soft biomaterials without compromising their properties are therefore required. In this report, a dense-carbon dioxide (CO2)-based technique was used to sterilize soft polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based hydrogels while retaining their structure and physicochemical properties. Conventional sterilization methods such as gamma irradiation and steam sterilization severely compromised the structure of the hydrogels. PEG hydrogels with high water content and low elastic shear modulus (a measure of stiffness) were deliberately inoculated with bacteria and spores and then subjected to dense CO2. The dense CO2-based methods effectively sterilized the hydrogels achieving a SAL of 10−7 without compromising the viscoelastic properties, pH, water-content, and structure of the gels. Furthermore, dense CO2-treated gels were biocompatible and non-toxic when implanted subcutaneously in ferrets. The application of novel dense CO2-based methods to sterilize soft biomaterials has implications in developing safe sterilization methods for soft biomedical implants such as dermal fillers and viscosupplements. PMID:21337339

Impact of Gas Heating in Inductively Coupled Plasmas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hash, D. B.; Bose, D.; Rao, M. V. V. S.; Cruden, B. A.; Meyyappan, M.; Sharma, S. P.; Biegel, Bryan (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

Recently it has been recognized that the neutral gas in inductively coupled plasma reactors heats up significantly during processing. The resulting gas density variations across the reactor affect reaction rates, radical densities, plasma characteristics, and uniformity within the reactor. A self-consistent model that couples the plasma generation and transport to the gas flow and heating has been developed and used to study CF4 discharges. A Langmuir probe has been used to measure radial profiles of electron density and temperature. The model predictions agree well with the experimental results. As a result of these comparisons along with the poorer performance of the model without the gas-plasma coupling, the importance of gas heating in plasma processing has been verified.

Role of plasma electrons in the generation of a gas discharge plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gruzdev, V. A.; Zalesski, V. G.; Rusetski, I. S.

2012-12-01

The role of different ionization mechanisms in penning-type gas discharges used to generate an emitting plasma in plasma electron sources is considered. It is shown that, under certain conditions, a substantial contribution to the process of gas ionization is provided by plasma electrons.

Sterilization of space hardware.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pflug, I. J.

1971-01-01

Discussion of various techniques of sterilization of space flight hardware using either destructive heating or the action of chemicals. Factors considered in the dry-heat destruction of microorganisms include the effects of microbial water content, temperature, the physicochemical properties of the microorganism and adjacent support, and nature of the surrounding gas atmosphere. Dry-heat destruction rates of microorganisms on the surface, between mated surface areas, or buried in the solid material of space vehicle hardware are reviewed, along with alternative dry-heat sterilization cycles, thermodynamic considerations, and considerations of final sterilization-process design. Discussed sterilization chemicals include ethylene oxide, formaldehyde, methyl bromide, dimethyl sulfoxide, peracetic acid, and beta-propiolactone.

Sterilization of Biofilm on a Titanium Surface Using a Combination of Nonthermal Plasma and Chlorhexidine Digluconate.

PubMed

Gupta, Tripti Thapa; Karki, Surya B; Matson, Jyl S; Gehling, Daniel J; Ayan, Halim

2017-01-01

Nosocomial infections caused by opportunistic bacteria pose major healthcare problem worldwide. Out of the many microorganisms responsible for such infections, Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a ubiquitous bacterium that accounts for 10-20% of hospital-acquired infections. These infections have mortality rates ranging from 18 to 60% and the cost of treatment ranges from $20,000 to $80,000 per infection. The formation of biofilms on medical devices and implants is responsible for the majority of those infections. Only limited progress has been made to prevent this issue in a safe and cost-effective manner. To address this, we propose employing jet plasma to break down and inactivate biofilms in vitro . Moreover, to improve the antimicrobial effect on the biofilm, a treatment method using a combination of jet plasma and a biocide known as chlorhexidine (CHX) digluconate was investigated. We found that complete sterilization of P. aeruginosa biofilms can be achieved after combinatorial treatment using plasma and CHX. A decrease in biofilm viability was also observed using confocal laser scanning electron microscopy (CLSM). This treatment method sterilized biofilm-contaminated surfaces in a short treatment time, indicating it to be a potential tool for the removal of biofilms present on medical devices and implants.

Termination of a Magnetized Plasma on a Neutral Gas: The End of the Plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cooper, C. M.; Gekelman, W.

2013-06-01

Experiments are performed at the Enormous Toroidal Plasma Device at UCLA to study the neutral boundary layer (NBL) between a magnetized plasma and a neutral gas along the direction of a confining magnetic field. This is the first experiment to measure plasma termination within a neutral gas without the presence of a wall or obstacle. A magnetized, current-free helium plasma created by a lanthanum hexaboride (LaB6) cathode terminates entirely within a neutral helium gas. The plasma is weakly ionized (ne/nn˜1%) and collisional λn≪Lplasma. The NBL occurs where the plasma pressure equilibrates with the neutral gas pressure, consistent with a pressure balance model. It is characterized by a field-aligned ambipolar electric field, developing self-consistently to maintain a current-free termination of the plasma on the neutral gas. Probes are inserted into the plasma to measure the plasma density, flow, temperature, current, and potential. These measurements confirm the presence of the ambipolar field and the pressure equilibration model of the NBL.

Antimicrobial outcomes in plasma medicine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ryan, Thomas P.; Stalder, Kenneth R.; Woloszko, Jean

2015-03-01

Plasma is referred to as the fourth state of matter and is frequently generated in the environment of a strong electric field. The result consists of highly reactive species--ions, electrons, reactive atoms and molecules, and UV radiation. Plasma Medicine unites a number of fields, including Physics, Plasma Chemistry, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, and Medicine. The treatment modality utilizes Cold Atmospheric Plasma (CAP), which is able to sterilize and treat microbes in a nonthermal manner. These gas-based plasma systems operate at close to room temperature and atmospheric pressure, making them very practical for a range of potential treatments and are highly portable for clinical use throughout the health care system. The hypothesis is that gas based plasma kills bacteria, fungus, and viruses but spares mammalian cells. This paper will review systematic work which shows examples of systems and performance in regards to antimicrobial effects and the sparing of mammalian cells. The mechanism of action will be discussed, as well as dosing for the treatment of microbial targets, including sterilization processes, another important healthcare need. In addition, commercial systems will be overviewed and compared, along with evidence-based, patient results. The range of treatments cover wound treatment and biofilms, as well as antimicrobial treatment, with little chance for resistance and tolerance, as in drug regimens. Current clinical studies include applications in dentistry, food treatment, cancer treatment, wound treatment for bacteria and biofilms, and systems to combat health care related infections.

Gas-filled capillaries for plasma-based accelerators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Filippi, F.; Anania, M. P.; Brentegani, E.; Biagioni, A.; Cianchi, A.; Chiadroni, E.; Ferrario, M.; Pompili, R.; Romeo, S.; Zigler, A.

2017-07-01

Plasma Wakefield Accelerators are based on the excitation of large amplitude plasma waves excited by either a laser or a particle driver beam. The amplitude of the waves, as well as their spatial dimensions and the consequent accelerating gradient depend strongly on the background electron density along the path of the accelerated particles. The process needs stable and reliable plasma sources, whose density profile must be controlled and properly engineered to ensure the appropriate accelerating mechanism. Plasma confinement inside gas filled capillaries have been studied in the past since this technique allows to control the evolution of the plasma, ensuring a stable and repeatable plasma density distribution during the interaction with the drivers. Moreover, in a gas filled capillary plasma can be pre-ionized by a current discharge to avoid ionization losses. Different capillary geometries have been studied to allow the proper temporal and spatial evolution of the plasma along the acceleration length. Results of this analysis obtained by varying the length and the number of gas inlets will be presented.

Plasma Discharges in Gas Bubbles in Liquid Water: Breakdown Mechanisms and Resultant Chemistry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gucker, Sarah M. N.

The use of atmospheric pressure plasmas in gases and liquids for purification of liquids has been investigated by numerous researchers, and is highly attractive due to their strong potential as a disinfectant and sterilizer. However, the fundamental understanding of plasma production in liquid water is still limited. Despite the decades of study dedicated to electrical discharges in liquids, many physical aspects of liquids, such as the high inhomogeneity of liquids, complicate analyses. For example, the complex nonlinearities of the fluid have intricate effects on the electric field of the propagating streamer. Additionally, the liquid material itself can vaporize, leading to discontinuous liquid-vapor boundaries. Both can and do often lead to notable hydrodynamic effects. The chemistry of these high voltage discharges on liquid media can have circular effects, with the produced species having influence on future discharges. Two notable examples include an increase in liquid conductivity via charged species production, which affects the discharge. A second, more complicated scenario seen in some liquids (such as water) is the doubling or tripling of molecular density for a few molecule layers around a high voltage electrode. These complexities require technological advancements in optical diagnostics that have only recently come into being. This dissertation investigates several aspects of electrical discharges in gas bubbles in liquids. Two primary experimental configurations are investigated: the first allows for single bubble analysis through the use of an acoustic trap. Electrodes may be brought in around the bubble to allow for plasma formation without physically touching the bubble. The second experiment investigates the resulting liquid phase chemistry that is driven by the discharge. This is done through a dielectric barrier discharge with a central high voltage surrounded by a quartz discharge tube with a coil ground electrode on the outside. The plasma

Gamma inert sterilization: a solution to polyethylene oxidation?

PubMed

Medel, Francisco J; Kurtz, Steven M; Hozack, William J; Parvizi, Javad; Purtill, James J; Sharkey, Peter F; MacDonald, Daniel; Kraay, Matthew J; Goldberg, Victor; Rimnac, Clare M

2009-04-01

In the 1990s, oxidation was found to occur in ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene total joint replacement components following gamma irradiation and prolonged shelf aging in air. Orthopaedic manufacturers developed barrier packaging to reduce oxidation during and after radiation sterilization. The present study explores the hypothesis that polyethylene components sterilized in a low-oxygen environment undergo similar in vivo oxidative mechanisms as inserts sterilized in air. In addition, the potential influence of the different sterilization processes on the wear performance of the polyethylene components was examined. An analysis of oxidation, wear, and surface damage was performed for forty-eight acetabular liners and 123 tibial inserts. The mean implantation time was 12.3+/-3.7 years for thirty-one acetabular liners that had been gamma sterilized in air and 4.0+/-2.5 years for the seventeen acetabular liners that had been gamma sterilized in inert gas. The mean implantation time was 11.0+/-3.2 years for the twenty-six tibial inserts that had been sterilized in air and 2.8+/-2.2 years for the ninety-seven tibial inserts that had been gamma sterilized in inert gas. Oxidation and hydroperoxide levels were characterized in loaded and unloaded regions of the inserts. Measurable oxidation and oxidation potential were observed in all cohorts. The oxidation and hydroperoxide levels were regional. Surfaces with access to body fluids were more heavily oxidized than protected bearing surfaces were. This variation appeared to be greater in historical (gamma-in-air-sterilized) components. Regarding wear performance, historical and conventional acetabular liners showed similar wear penetration rates, whereas a low incidence of delamination was confirmed for the conventional tibial inserts in the first decade of implantation. The present study explores the impact of industry-wide changes in sterilization practices for polyethylene. We found lower oxidation and oxidation

The influence of sterilization on nitrogen-included ultrananocrystalline diamond for biomedical applications.

PubMed

Tong, Wei; Tran, Phong A; Turnley, Ann M; Aramesh, Morteza; Prawer, Steven; Brandt, Milan; Fox, Kate

2016-04-01

Diamond has shown great potential in different biomedical applications, but the effects of sterilization on its properties have not been investigated. Here, we studied the influence of five sterilization techniques (solvent cleaning, oxygen plasma, UV irradiation, autoclave and hydrogen peroxide) on nitrogen-included ultrananocrystalline diamond. The chemical modification of the diamond surface was evaluated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and water contact angle measurements. Different degrees of surface oxidation and selective sp(2) bonded carbon etching were found following all sterilization techniques, resulting in an increase of hydrophilicity. Higher viabilities of in vitro mouse 3T3 fibroblasts and rat cortical neuron cells were observed on oxygen plasma, autoclave and hydrogen peroxide sterilized diamond, which correlated with their higher hydrophilicity. By examination of apatite formation in simulated body fluid, in vivo bioactivity was predicted to be best on those surfaces which have been oxygen plasma treated and lowest on those which have been exposed to UV irradiation. The charge injection properties were also altered by the sterilization process and there appears to be a correlation between these changes and the degree of oxygen termination of the surface. We find that the modification brought by autoclave, oxygen plasma and hydrogen peroxide were most consistent with the use of N-UNCD in biological applications as compared to samples sterilized by solvent cleaning or UV exposure or indeed non-sterilized. A two-step process of sterilization by hydrogen peroxide following oxygen plasma treatment was then suggested. However, the final choice of sterilization technique will depend on the intended end application. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Plasma reforming and partial oxidation of hydrocarbon fuel vapor to produce synthesis gas and/or hydrogen gas

DOEpatents

Kong, Peter C.; Detering, Brent A.

2003-08-19

Methods and systems for treating vapors from fuels such as gasoline or diesel fuel in an internal combustion engine, to form hydrogen gas or synthesis gas, which can then be burned in the engine to produce more power. Fuel vapor, or a mixture of fuel vapor and exhaust gas and/or air, is contacted with a plasma, to promote reforming reactions between the fuel vapor and exhaust gas to produce carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas, partial oxidation reactions between the fuel vapor and air to produce carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas, or direct hydrogen and carbon particle production from the fuel vapor. The plasma can be a thermal plasma or a non-thermal plasma. The plasma can be produced in a plasma generating device which can be preheated by contact with at least a portion of the hot exhaust gas stream, thereby decreasing the power requirements of the plasma generating device.

Plasma Reforming And Partial Oxidation Of Hydrocarbon Fuel Vapor To Produce Synthesis Gas And/Or Hydrogen Gas

DOEpatents

Kong, Peter C.; Detering, Brent A.

2004-10-19

Methods and systems are disclosed for treating vapors from fuels such as gasoline or diesel fuel in an internal combustion engine, to form hydrogen gas or synthesis gas, which can then be burned in the engine to produce more power. Fuel vapor, or a mixture of fuel vapor and exhaust gas and/or air, is contacted with a plasma, to promote reforming reactions between the fuel vapor and exhaust gas to produce carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas, partial oxidation reactions between the fuel vapor and air to produce carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas, or direct hydrogen and carbon particle production from the fuel vapor. The plasma can be a thermal plasma or a non-thermal plasma. The plasma can be produced in a plasma generating device which can be preheated by contact with at least a portion of the hot exhaust gas stream, thereby decreasing the power requirements of the plasma generating device.

Plasma discharge and time-dependence of its effect to bacteria.

PubMed

Justan, I; Cernohorska, L; Dvorak, Z; Slavicek, P

2014-07-01

Several types of plasma discharge have been proven to have a capacity for sterilization. Our goal is to introduce new nonthermal plasma pencil. We used it to sterilize different microbial populations with differing ages. We used a plasma discharge of the following characteristics: radio frequency barrier discharger at atmospheric pressure with a working frequency of 13.56 MHz, and the working gas used was argon. We performed 110 tests with the following microbial populations: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus species, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. All populations were inoculated on the previous day and also on the day of our experiment. We made our evaluations the following day and also after 5 days, with all our microbial populations. Eradication of microbial populations is dependent on the plasma discharge exposure time in all cases. With regard to freshly inoculated microbes, we were able to sterilize agar with intensive exposure lasting for 10 s of colonies Pseudomonas, Proteus, and Klebsiella. The most resistant microbe seems to be S. aureus, which survives 5 s of coherent exposure in half of the cases. Using the lightest plasma discharge exposure, we achieved a maximum of 10(4)-10(5) CFU/mL (colony-forming unit - CFU). Regarding older microbial populations inoculated the day before the experiment, we can only decrease population growth to 10(5) CFU/mL approximately, but never completely sterilize. The plasma discharge with our characteristics could be used for the sterilization of the aforementioned superficially growing microbes, but does not sufficiently affect deeper layers and thus seems to be a limitation for eradication of the already erupted colonies.

Plasma arc welding torch having means for vortexing plasma gas exiting the welding torch

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rybicki, Daniel J. (Inventor); Mcgee, William F. (Inventor)

1994-01-01

A plasma arc welding torch is described wherein a plasma gas is directed through the body of the welding torch and out of the body across the tip of the welding electrode disposed at the forward end of the body. The plasma gas is provided with a vortexing motion prior to exiting the body by a vortex motion imparting member which is mounted in an orifice housing member and carried in the forward portion of the torch body. The orifice housing member is provided with an orifice of an predetermined diameter through which the electric arc and the plasma gas exits.

Study of Plasma Flows Generated in Plasma Focus Discharge in Different Regimes of Working Gas Filling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Voitenko, D. A.; Ananyev, S. S.; Astapenko, G. I.; Basilaia, A. D.; Markolia, A. I.; Mitrofanov, K. N.; Myalton, V. V.; Timoshenko, A. P.; Kharrasov, A. M.; Krauz, V. I.

2017-12-01

Results are presented from experimental studies of the plasma flows generated in the KPF-4 Phoenix Mather-type plasma focus device (Sukhum Physical Technical Institute). In order to study how the formation and dynamics of the plasma flow depend on the initial distribution of the working gas, a system of pulsed gas puffing into the discharge volume was developed. The system allows one to create profiled gas distributions, including those with a reduced gas density in the region of plasma flow propagation. Results of measurements of the magnetic field, flow profile, and flow deceleration dynamics at different initial distributions of the gas pressure are presented.

Inert-Gas Diffuser For Plasma Or Arc Welding

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gilbert, Jeffrey L.; Spencer, Carl N.; Hosking, Timothy J.

1994-01-01

Inert-gas diffuser provides protective gas cover for weld bead as it cools. Follows welding torch, maintaining continuous flow of argon over newly formed joint and prevents it from oxidizing. Helps to ensure welds of consistently high quality. Devised for plasma arc keyhole welding of plates of 0.25-in. or greater thickness, also used in tungsten/inert-gas and other plasma or arc welding processes.

Development and assessment of sterility of a closed-system pediatric peritoneal dialysis.

PubMed

Biazi, Ana Paula Pereira; Croti, Ulisses Alexandre; Braile, Domingo Marcolino; Oliveira, Marcos Aurélio Barboza de; Costa, Jane Gonçalves Soares; Cardoso, Lucas Monteiro

2009-01-01

To develop an easy-handling totally closed pediatric peritoneal dialysis system and assess the sterility assurance level. From February to December 2008 was designed and developed a closed-system pediatric peritoneal dialysis at the Bioengineering Division of Braile Biomédica Indústria, Comércio e Representações S/A. Twenty systems were manufactured and submitted to sterility assurance level testing, and were divided into Group A (10)--using the sterility test--and B (10)--ethylene oxide gas penetration. In Group A, the sterility test was negative for bacteria and fungi proliferation within 14 days in all systems. In Group B, the gas penetration test showed that there was gas penetration in all points assessed. It was possible to develop a new easy-handling closed-system pediatric peritoneal dialysis and ensure its sterility.

Sterilization of beehive material with a double inductively coupled low pressure plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Priehn, M.; Denis, B.; Aumeier, P.; Kirchner, W. H.; Awakowicz, P.; Leichert, L. I.

2016-09-01

American Foulbrood is a severe, notifiable disease of the honey bee. It is caused by infection of bee larvae with spores of the gram-positive bacterium Paenibacillus larvae. Spores of this organism are found in high numbers in an infected hive and are highly resistant to physical and chemical inactivation methods. The procedures to rehabilitate affected apiaries often result in the destruction of beehive material. In this study we assess the suitability of a double inductively coupled low pressure plasma as a non-destructive, yet effective alternative inactivation method for bacterial spores of the model organism Bacillus subtilis on beehive material. Plasma treatment was able to effectively remove spores from wax, which, under protocols currently established in veterinary practice, normally is destroyed by ignition or autoclaved for sterilization. Spores were removed from wooden surfaces with efficacies significantly higher than methods currently used in veterinary practice, such as scorching by flame treatment. In addition, we were able to non-destructively remove spores from the highly delicate honeycomb wax structures, potentially making treatment of beehive material with double inductively coupled low pressure plasma part of a fast and reliable method to rehabilitate infected bee colonies with the potential to re-use honeycombs.

Comparison of liquid chemical sterilization with peracetic acid and ethylene oxide sterilization for long narrow lumens.

PubMed

Alfa, M J; DeGagne, P; Olson, N; Hizon, R

1998-10-01

The aim of this study was to determine how well peracetic acid liquid chemical sterilization (LCPAS) killed test organisms in the presence of 10% fetal bovine serum and 0.65% salt challenge (RPMI-S) compared with a 100% ethylene oxide (ETO) sterilizer and an ETO hydrochlorofluorocarbon (ETO-HCFC) sterilization method with long (125 cm), narrow (3-mm internal diameter) flexible lumens as the test carrier. The inoculated lumens were dried overnight before processing. The test organisms included Mycobacterium chelonei, Enterococcus faecalis, and Bacillus subtilis. For all 3 organisms tested, the LCPAS process resulted in a 6 log10 reduction in bacterial load compared with a 2.5 log10 to 6 log10 reduction for the 100% ETO and ETO-HCFC sterilizers. Sterilization was achieved for 100%, 61%, and 67% of the lumen test carriers for the LCPAS, 100% ETO, and ETO-HCFC sterilizers, respectively. The data indicate that of the sterilization methods evaluated, LCPAS was the most effective for sterilizing narrow flexible lumens in the presence of residual inorganic and organic soil. This effectiveness was achieved through a combination of organism wash-off and peracetic acid sterilant killing of organisms. Salt was the major compounding factor for effective ETO gas sterilization, because carriers inoculated with organisms in 10% fetal bovine serum alone all were sterilized by both 100% ETO and ETO-HCFC sterilization methods. Our data support the critical need to ensure adequate precleaning of narrow flexible lumen endoscopes before any sterilization method.

Discharge dynamics and plasma density recovery by on/off switches of additional gas

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lee, Hyo-Chang, E-mail: lhc@kriss.re.kr; Department of Electrical Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul 04763; Kwon, Deuk-Chul

2016-06-15

Measurement of the plasma density is investigated to study plasma dynamics by adding reactive gas (O{sub 2}) or rare gas (He) in Ar plasmas. When the O{sub 2} or He gas is added, plasma density is suddenly decreased, while the plasma density recovers slowly with gas off. It is found that the recovery time is strongly dependent on the gas flow rate, and it can be explained by effect of gas residence time. When the He gas is off in the Ar plasma, the plasma density is overshot compared to the case of the O{sub 2} gas pulsing due tomore » enhanced ionizations by metastable atoms. Analysis and calculation for correlation between the plasma density dynamics and the gas pulsing are also presented in detail.« less

Investigation of methods for sterilization of potting compounds and mated surfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tulius, J. J.; Daley, D. J.; Phillips, G. B.

1972-01-01

The feasibility of using formaldehyde-liberating synthetic resins or polymers for the sterilization of potting compounds, mated and occluded areas, and spacecraft surfaces was demonstrated. The detailed study of interrelated parameters of formaldehyde gas sterilization revealed that efficient cycle conditions can be developed for the sterilization of spacecraft components. It was determined that certain parameters were more important than others in the development of cycles for specific applications. The use of formaldehyde gas for the sterilization of spacecraft components provides NASA with a highly efficient method which is inexpensive, reproducible, easily quantitated, materials compatible, operationally simple, generally non-hazardous and not thermally destructive.

Standardized Method for High-throughput Sterilization of Arabidopsis Seeds.

PubMed

Lindsey, Benson E; Rivero, Luz; Calhoun, Chistopher S; Grotewold, Erich; Brkljacic, Jelena

2017-10-17

Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis) seedlings often need to be grown on sterile media. This requires prior seed sterilization to prevent the growth of microbial contaminants present on the seed surface. Currently, Arabidopsis seeds are sterilized using two distinct sterilization techniques in conditions that differ slightly between labs and have not been standardized, often resulting in only partially effective sterilization or in excessive seed mortality. Most of these methods are also not easily scalable to a large number of seed lines of diverse genotypes. As technologies for high-throughput analysis of Arabidopsis continue to proliferate, standardized techniques for sterilizing large numbers of seeds of different genotypes are becoming essential for conducting these types of experiments. The response of a number of Arabidopsis lines to two different sterilization techniques was evaluated based on seed germination rate and the level of seed contamination with microbes and other pathogens. The treatments included different concentrations of sterilizing agents and times of exposure, combined to determine optimal conditions for Arabidopsis seed sterilization. Optimized protocols have been developed for two different sterilization methods: bleach (liquid-phase) and chlorine (Cl2) gas (vapor-phase), both resulting in high seed germination rates and minimal microbial contamination. The utility of these protocols was illustrated through the testing of both wild type and mutant seeds with a range of germination potentials. Our results show that seeds can be effectively sterilized using either method without excessive seed mortality, although detrimental effects of sterilization were observed for seeds with lower than optimal germination potential. In addition, an equation was developed to enable researchers to apply the standardized chlorine gas sterilization conditions to airtight containers of different sizes. The protocols described here allow easy, efficient, and

Standardized Method for High-throughput Sterilization of Arabidopsis Seeds

PubMed Central

Calhoun, Chistopher S.; Grotewold, Erich; Brkljacic, Jelena

2017-01-01

Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis) seedlings often need to be grown on sterile media. This requires prior seed sterilization to prevent the growth of microbial contaminants present on the seed surface. Currently, Arabidopsis seeds are sterilized using two distinct sterilization techniques in conditions that differ slightly between labs and have not been standardized, often resulting in only partially effective sterilization or in excessive seed mortality. Most of these methods are also not easily scalable to a large number of seed lines of diverse genotypes. As technologies for high-throughput analysis of Arabidopsis continue to proliferate, standardized techniques for sterilizing large numbers of seeds of different genotypes are becoming essential for conducting these types of experiments. The response of a number of Arabidopsis lines to two different sterilization techniques was evaluated based on seed germination rate and the level of seed contamination with microbes and other pathogens. The treatments included different concentrations of sterilizing agents and times of exposure, combined to determine optimal conditions for Arabidopsis seed sterilization. Optimized protocols have been developed for two different sterilization methods: bleach (liquid-phase) and chlorine (Cl2) gas (vapor-phase), both resulting in high seed germination rates and minimal microbial contamination. The utility of these protocols was illustrated through the testing of both wild type and mutant seeds with a range of germination potentials. Our results show that seeds can be effectively sterilized using either method without excessive seed mortality, although detrimental effects of sterilization were observed for seeds with lower than optimal germination potential. In addition, an equation was developed to enable researchers to apply the standardized chlorine gas sterilization conditions to airtight containers of different sizes. The protocols described here allow easy, efficient, and

Room temperature sterilization of surfaces and fabrics with a one atmosphere uniform glow discharge plasma.

PubMed

Kelly-Wintenberg, K; Montie, T C; Brickman, C; Roth, J R; Carr, A K; Sorge, K; Wadsworth, L C; Tsai, P P

1998-01-01

We report the results of an interdisciplinary collaboration formed to assess the sterilizing capabilities of the One Atmosphere Uniform Glow Discharge Plasma (OAUGDP). This newly-invented source of glow discharge plasma (the fourth state of matter) is capable of operating at atmospheric pressure in air and other gases, and of providing antimicrobial active species to surfaces and workpieces at room temperature as judged by viable plate counts. OAUGDP exposures have reduced log numbers of bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, and endospores from Bacillus stearothermophilus and Bacillus subtilis on seeded solid surfaces, fabrics, filter paper, and powdered culture media at room temperature. Initial experimental data showed a two-log10 CFU reduction of bacteria when 2 x 10(2) cells were seeded on filter paper. Results showed > or = 3 log10 CFU reduction when polypropylene samples seeded with E. coli (5 x 10(4)) were exposed, while a 30 s exposure time was required for similar killing with S. aureus-seeded polypropylene samples. The exposure times required to effect > or = 6 log10 CFU reduction of E. coli and S. aureus on polypropylene samples were no longer than 30 s. Experiments with seeded samples in sealed commercial sterilization bags showed little or no differences in exposure times compared to unwrapped samples. Plasma exposure times of less than 5 min generated > or = 5 log10 CFU reduction of commercially prepared Bacillus subtilis spores (1 x 10(5)); 7 min OAUGDP exposures were required to generate a > or = 3 log10 CFU reduction for Bacillus stearothermophilus spores. For all microorganisms tested, a biphasic curve was generated when the number of survivors vs time was plotted in dose-response cures. Several proposed mechanisms of killing at room temperature by the OAUGDP are discussed.

Atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharges for sterilization and surface treatment

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chin, O. H.; Lai, C. K.; Choo, C. Y.

2015-04-24

Atmospheric pressure non-thermal dielectric barrier discharges can be generated in different configurations for different applications. For sterilization, a parallel-plate electrode configuration with glass dielectric that discharges in air was used. Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Salmonella enteritidis) and Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus cereus) were successfully inactivated using sinusoidal high voltage of ∼15 kVp-p at 8.5 kHz. In the surface treatment, a hemisphere and disc electrode arrangement that allowed a plasma jet to be extruded under controlled nitrogen gas flow (at 9.2 kHz, 20 kVp-p) was applied to enhance the wettability of PET (Mylar) film.

Atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharges for sterilization and surface treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chin, O. H.; Lai, C. K.; Choo, C. Y.; Wong, C. S.; Nor, R. M.; Thong, K. L.

2015-04-01

Atmospheric pressure non-thermal dielectric barrier discharges can be generated in different configurations for different applications. For sterilization, a parallel-plate electrode configuration with glass dielectric that discharges in air was used. Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Salmonella enteritidis) and Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus cereus) were successfully inactivated using sinusoidal high voltage of ˜15 kVp-p at 8.5 kHz. In the surface treatment, a hemisphere and disc electrode arrangement that allowed a plasma jet to be extruded under controlled nitrogen gas flow (at 9.2 kHz, 20 kVp-p) was applied to enhance the wettability of PET (Mylar) film.

Viking heat sterilization - Progress and problems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Daspit, L. P.; Cortright, E. M.; Stern, J. A.

1974-01-01

The Viking Mars landers to be launched in 1975 will carry experiments in biology, planetology, and atmospheric physics. A terminal dry-heat sterilization process using an inert gas was chosen to meet planetary quarantine requirements and preclude contamination of the biology experiment by terrestrial organisms. Deep sterilization is performed at the component level and terminal surface sterilization at the system level. Solutions to certain component problems relating to sterilization are discussed, involving the gyroscope, tape recorder, battery, electronic circuitry, and outgassing. Heat treatment placed special requirements on electronic packaging, including fastener preload monitoring and solder joints. Chemical and physical testing of nonmetallic materials was performed to establish data on their behavior in heat-treatment and vacuum environments. A Thermal Effects Test Model and a Proof Test Capsule were used. It is concluded that a space vehicle can be designed and fabricated to withstand heat sterilization requirements.

Fast Gas Replacement in Plasma Process Chamber by Improving Gas Flow Pattern

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morishita, Sadaharu; Goto, Tetsuya; Akutsu, Isao; Ohyama, Kenji; Ito, Takashi; Ohmi, Tadahiro

2009-01-01

The precise and high-speed alteration of various gas species is important for realizing precise and well-controlled multiprocesses in a single plasma process chamber with high throughput. The gas replacement times in the replacement of N2 by Ar and that of H2 by Ar are measured in a microwave excited high-density and low electron-temperature plasma process chamber at various working pressures and gas flow rates, incorporating a new gas flow control system, which can avoid overshoot of the gas pressure in the chamber immediately after the valve operation, and a gradational lead screw booster pump, which can maintain excellent pumping capability for various gas species including lightweight gases such as H2 in a wide pressure region from 10-1 to 104 Pa. Furthermore, to control the gas flow pattern in the chamber, upper ceramic shower plates, which have thousands of very fine gas injection holes (numbers of 1200 and 2400) formed with optimized allocation on the plates, are adopted, while the conventional gas supply method in the microwave-excited plasma chamber uses many holes only opened at the sidewall of the chamber (gas ring). It has been confirmed that, in the replacement of N2 by Ar, a short replacement time of approximately 1 s in the cases of 133 and 13.3 Pa and approximately 3 s in the case of 4 Pa can be achieved when the upper shower plate has 2400 holes, while a replacement time longer than approximately 10 s is required for all pressure cases where the gas ring is used. In addition, thanks to the excellent pumping capability of the gradational lead screw booster pump for lightweight gases, it has also been confirmed that the replacement time of H2 by Ar is almost the same as that of N2 by Ar.

A Novel Charged Medium Consisting of Gas-Liquid Interfacial Plasmas

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kaneko, Toshiro; Hatakeyama, Rikizo

Due to the unique properties of ionic liquids such as their extremely low vapor pressure and high heat capacity, we succeed in creating the reactive gas (plasmas)--liquid (ionic liquids) interfacial field under a low gas pressure condition, where the plasma ion behavior can be controlled. The effects of the plasma ion irradiation on the liquid medium are quantitatively revealed for the first time. In connection with the plasma ion irradiation, the potential structure and optical emission properties of the gas-liquid interfacial plasma are investigated by changing a polarity of the electrode in the liquid to evaluate the plasma-liquid interactions. Thesemore » results would contribute to synthesizing the metal nanoparticles with carbon nanotubes as a template in the ionic liquid. It is found that the high density, mono-dispersed, and isolated metal nanoparticles are synthesized between or inside the carbon nanotubes by controlling the gas-liquid interfacial plasmas. Furthermore, we can form novel nano-bio composite materials, such as DNA encapsulated carbon nanotubes using the plasma ion irradiation method in an electrolyte plasma with DNA, and demonstrate modifications of the electrical properties of the carbon nanotubes depending on the kinds of encapsulated DNA for the first time.« less

Transport in a field aligned magnetized plasma/neutral gas boundary: the end of the plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cooper, Christopher Michael

The objective of this dissertation is to characterize the physics of a boundary layer between a magnetized plasma and a neutral gas along the direction of a confining magnetic field. A series of experiments are performed at the Enormous Toroidal Plasma Device (ETPD) at UCLA to study this field aligned Neutral Boundary Layer (NBL) at the end of the plasma. A Lanthanum Hexaboride (LaB6) cathode and semi-transparent anode creates a magnetized, current-free helium plasma which terminates on a neutral helium gas without touching any walls. Probes are inserted into the plasma to measure the basic plasma parameters and study the transport in the NBL. The experiment is performed in the weakly ionized limit where the plasma density (ne) is much less than the neutral density (nn) such that ne/nn < 5%. The NBL is characterized by a field-aligned electric field which begins at the point where the plasma pressure equilibrates with the neutral gas pressure. Beyond the pressure equilibration point the electrons and ions lose their momentum by collisions with the neutral gas and come to rest. An electric field is established self consistently to maintain a current-free termination through equilibration of the different species' stopping rates in the neutral gas. The electric field resembles a collisional quasineutral sheath with a length 10 times the electron-ion collision length, 100 times the neutral collision length, and 10,000 times the Debye length. Collisions with the neutral gas dominate the losses in the system. The measured plasma density loss rates are above the classical cross-field current-free ambipolar rate, but below the anomalous Bohm diffusion rate. The electron temperature is below the ionization threshold of the gas, 2.2 eV in helium. The ions are in thermal equilibrium with the neutral gas. A generalized theory of plasma termination in a Neutral Boundary Layer is applied to this case using a two-fluid, current-free, weakly ionized transport model. The electron

Effects of sterilization processes on NiTi alloy: surface characterization.

PubMed

Thierry, B; Tabrizian, M; Savadogo, O; Yahia, L

2000-01-01

Sterilization is required for using any device in contact with the human body. Numerous authors have studied device properties after sterilization and reported on bulk and surface modifications of many materials after processing. These surface modifications may in turn influence device biocompatibility. Still, data are missing on the effect of sterilization procedures on new biomaterials such as nickel-titanium (NiTi). Herein we report on the effect of dry heat, steam autoclaving, ethylene oxide, peracetic acid, and plasma-based sterilization techniques on the surface properties of NiTi. After processing electropolished NiTi disks with these techniques, surface analyses were performed by Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and contact angle measurements. AES analyses revealed a higher Ni concentration (6-7 vs. 1%) and a slightly thicker oxide layer on the surface for heat and ethylene oxide processed materials. Studies of surface topography by AFM showed up to a threefold increase of the surface roughness when disks were dry heat sterilized. An increase of the surface energy of up to 100% was calculated for plasma treated surfaces. Our results point out that some surface modifications are induced by sterilization procedures. Further work is required to assess the effect of these modifications on biocompatibility, and to determine the most appropriate methods to sterilize NiTi. Copyright 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Sterilization processes. Meeting the demands of today's health care technology.

PubMed

Crow, S

1993-09-01

Universal Precautions dictate sterilization for all invasive equipment that break the blood barrier; however, current methods of sterilization, such as steam and ethylene oxide gas (ETO), are not compatible with many of the delicate, heat-sensitive surgical instruments used in modern health care. In addition, traditional sterilization methods are often too time consuming for practical use in the operating room. Clearly, new sterilization processes need to be developed. In this article, the criteria modern sterilization processes must meet and how some manufacturers plan to meet this challenge are discussed. In addition, the pros and cons of using peracetic acid (the newest sterilization process currently available) are examined.

Overview of current applications in plasma medicine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ryan, Thomas P.; Stalder, Kenneth R.

2017-02-01

Plasma medicine is a rapidly growing field of treatment, with the number and type of medical applications growing annually, such as dentistry, cancer treatment, wound treatment, Antimicrobial (bacteria, biofilm, virus, fungus, prions), and surface sterilization. Work promoting muscle and blood vessel regeneration and osteointegration is being investigated. This review paper will cover the latest treatments using gas-based plasmas in medicine. Disinfection of water and new commercial systems will also be reviewed, as well as vaccine deactivation. With the rapid increase in new investigators, development of new devices and systems for treatment, and wider clinical applications, Plasma medicine is becoming a powerful tool in in the field of medicine. There are a wide range of Plasma sources that allows customization of the effect. These variations include frequency (DC to MHz), voltage capacity (kV), gas source (He, Ar; O2, N2, air, water vapor; combinations), direct/indirect target exposure, and water targets.

Sterilization/disinfection using reduced-pressure plasmas: some differences between direct exposure of bacterial spores to a discharge and their exposure to a flowing afterglow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moisan, M.; Levif, P.; Séguin, J.; Barbeau, J.

2014-07-01

The use of plasma for sterilization or disinfection offers a promising alternative to conventional steam or chemical approaches. Plasma can operate at temperatures less damaging to some heat-sensitive medical devices and, in contrast to chemicals, can be non-toxic and non-polluting for the operator and the environment, respectively. Direct exposure to the gaseous discharge (comprising an electric field and ions/electrons) or exposure to its afterglow (no E-field) can both be envisaged a priori, since these two methods can achieve sterility. However, important issues must be considered besides the sterility goal. Direct exposure to the discharge, although yielding a faster inactivation of microorganisms, is shown to be potentially more aggressive to materials and sometimes subjected to the shadowing effect that precludes the sterilization of complex-form items. These two drawbacks can be successfully minimized with an adequate flowing-afterglow exposure. Most importantly, the current paper shows that direct exposure to the discharge can lead to the dislodgment and release of viable microorganisms from their substratum. Such a phenomenon could be responsible for the recontamination of sterilized devices as well as possible contamination of the ambient surroundings, additionally yielding an erroneous over-appreciation of the inactivation efficiency. The operation of the N2-O2 flowing afterglow system being developed in our group is such that there are no ions and electrons left in the process chamber (late-afterglow regime) in full contrast with their presence in the discharge. The dislodgment and release of spores could be attributed, based on the literature, to their electrostatic charging by electrons, leading to an (outward) electrostatic stress that exceeds the adhesion of the spores on their substrate.

Splint sterilization--a potential registration hazard in computer-assisted surgery.

PubMed

Figl, Michael; Weber, Christoph; Assadian, Ojan; Toma, Cyril D; Traxler, Hannes; Seemann, Rudolf; Guevara-Rojas, Godoberto; Pöschl, Wolfgang P; Ewers, Rolf; Schicho, Kurt

2012-04-01

Registration of preoperative targeting information for the intraoperative situation is a crucial step in computer-assisted surgical interventions. Point-to-point registration using acrylic splints is among the most frequently used procedures. There are, however, no generally accepted recommendations for sterilization of the splint. An appropriate method for the thermolabile splint would be hydrogen peroxide-based plasma sterilization. This study evaluated the potential deformation of the splint undergoing such sterilization. Deformation was quantified using image-processing methods applied to computed tomographic (CT) volumes before and after sterilization. An acrylic navigation splint was used as the study object. Eight metallic markers placed in the splint were used for registration. Six steel spheres in the mouthpiece were used as targets. Two CT volumes of the splint were acquired before and after 5 sterilization cycles using a hydrogen peroxide sterilizer. Point-to-point registration was applied, and fiducial and target registration errors were computed. Surfaces were extracted from CT scans and Hausdorff distances were derived. Effectiveness of sterilization was determined using Geobacillus stearothermophilus. Fiducial-based registration of CT scans before and after sterilization resulted in a mean fiducial registration error of 0.74 mm; the target registration error in the mouthpiece was 0.15 mm. The Hausdorff distance, describing the maximal deformation of the splint, was 2.51 mm. Ninety percent of point-surface distances were shorter than 0.61 mm, and 95% were shorter than 0.73 mm. No bacterial growth was found after the sterilization process. Hydrogen peroxide-based low-temperature plasma sterilization does not deform the splint, which is the base for correct computer-navigated surgery. Copyright © 2012 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Charcateristics of Plasma Waves Excited During Gas Release and Plasma Injection Into The Ionosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klos, Z.; Gdalevich, G. L.; Mikhailov, I.

Waves in broad frequency range are generated during the injection of fast plasma as well as release of neutral gas into ionosphere from the spacecraft. The excited wave modes depend on the environmental plasma parameters, geometry of injection as well as on the rate of ionisation of plasma in the stream. The neutral xenon gas was released from the board of the ACTIVE satellite (in 1989) and parallel with the release process the VLF as well as HF waves were diagnosed. On the other hand the xenon plasma from gun generator was injected into the ionosphere from the board of APEX satellite (in 1991) and also broad frequency range of emission was registered. In the present paper are compared the plasma waves characteristics observed in these two types of experiments.

A gas-puff-driven theta pinch for plasma-surface interaction studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jung, Soonwook; Kesler, Leigh; Yun, Hyun-Ho; Curreli, Davide; Andruczyk, Daniel; Ruzic, David

2012-10-01

DEVeX is a theta pinch device used to investigate fusion-related material interaction such as vapor shielding and ICRF antenna interactions with plasma-pulses in a laboratory setting. The simulator is required to produce high heat-flux plasma enough to induce temperature gradient high enough to study extreme conditions happened in a plasma fusion reactor. In order to achieve it, DEVeX is reconfigured to be combined with gas puff system as gas puffing may reduce heat flux loss resulting from collisions with neutral. A gas puff system as well as a conical gas nozzle is manufactured and several diagnostics including hot wire anemometer and fast ionization gauge are carried out to quantitatively estimate the supersonic flow of gas. Energy deposited on the target for gas puffing and static-filled conditions is measured with thermocouples and its application to TELS, an innovative concept utilizing a thermoelectric-driven liquid metal flow for plasma facing component, is discussed.

Toxic effect of ethylene-oxide-sterilized freeze-dried bone allograft on human gingival fibroblasts.

PubMed

Kudryk, V L; Scheidt, M J; McQuade, M J; Sutherland, D E; VanDyke, T E; Hollinger, J O

1992-11-01

Freeze-dried bone allograft (FDBA) which either had or had not been sterilized by exposure to ethylene oxide (EtO) prior to lyophilization was obtained from two commercial sources. EtO-sterilized FDBA was reexposed to EtO as a positive control. Gas chromatograph assays revealed that three out of four commercially obtained EtO sterilized FDBA had no detectable EtO, with one sample having 0.21 parts per million (PPM). Surprisingly, 0.24 PPM was detected in one sample which had not been sterilized with EtO gas. This was presumed due to contamination from a gas-sterilized rubber stopper. In the cell toxicity study, FDBA and human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) were added simultaneously, incubated for 72 h, and fixed and stained. Samples of FDBA sterilized with EtO which were free of EtO did not alter HGF growth. However, the positive control FDBA which contained 0.72 PPM EtO had a deleterious effect on HGF. FDBA with EtO residuals caused morphologic change in HGF.

Study on dynamics of the influence exerted by plasma on gas flow field in non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma jet

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Qaisrani, M. Hasnain; Xian, Yubin, E-mail: yubin.xian@hotmail.com; Li, Congyun

2016-06-15

In this paper, first, steady state of the plasma jet at different operating conditions is investigated through Schlieren photography with and without applying shielding gas. Second, the dynamic process for the plasma impacting on the gas flow field is studied. When the discharge is ignited, reduction in laminar flow occurs. However, when the gas flow rate is too low or too high, this phenomenon is not obvious. What is more, both frequency and voltage have significant impact on the effect of plasma on the gas flow, but the former is more significant. Shielding gas provides a curtain for plasma tomore » propagate further. High speed camera along with Schlieren photography is utilized to study the impact of plasma on the gas flow when plasma is switched on and off. The transition of the gas flow from laminar to turbulent or vice versa happens right after the turbulent front. It is concluded that appearance and propagation of turbulence front is responsible for the transition of the flow state.« less

Chemically reactive species in liquids generated by atmospheric-pressure plasmas and their roles in plasma medicine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamaguchi, Satoshi

2013-07-01

Plasmas whose gas temperatures are close to room temperature may be generated in ambient air or a gas at atmospheric pressure with the use of low-frequency high voltage or low-power radio-frequency (RF) or microwave power applied to electrodes. Such plasmas can serve as a powerful source of free radicals and/or chemically reactive species that arise from atoms and molecules of the ambient gas. Recently use of such plasmas for medical purposes has attracted much attention as they can be implemented in possible medical devices that can cause blood coagulation, heal wounds, facilitate angiogenesis, sterilize surgical devices as well as living tissues without harming healthy cells, and selectively inactivate cancer cells. Especially of interest among reactive species generated by atmospheric-pressure plasmas (APP) are reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) that are generated in liquid phase. Since most living tissues and cells are immersed in liquids (such as blood or culture media), reactive species generated by APPs in the gas phase are transported to the liquid phase and possibly converted to different types of reactive species therein before causing some influence on the tissues or cells. In this study, the rate equations are solved to evaluate concentrations of various reactive species in pure water that are originated by plasma reactions in atmosphere and possible effects of such species (including ROS/RNS) on living tissues and cells are discussed.

Ideal gas behavior of a strongly coupled complex (dusty) plasma.

PubMed

Oxtoby, Neil P; Griffith, Elias J; Durniak, Céline; Ralph, Jason F; Samsonov, Dmitry

2013-07-05

In a laboratory, a two-dimensional complex (dusty) plasma consists of a low-density ionized gas containing a confined suspension of Yukawa-coupled plastic microspheres. For an initial crystal-like form, we report ideal gas behavior in this strongly coupled system during shock-wave experiments. This evidence supports the use of the ideal gas law as the equation of state for soft crystals such as those formed by dusty plasmas.

The effect of working gas impurities on plasma jets

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liu, X. Y.; He, M. B., E-mail: pulhmb@mail.hust.edu.cn; IFSA Collaborative Innovation Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240

Air intrusion reduced the purity of working gas inside the tube for plasma jet, and thereby, affected the discharge dynamics. In this paper, the effect of using working gas with different purity level (helium purity 99.99999%, 99.99%, 99.9%, and 99%) on photoionization and the chemical reactivity of plasma jet were studied using a 2 dimensional plasma jet model. Photoionization of air species acted as a source of pre-ionization in front of the ionization region, which facilitated the transition from localized discharge to streamers inside the tube. The density of reactive species inside the tube was found to increase with themore » concentration of working gas impurities. For the highest purity helium (99.99999%), despite a low photoionization rate and the distance between the photoionization region and ionization region inside the tube, by increasing the applied voltage and decreasing the distance between the electrode and nozzle, plasma jets were formed.« less

Plasma sterilization of polyethylene terephthalate bottles by pulsed corona discharge at atmospheric pressure.

PubMed

Masaoka, Satoshi

2007-06-01

A pulsed power supply was used to generate a corona discharge on a polyethylene terephthalate bottle, to conduct plasma sterilization at atmospheric pressure. Before generating such a discharge, minute quantities of water were attached to the inner surface of the bottle and to the surface of a high voltage (HV) electrode inserted into the bottle. Next, high-voltage pulses of electricity were discharged between electrodes for 6.0s, while rotating the bottle. The resulting spore log reduction values of Bacillus subtilis and Aspergillus niger on the inner surface of the bottle were 5.5 and 6 or higher, respectively, and those on the HV electrode surface were each 6 or higher for both strains. The presence of the by-products gaseous ozone, hydrogen peroxide, and nitric ions resulting from the electrical discharge was confirmed.

Hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilization of a waterproof, high-definition video camera case for intraoperative imaging in veterinary surgery.

PubMed

Adin, Christopher A; Royal, Kenneth D; Moore, Brandon; Jacob, Megan

2018-06-13

To evaluate the safety and usability of a wearable, waterproof high-definition camera/case for acquisition of surgical images by sterile personnel. An in vitro study to test the efficacy of biodecontamination of camera cases. Usability for intraoperative image acquisition was assessed in clinical procedures. Two waterproof GoPro Hero4 Silver camera cases were inoculated by immersion in media containing Staphylococcus pseudointermedius or Escherichia coli at ≥5.50E+07 colony forming units/mL. Cases were biodecontaminated by manual washing and hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilization. Cultures were obtained by swab and by immersion in enrichment broth before and after each contamination/decontamination cycle (n = 4). The cameras were then applied by a surgeon in clinical procedures by using either a headband or handheld mode and were assessed for usability according to 5 user characteristics. Cultures of all poststerilization swabs were negative. One of 8 cultures was positive in enrichment broth, consistent with a low level of contamination in 1 sample. Usability of the camera was considered poor in headband mode, with limited battery life, inability to control camera functions, and lack of zoom function affecting image quality. Handheld operation of the camera by the primary surgeon improved usability, allowing close-up still and video intraoperative image acquisition. Vaporized hydrogen peroxide sterilization of this camera case was considered effective for biodecontamination. Handheld operation improved usability for intraoperative image acquisition. Vaporized hydrogen peroxide sterilization and thorough manual washing of a waterproof camera may provide cost effective intraoperative image acquisition for documentation purposes. © 2018 The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Improved Back-Side Purge-Gas Chambers For Plasma Arc Welding

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ezell, Kenneth G.; Mcgee, William F.; Rybicki, Daniel J.

1995-01-01

Improved chambers for inert-gas purging of back sides of workpieces during plasma arc welding in keyhole (full-penetration) mode based on concept of directing flows of inert gases toward, and concentrating them on, hot weld zones. Tapered chamber concentrates flow of inert gas on plasma arc plume and surrounding metal.

[What should be the length and inner diameter of the testing device for microbiological efficacy testing of formaldehyde gas sterilization methods?].

PubMed

Spicher, G; Borchers, U

1984-10-01

The series of tests described in a preceding publication (Spicher and Borchers, 1983) has been continued in a modified way. This time, the dependency of the microbiological test results of a formaldehyde gas sterilization procedure on length and inner diameter of the tubes serving as test pieces was examined. The tubes were 1 or 2 m in length with an inner diameter of 1 or 2 mm. The tests were performed with four different preparations of bioindicators. Spores of Bac. stearothermophilus served as test germs. The preparations differed in the type of suspension used for the preparation of the bioindicators: distilled water, diluted blood (10%), undiluted blood, 10% albumin solution. The spore suspensions had been dried on linen thread. During the test procedure, the bioindicators were located near the sealed end of the tube. After completion of the sterilization procedure, the bioindicators were examined for viable germs. In tubes of identical length, the frequency of indicators carrying viable germs was always higher in those of 1 mm than in those of 2 mm inner diameter. In tubes of identical inner diameter, the frequency of indicators carrying viable germs in those of 2 m length was always higher than in those of 1 m length. This regularity was independent of the type of bioindicators used. The bioindicators for the preparation of which a 10% albumin solution had been employed showed the highest resistance. A somewhat lower resistance was found for the bioindicators prepared with undiluted blood. The bioindicators for which the spores had been suspended in diluted blood proved to have the lowest resistance. If the spores had been suspended in distilled water, the resistance of the bioindicators was a little lower than that of those suspended in undiluted blood, but was higher than that of the dried spores with diluted blood. The test results confirm the effectiveness of the method proposed earlier, i.e. to deposit the bioindicators in special test pieces (e

Effect of Coulomb Collisions on Low Gas Pressure Plasmas

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nanbu, K.; Furubayashi, T.

2006-05-05

A recent trend in material processing plasmas is the use of a low gas pressure and high plasma density. In such plasmas, Coulomb collisions among charged particles has been considered to have a significant effect on plasma structure. By use of Bobylev and Nanbu's theory [Phy. Rev. E, 61(2000), 4576], this effect on argon plasmas and oxygen plasmas generated by a capacitive discharge is examined. It is found that the effect is appreciable only for oxygen plasmas.

The Use of Liquid Isopropyl Alcohol and Hydrogen Peroxide Gas Plasma to Biologically Decontaminate Spacecraft Electronics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bonner, J. K.; Tudryn, Carissa D.; Choi, Sun J.; Eulogio, Sebastian E.; Roberts, Timothy J.; Tudryn, Carissa D.

2006-01-01

Legitimate concern exists regarding sending spacecraft and their associated hardware to solar system bodies where they could possibly contaminate the body's surface with terrestrial microorganisms. The NASA approved guidelines for sterilization as set forth in NPG 8020.12C, which is consistent with the biological contamination control objectives of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR), recommends subjecting the spacecraft and its associated hardware to dry heat-a dry heat regimen that could potentially employ a temperature of 110(deg)C for up to 200 hours. Such a temperature exposure could prove detrimental to the spacecraft electronics. The stimulated growth of intermetallic compounds (IMCs) in metallic interconnects and/or thermal degradation of organic materials composing much of the hardware could take place over a prolonged temperature regimen. Such detrimental phenomena would almost certainly compromise the integrity and reliability of the electronics. Investigation of sterilization procedures in the medical field suggests that hydrogen peroxide (H202) gas plasma (HPGP) technology can effectively function as an alternative to heat sterilization, especially for heat-sensitive items. Treatment with isopropyl alcohol (IPA) in liquid form prior to exposure of the hardware to HPGP should also prove beneficial. Although IPA is not a sterilant, it is frequently used as a disinfectant because of its bactericidal properties. The use of IPA in electronics cleaning is widely recognized and has been utilized for many years with no adverse affects reported. In addition, IPA is the principal ingredient of the test fluid used in ionic contamination testers to assess the amount of ionic contamination found on the surfaces of printed wiring assemblies. This paper will set forth experimental data confirming the feasibility of the IPA/H202 approach to reach acceptable microbial reduction (MR) levels of spacecraft electronic hardware. In addition, a proposed process flow in

Transport in a field-aligned magnetized plasma and neutral gas boundary: the end of the plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cooper, Christopher; Gekelman, Walter

2012-10-01

A series of experiments at the Enormous Toroidal Plasma Device (ETPD) at UCLA study the Neutral Boundary Layer (NBL) between a magnetized plasma and a neutral gas in the direction of the confining field. A lanthanum hexaboride (LaB6) cathode and semi-transparent anode create a current-free, weakly ionized (ne/nn<5%), helium plasma (B˜250 G, Rplasma=10cm, ne<10^12cm^3, Te<3eV, and Ti˜Tn) that terminates on helium gas without touching any walls. Probes inserted into the plasma measure the basic plasma parameters in the NBL. The NBL begins where the plasma and neutral gas pressures equilibrate and the electrons and ions come to rest through collisions with the neutral gas. A field-aligned electric field (δφ/kTe˜1) is established self-consistently to maintain a current-free termination and dominates transport in the NBL, similar to a sheath but with a length L˜10λei˜10^2λen˜10^5λD. A two-fluid weakly-ionized transport model describes the system. A generalized Ohm's Law correctly predicts the electric field observed. The pressure balance criteria and magnitude of the termination electric field are confirmed over a scaling of parameters. The model can also be used to describe the atmospheric termination of aurora or fully detached gaseous divertors.

Effect of gas mixing on physical properties of warm collisional helicon plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kabir, M.; Niknam, A. R.

2017-10-01

The effect of inert gas mixing on the physical properties of a helicon plasma source with a Nagoya type III antenna is analytically investigated by taking into account the thermal and collisional effects. The dielectric permittivity tensor of this mixed gas plasma is obtained by using the Bhatnagar-Gross- Krook kinetic theory. Considering the dielectric tensor of mixed gas plasma and solving the electromagnetic field equations, the profiles of electromagnetic fields and plasma resistance are plotted and discussed. The results show that the plasma resistance peaks decrease with increasing Xe fraction in Ar-Xe plasma, and increase with the He fraction in Ar-He plasma. It is also shown that by increasing the xenon filling fraction, the electromagnetic field amplitudes are lowered, and by increasing the helium filling fraction, they are increased.

Plasma Bacterial and Mitochondrial DNA Distinguish Bacterial Sepsis from Sterile SIRS and Quantify Inflammatory Tissue Injury in Nonhuman Primates

PubMed Central

Sursal, Tolga; Stearns-Kurosawa, Deborah J; Itagaki, Kiyoshi; Oh, Sun-Young; Sun, Shiqin; Kurosawa, Shinichiro; Hauser, Carl J

2012-01-01

Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is a fundamental host response common to bacterial infection and sterile tissue injury. SIRS can cause organ dysfunction and death but its mechanisms are incompletely understood. Moreover, SIRS can progress to organ failure or death despite being sterile or after control of the inciting infection. Biomarkers discriminating between sepsis, sterile SIRS and post-infective SIRS would therefore help direct care. Circulating mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is a damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) reflecting cellular injury. Circulating bacterial 16S-DNA (bDNA) is a pathogen-associated pattern (PAMP) reflecting ongoing infection. We developed qPCR assays to quantify these markers and predicted their plasma levels might help distinguish sterile injury from infection. To study these events in primates we assayed banked serum from papio baboons that had undergone a brief challenge of intravenous Bacillus anthracis deltaSterne (modified to remove toxins) followed by antibiotics (anthrax) that causes organ failure and death. To investigate the progression of sepsis to “severe” sepsis and death we studied animals where anthrax was pretreated with drotrecogin alfa (aPC), which attenuates sepsis in baboons. We also contrasted lethal anthrax bacteremia against non-lethal E.coli bacteremia and against sterile tissue injury from Shiga-like toxin-1 (Stx1). bDNA and mtDNA levels in timed samples were correlated with blood culture results and assays of organ function. Sterile injury by Stx1 increased mtDNA but bDNA was undetectable: consistent with the absence of infection. The bacterial challenges caused parallel early bDNA and mtDNA increases, but bDNA detected pathogens even after bacteria were undetectable by culture. Sub-lethal E.coli challenge only caused transient rises in mtDNA consistent with a self-limited injury. In lethal anthrax challenge (n=4) bDNA increased transiently but mtDNA levels remained elevated until death

A sterilization system using ultraviolet photochemical reactions based on nitrous oxide and oxygen gases.

PubMed

Ohnishi, Yasutaka; Matsumoto, Hiroyuki; Iwamori, Satoru

2016-03-01

Active oxygen species (AOS) generated under ultraviolet (UV) lamps can be applied for various industrial processes owing to extremely strong oxidative abilities. We have already reported on an application of the AOS for a sterilization process of microorganisms. Here, a sterilization method using active oxygen generated under ultraviolet (UV) lamps introducing nitrous oxide (N2O) and oxygen gases into a vacuum chamber was investigated. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) gas was readily produced from N2O by UV photochemical reactions under the low-pressure mercury lamp and then used to sterilize medical devices. We compared the ability of the N2O gas to sterilize Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores with those of conventional methods. Successful sterilization of spores on various biological indicators was achieved within 60 min, not only in sterilization bags but also in a lumen device. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

THE POSSIBLE USE OF IONIZING RADIATION FOR THE STERILIZATION OF CERTAIN BIOLOGICAL PREPARATIONS. I. THE INFLUENCE OF IONIZING RADIATION UPON GAS-GANGRENE AND TETANUS ANTI-SERUM (SEROLOGICAL AND ELECTROPHORETIC INVESTIGATION)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Goncharenko, I.M.

1961-12-01

The antltoxic properties and the relative proportion of the protein fractions of gas-gangrene and tetanus antisera were studied. The results show that the sterilization of dried antisera with gamma rays caused no marked decrease in the antitoxin titre. Similar results were obtained with liquid antisera containing 0.3% mercamine. However, crude and concentrated liquid antisera after sterilization by radiation showed a marked decrease in antitoxin titre. Under the usual conditions, sterilization of liquid antisera appears to be inadvsable, not-withstanding the simpliclty, convenience, and reliabillty of the method; sterilization of dried antisera, however, offers better prospects. (P. C.H.)

Dust-gas Interactions in Dusty X-ray Emitting Plasmas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dwek, Eli

2006-01-01

Dusty shocked plasmas cool primarily by infrared emission from dust that is collisionally heated by the ambient hot gas. The infrared emission provides therefore an excellent diagnostic of the conditions (density and temperature) of the shocked gas. In this review I will discuss the physical processes in these plasmas, with a particular emphasis on recent infrared observations of the interaction between the blast wave of SN1987a and its equatorial ring.

Simulation of beam-induced plasma in gas-filled rf cavities

DOE PAGES

Yu, Kwangmin; Samulyak, Roman; Yonehara, Katsuya; ...

2017-03-07

Processes occurring in a radio-frequency (rf) cavity, filled with high pressure gas and interacting with proton beams, have been studied via advanced numerical simulations. Simulations support the experimental program on the hydrogen gas-filled rf cavity in the Mucool Test Area (MTA) at Fermilab, and broader research on the design of muon cooling devices. space, a 3D electromagnetic particle-in-cell (EM-PIC) code with atomic physics support, was used in simulation studies. Plasma dynamics in the rf cavity, including the process of neutral gas ionization by proton beams, plasma loading of the rf cavity, and atomic processes in plasma such as electron-ion andmore » ion-ion recombination and electron attachment to dopant molecules, have been studied. Here, through comparison with experiments in the MTA, simulations quantified several uncertain values of plasma properties such as effective recombination rates and the attachment time of electrons to dopant molecules. Simulations have achieved very good agreement with experiments on plasma loading and related processes. Lastly, the experimentally validated code space is capable of predictive simulations of muon cooling devices.« less

Plasma deposited polymers as gas sensitive films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Radeva, E.; Georgieva, V.; Lazarov, J.; Vergov, L.; Donkov, N.

2012-03-01

The possibility is presented of producing thin plasma polymers with desired properties by using nanofillers. Composite films are synthesized from a mixture of hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO) and detonation nanodiamond particles (DNDs). The chemical structure of the composite consists of DNDs distributed in the polymer matrix. The effect of DNDs on the humidity and ammonia sorptive properties of the polymers obtained is studied by measuring the mass changes as a result of gas sorption by using a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). The results show that, in view of building a sensing element for measuring humidity, ammonia or other gases, it is possible to maximize the sensor sensitivity to a certain gas by using an appropriate concentration of DNDs in HMDSO. Thus, a high degree of sensor sensitivity, together with short response time and minimum hysteresis, can be achieved. Composites of plasma-polymerized HMDSO with DNDs can be used as gas sensitive layers for the development of quartz resonator sensors.

Space-time evolution of ejected plasma for the triggering of gas switch

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liu, Shanhong, E-mail: liushanhong108098@163.com; Liu, Xuandong; Shen, Xi

2016-06-15

Ejected plasma has been widely applied to the discharge process of gas spark switches as a trigger technology, and the development process of ejected plasma has a direct and important effect on the discharge characteristics of gas switches. In this paper, both the injection characteristics and space-time evolution of ejected plasma for the triggering of gas spark switch with different stored energies, pulse polarities, and pressures are studied. The discharge characteristics and breakdown process of a gas switch ignited by ejected plasma under different working coefficients are also discussed briefly. The results show that stored energy has significant influence onmore » the characteristics of ejected plasma. With the increase of stored energy, the propulsion mode of ejected plasma in the axial direction transforms from “plasmoid” to “plasma flow,” and the distribution of the ejected plasma goes through “cloud,” “core-cloud,” and “branch” in sequence. The velocity of ejected plasma under negative pulse polarity is obviously higher than that under positive pulse polarity, especially at the very beginning time. The radial dimensions of ejected plasma under two kinds of pulse polarities follow the similar varying pattern over time, which increase first and then decrease, assuming an inverted “U”-shaped curve. With the increase of pressure, the velocity of ejected plasma significantly decreases and the “branch” channels droop earlier. Applying the ejected plasma to the triggering of a gas switch, the switch can be triggered reliably in a much wide working coefficient range of 10%–90%. With the increase of working coefficient, the breakdown process of the switch translates from slow working mode to fast working mode, and the delay time reduces from tens of μs to hundreds of ns.« less

Partial microwave-assisted wet digestion of animal tissue using a baby-bottle sterilizer for analyte determination by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matos, Wladiana O.; Menezes, Eveline A.; Gonzalez, Mário H.; Costa, Letícia M.; Trevizan, Lilian C.; Nogueira, Ana Rita A.

2009-06-01

A procedure for partial digestion of bovine tissue is proposed using polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) micro-vessels inside a baby-bottle sterilizer under microwave radiation for multi-element determination by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES). Samples were directly weighed in laboratory-made polytetrafluoroethylene vessels. Nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide were added to the uncovered vessels, which were positioned inside the baby-bottle sterilizer, containing 500 mL of water. The hydrogen peroxide volume was fixed at 100 µL. The system was placed in a domestic microwave oven and partial digestion was carried out for the determination of Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn and Zn by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The single-vessel approach was used in the entire procedure, to minimize contamination in trace analysis. Better recoveries and lower residual carbon content (RCC) levels were obtained under the conditions established through a 2 4-1 fractional factorial design: 650 W microwave power, 7 min digestion time, 50 µL nitric acid and 50 mg sample mass. The digestion efficiency was ascertained according to the residual carbon content determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The accuracy of the proposed procedure was checked against two certified reference materials.

In situ measurement of gas composition changes in radio frequency plasmas using a quartz sensor

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Suzuki, Atsushi; Nonaka, Hidehiko

2009-09-15

A simple method using a quartz sensor (Q-sensor) was developed to observe gas composition changes in radio frequency (rf) plasmas. The output depends on the gases' absolute pressure, molecular weight, and viscosity. The pressure-normalized quartz sensor output depends only on the molecular weight and viscosity of the gas. Consequently, gas composition changes can be detected in the plasmas if a sensor can be used in the plasmas. Influences imparted by the plasmas on the sensor, such as those by reactive particles (e.g., radicals and ions), excited species, electrons, temperature, and electric potentials during measurements were investigated to test the applicabilitymore » of this quartz sensor measurement to plasma. The Q-sensor measurement results for rf plasmas with argon, hydrogen, and their mixtures are reproducible, demonstrating that the Q-sensor measurement is applicable for plasmas. In this work, pressure- and temperature-normalized Q-sensor output (NQO) were used to obtain the gas composition information of plasma. Temperature-normalization of the Q-sensor output enabled quartz sensor measurements near plasma electrodes, where the quartz sensor temperature increases. The changes in NQO agreed with results obtained by gas analysis using a quadrupole mass spectrometer. Results confirmed that the change in NQO is mainly attributable to changes in the densities and kinds of gas molecules in the plasma gas phase, not by other extrinsic influences of plasma. For argon, hydrogen, and argon-hydrogen plasmas, these changes correspond to reduction in nitrogen, production of carbon monoxide, and dissociation of hydrogen molecules, respectively. These changes in NQO qualitatively and somewhat quantitatively agreed with results obtained using gas analysis, indicting that the measurement has a potential application to obtain the gas composition in plasmas without disturbing industrial plasma processes.« less

Mathematical model of gas plasma applied to chronic wounds

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, J. G.; Liu, X. Y.; Liu, D. W.

2013-11-15

Chronic wounds are a major burden for worldwide health care systems, and patients suffer pain and discomfort from this type of wound. Recently gas plasmas have been shown to safely speed chronic wounds healing. In this paper, we develop a deterministic mathematical model formulated by eight-species reaction-diffusion equations, and use it to analyze the plasma treatment process. The model follows spatial and temporal concentration within the wound of oxygen, chemoattractants, capillary sprouts, blood vessels, fibroblasts, extracellular matrix material, nitric oxide (NO), and inflammatory cell. Two effects of plasma, increasing NO concentration and reducing bacteria load, are considered in this model.more » The plasma treatment decreases the complete healing time from 25 days (normal wound healing) to 17 days, and the contributions of increasing NO concentration and reducing bacteria load are about 1/4 and 3/4, respectively. Increasing plasma treatment frequency from twice to three times per day accelerates healing process. Finally, the response of chronic wounds of different etiologies to treatment with gas plasmas is analyzed.« less

Low Temperature Plasma Medicine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Graves, David

2013-10-01

Ionized gas plasmas near room temperature are used in a remarkable number of technological applications mainly because they are extraordinarily efficient at exploiting electrical power for useful chemical and material transformations near room temperature. In this tutorial address, I will focus on the newest area of low temperature ionized gas plasmas (LTP), in this case operating under atmospheric pressure conditions, in which the temperature-sensitive material is living tissue. LTP research directed towards biomedical applications such as sterilization, surgery, wound healing and anti-cancer therapy has seen remarkable growth in the last 3-5 years, but the mechanisms responsible for the biomedical effects have remained mysterious. It is known that LTP readily create reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). ROS and RNS (or RONS), in addition to a suite of other radical and non-radical reactive species, are essential actors in an important sub-field of aerobic biology termed ``redox'' (or oxidation-reduction) biology. I will review the evidence suggesting that RONS generated by plasmas are responsible for their observed therapeutic effects. Other possible bio-active mechanisms include electric fields, charges and photons. It is common in LTP applications that synergies between different mechanisms can play a role and I will review the evidence for synergies in plasma biomedicine. Finally, I will address the challenges and opportunities for plasma physicists to enter this novel, multidisciplinary field.

Propagation of atmospheric pressure helium plasma jet into ambient air at laminar gas flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pinchuk, M.; Stepanova, O.; Kurakina, N.; Spodobin, V.

2017-05-01

The formation of an atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) in a gas flow passing through the discharge gap depends on both gas-dynamic properties and electrophysical parameters of the plasma jet generator. The paper presents the results of experimental and numerical study of the propagation of the APPJ in a laminar flow of helium. A dielectric-barrier discharge (DBD) generated inside a quartz tube equipped with a coaxial electrode system, which provided gas passing through it, served as a plasma source. The transition of the laminar regime of gas flow into turbulent one was controlled by the photography of a formed plasma jet. The corresponding gas outlet velocity and Reynolds numbers were revealed experimentally and were used to simulate gas dynamics with OpenFOAM software. The data of the numerical simulation suggest that the length of plasma jet at the unvarying electrophysical parameters of DBD strongly depends on the mole fraction of ambient air in a helium flow, which is established along the direction of gas flow.

Parallel 3-D numerical simulation of dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Houba, Tomas

Dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuators have shown promise in a range of applications including flow control, sterilization and ozone generation. Developing numerical models of plasma actuators is of great importance, because a high-fidelity parallel numerical model allows new design configurations to be tested rapidly. Additionally, it provides a better understanding of the plasma actuator physics which is useful for further innovation. The physics of plasma actuators is studied numerically. A loosely coupled approach is utilized for the coupling of the plasma to the neutral fluid. The state of the art in numerical plasma modeling is advanced by the development of a parallel, three-dimensional, first-principles model with detailed air chemistry. The model incorporates 7 charged species and 18 reactions, along with a solution of the electron energy equation. To the author's knowledge, a parallel three-dimensional model of a gas discharge with a detailed air chemistry model and the solution of electron energy is unique. Three representative geometries are studied using the gas discharge model. The discharge of gas between two parallel electrodes is used to validate the air chemistry model developed for the gas discharge code. The gas discharge model is then applied to the discharge produced by placing a dc powered wire and grounded plate electrodes in a channel. Finally, a three-dimensional simulation of gas discharge produced by electrodes placed inside a riblet is carried out. The body force calculated with the gas discharge model is loosely coupled with a fluid model to predict the induced flow inside the riblet.

Titan's gas and plasma torus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eviatar, A.; Podolak, M.

1983-01-01

The implications of the Voyager observations for a steady state model of a torus of hydrogen and nitrogen neutral gas and plasma are assessed. Constraints are placed on the nitrogen neutral density, the neutral hydrogen and nitrogen escape fluxes (from Titan), and the diffusion rate in terms of observed or inferred quantities. The results obtained are consistent with the Voyager observations.

Cold flame on Biofilm - Transport of Plasma Chemistry from Gas to Liquid Phase

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kong, Michael

2014-10-01

One of the most active and fastest growing fields in low-temperature plasma science today is biological effects of gas plasmas and their translation in many challenges of societal importance such as healthcare, environment, agriculture, and nanoscale fabrication and synthesis. Using medicine as an example, there are already three FDA-approved plasma-based surgical procedures for tissue ablation and blood coagulation and at least five phase-II clinical trials on plasma-assisted wound healing therapies. A key driver for realizing the immense application potential of near room-temperature ambient pressure gas plasmas, commonly known as cold atmospheric plasmas or CAP, is to build a sizeable interdisciplinary knowledge base with which to unravel, optimize, and indeed design how reactive plasma species interact with cells and their key components such as protein and DNA. Whilst a logical objective, it is a formidable challenge not least since existing knowledge of gas discharges is largely in the gas-phase and therefore not directly applicable to cell-containing matters that are covered by or embedded in liquid (e.g. biofluid). Here, we study plasma inactivation of biofilms, a jelly-like structure that bacteria use to protect themselves and a major source of antimicrobial resistance. As 60--90% of biofilm is made of water, we develop a holistic model incorporating physics and chemistry in the upstream CAP-generating region, a plasma-exit region as a buffer for as-phase transport, and a downstream liquid region bordering the gas buffer region. A special model is developed to account for rapid chemical reactions accompanied the transport of gas-phase plasma species through the gas-liquid interface and for liquid-phase chemical reactions. Numerical simulation is used to illustrate how key reactive oxygen species (ROS) are transported into the liquid, and this is supported with experimental data of both biofilm inactivation using plasmas and electron spin spectroscopy (ESR

Relic keV sterile neutrinos and reionization.

PubMed

Biermann, Peter L; Kusenko, Alexander

2006-03-10

A sterile neutrino with a mass of several keV can account for cosmological dark matter, as well as explain the observed velocities of pulsars. We show that x rays produced by the decays of these relic sterile neutrinos can boost the production of molecular hydrogen, which can speed up the cooling of gas and the early star formation, which can, in turn, lead to a reionization of the Universe at a high enough redshift to be consistent with the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe results.

Discharge characteristics and hydrodynamics behaviors of atmospheric plasma jets produced in various gas flow patterns

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Setsuhara, Yuichi; Uchida, Giichiro; Nakajima, Atsushi; Takenaka, Kosuke; Koga, Kazunori; Shiratani, Masaharu

2015-09-01

Atmospheric nonequilibrium plasma jets have been widely employed in biomedical applications. For biomedical applications, it is an important issue to understand the complicated mechanism of interaction of the plasma jet with liquid. In this study, we present analysis of the discharge characteristics of a plasma jet impinging onto the liquid surface under various gas flow patterns such as laminar and turbulence flows. For this purpose, we analyzed gas flow patters by using a Schlieren gas-flow imaging system in detail The plasma jet impinging into the liquid surface expands along the liquid surface. The diameter of the expanded plasma increases with gas flow rate, which is well explained by an increase in the diameter of the laminar gas-flow channel. When the gas flow rate is further increased, the gas flow mode transits from laminar to turbulence in the gas flow channel, which leads to the shortening of the plasm-jet length. Our experiment demonstrated that the gas flow patterns strongly affect the discharge characteristics in the plasma-jet system. This study was partly supported by a Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research on Innovative Areas ``Plasma Medical Innovation'' (24108003) from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan (MEXT).

Effects of supercritical carbon dioxide sterilization on polysaccharidic membranes for surgical applications.

PubMed

Scognamiglio, F; Blanchy, M; Borgogna, M; Travan, A; Donati, I; Bosmans, J W A M; Foulc, M P; Bouvy, N D; Paoletti, S; Marsich, E

2017-10-01

Sterilization methods such as ɣ-irradiation, steam sterilization and ethylene oxide gas treatment can have negative effects on molecular structure and properties of polysaccharide-based biomaterials. In this perspective, the use of supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO 2 ) has been proposed as an alternative method for biomaterial sterilization. In this work, chemical, mechanical and biological properties of polysaccharidic membranes for surgical applications were investigated after sterilization by scCO 2 . Four sets of sterilizing conditions were considered and SEC analyses were performed in order to identify the one with lower impact on the polysaccharidic matrix of membranes (alginate). Mechanical tests showed that the resistance of membranes was slightly affected after sterilization. Biological analyses proved the biocompatibility of the sterilized membranes both in vitro and in a preliminary in vivo test. Overall, this study points out that this sterilization technique can be successfully employed to achieve an effective and safe sterilization of polysaccharidic membranes for surgical use. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Spacecraft sterilization.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kalfayan, S. H.

1972-01-01

Spacecraft sterilization is a vital factor in projects for the successful biological exploration of other planets. The microorganisms of major concern are the fungi and bacteria. Sterilization procedures are oriented toward the destruction of bacterial spores. Gaseous sterilants are examined, giving attention to formaldehyde, beta-propiolactone, ethylene oxide, and the chemistry of the bactericidal action of sterilants. Radiation has been seriously considered as another method for spacecraft sterilization. Dry heat sterilization is discussed together with the effects of ethylene oxide decontamination and dry heat sterilization on materials.

Hysteroscopic Sterilization

MedlinePlus

... sterilization? Sterilization is a permanent form of birth control. What is tubal sterilization? Sterilization procedures for women are ... is quicker than from other types of sterilization. What are the risks of ... on for birth control. • There is a risk of injury to the ...

Plasma channel created by ionization of gas by a surface wave

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Konovalov, V. N.; Kuz’min, G. P.; Minaev, I. M., E-mail: minaev1945@mail.ru

2015-09-15

Conditions for gas ionization in the field of a slow surface wave excited by a microwave source are considered. The gas ionization rate and the plasma density distribution over the radius of the discharge tube were studied by the optical method. The experiments were conducted in a dielectric tube with a radius much smaller than the tube length, the gas pressure being ∼1–3 Torr. It is shown that the stationary distribution of the plasma density is determined by diffusion processes.

Gas-liquid interfacial plasmas producing reactive species for cell membrane permeabilization

PubMed Central

Kaneko, Toshiro; Sasaki, Shota; Takashima, Keisuke; Kanzaki, Makoto

2017-01-01

Gas-liquid interfacial atmospheric-pressure plasma jets (GLI-APPJ) are used medically for plasma-induced cell-membrane permeabilization. In an attempt to identify the dominant factors induced by GLI-APPJ responsible for enhancing cell-membrane permeability, the concentration and distribution of plasma-produced reactive species in the gas and liquid phase regions are measured. These reactive species are classified in terms of their life-span: long-lived (e.g., H2O2), short-lived (e.g., O2•−), and extremely-short-lived (e.g., •OH). The concentration of plasma-produced •OHaq in the liquid phase region decreases with an increase in solution thickness (<1 mm), and plasma-induced cell-membrane permeabilization is found to decay markedly as the thickness of the solution increases. Furthermore, the horizontally center-localized distribution of •OHaq, resulting from the center-peaked distribution of •OH in the gas phase region, corresponds with the distribution of the permeabilized cells upon APPJ irradiation, whereas the overall plasma-produced oxidizing species such as H2O2aq in solution exhibit a doughnut-shaped horizontal distribution. These results suggest that •OHaq is likely one of the dominant factors responsible for plasma-induced cell-membrane permeabilization. PMID:28163376

Gas-liquid interfacial plasmas producing reactive species for cell membrane permeabilization.

PubMed

Kaneko, Toshiro; Sasaki, Shota; Takashima, Keisuke; Kanzaki, Makoto

2017-01-01

Gas-liquid interfacial atmospheric-pressure plasma jets (GLI-APPJ) are used medically for plasma-induced cell-membrane permeabilization. In an attempt to identify the dominant factors induced by GLI-APPJ responsible for enhancing cell-membrane permeability, the concentration and distribution of plasma-produced reactive species in the gas and liquid phase regions are measured. These reactive species are classified in terms of their life-span: long-lived (e.g., H 2 O 2 ), short-lived (e.g., O 2 •- ), and extremely-short-lived (e.g., • OH). The concentration of plasma-produced • OH aq in the liquid phase region decreases with an increase in solution thickness (<1 mm), and plasma-induced cell-membrane permeabilization is found to decay markedly as the thickness of the solution increases. Furthermore, the horizontally center-localized distribution of • OH aq , resulting from the center-peaked distribution of • OH in the gas phase region, corresponds with the distribution of the permeabilized cells upon APPJ irradiation, whereas the overall plasma-produced oxidizing species such as H 2 O 2aq in solution exhibit a doughnut-shaped horizontal distribution. These results suggest that • OH aq is likely one of the dominant factors responsible for plasma-induced cell-membrane permeabilization.

Gas flow dependence for plasma-needle disinfection of S. mutans bacteria

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goree, J.; Liu, Bin; Drake, David

2006-08-01

The role of gas flow and transport mechanisms are studied for a small low-power impinging jet of weakly-ionized helium at atmospheric pressure. This plasma needle produces a non-thermal glow discharge plasma that kills bacteria. A culture of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) was plated onto the surface of agar, and spots on this surface were then treated with plasma. Afterwards, the sample was incubated and then imaged. These images, which serve as a biological diagnostic for characterizing the plasma, show a distinctive spatial pattern for killing that depends on the gas flow rate. As the flow is increased, the killing pattern varies from a solid circle to a ring. Images of the glow reveal that the spatial distribution of energetic electrons corresponds to the observed killing pattern. This suggests that a bactericidal species is generated in the gas phase by energetic electrons less than a millimetre from the sample surface. Mixing of air into the helium plasma is required to generate the observed O and OH radicals in the flowing plasma. Hydrodynamic processes involved in this mixing are buoyancy, diffusion and turbulence.

Gas arc constriction for plasma arc welding

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McGee, William F. (Inventor); Rybicki, Daniel J. (Inventor)

1994-01-01

A welding torch for plasma arc welding apparatus has an inert gas applied circumferentially about the arc column externally of the constricting nozzle so as to apply a constricting force on the arc after it has exited the nozzle orifice and downstream of the auxiliary shielding gas. The constricting inert gas is supplied to a plenum chamber about the body of the torch and exits through a series of circumferentially disposed orifices in an annular wall forming a closure at the forward end of the constricting gas plenum chamber. The constricting force of the circumferential gas flow about the arc concentrates and focuses the arc column into a more narrow and dense column of energy after exiting the nozzle orifice so that the arc better retains its energy density prior to contacting the workpiece.

Temporally resolved plasma spectroscopy for analyzing natural gas components

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kobayashi, Kazunobu; Tsumaki, Naomasa; Ito, Tsuyohito

2016-09-01

Temporally resolved plasma spectroscopy has been carried out in two different hydrocarbon gas mixtures (CH4/Ar and C2H6/Ar) to explore the possibility of a new gas sensor using plasma emission spectral analysis. In this experiment, a nanosecond-pulsed plasma discharge was applied to observe optical emissions representing the initial molecular structure. It is found that a CH emission intensity in CH4/Ar is higher than that in C2H6/Ar. On the other hand, C2 intensities are almost the same degree between CH4/Ar and C2H6/Ar. This finding indicates that the emission intensity ratio of CH to C2 might be an effective index for a gas analysis. In addition, a time for the highest emission intensities of CH and C2 is several nanoseconds later than that of Ar. This result suggests that spectra from the initial molecular structure may be observed at the early stage of the discharge before molecules are fully dissociated, and this is currently in progress.

Carbon dioxide as working gas for laboratory plasmas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kist, R.

1976-01-01

Measurements with a RF probe, retarding potential analyzer and mass spectrometer in a laboratory plasma tank were performed using the gases CO2, N2, A and He in order to compare their properties as working gases for laboratory plasma production. The overall result of that CO2 leads to higher plasma densities at lower neutral-gas pressures as well as to a larger Maxwellian component of the electron population, while the electron temperature is lower than that when N2, A and He are used.

Static gas-liquid interfacial direct current discharge plasmas using ionic liquid cathode

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kaneko, T.; CREST/JST, Tokyo 102-0075; Baba, K.

Due to the unique properties of ionic liquids such as their extremely low vapor pressure and high heat capacity, we have succeeded in creating the static and stable gas (plasmas)-liquid (ionic liquids) interfacial field using a direct current discharge under a low gas pressure condition. It is clarified that the ionic liquid works as a nonmetal liquid electrode, and furthermore, a secondary electron emission coefficient of the ionic liquid is larger than that of conventional metal electrodes. The plasma potential structure of the gas-liquid interfacial region, and resultant interactions between the plasma and the ionic liquid are revealed by changingmore » a polarity of the electrode in the ionic liquid. By utilizing the ionic liquid as a cathode electrode, the positive ions in the plasma region are found to be irradiated to the ionic liquid. This ion irradiation causes physical and chemical reactions at the gas-liquid interfacial region without the vaporization of the ionic liquid.« less

Two-stage plasma gun based on a gas discharge with a self-heating hollow emitter.

PubMed

Vizir, A V; Tyunkov, A V; Shandrikov, M V; Oks, E M

2010-02-01

The paper presents the results of tests of a new compact two-stage bulk gas plasma gun. The plasma gun is based on a nonself-sustained gas discharge with an electron emitter based on a discharge with a self-heating hollow cathode. The operating characteristics of the plasma gun are investigated. The discharge system makes it possible to produce uniform and stable gas plasma in the dc mode with a plasma density up to 3x10(9) cm(-3) at an operating gas pressure in the vacuum chamber of less than 2x10(-2) Pa. The device features high power efficiency, design simplicity, and compactness.

Biological Sterilization of Returned Mars Samples

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Allen, C. C.; Albert, F. G.; Combie, J.; Bodnar, R. J.; Hamilton, V. E.; Jolliff, B. L.; Kuebler, K.; Wang, A.; Lindstrom, D. J.; Morris, P. A.

1999-01-01

Martian rock and soil, collected by robotic spacecraft, will be returned to terrestrial laboratories early in the next century. Current plans call for the samples to be immediately placed into biological containment and tested for signs of present or past life and biological hazards. It is recommended that "Controlled distribution of unsterilized materials from Mars should occur only if rigorous analyses determine that the materials do not constitute a biological hazard. If any portion of the sample is removed from containment prior to completion of these analyses it should first be sterilized." While sterilization of Mars samples may not be required, an acceptable method must be available before the samples are returned to Earth. The sterilization method should be capable of destroying a wide range of organisms with minimal effects on the geologic samples. A variety of biological sterilization techniques and materials are currently in use, including dry heat, high pressure steam, gases, plasmas and ionizing radiation. Gamma radiation is routinely used to inactivate viruses and destroy bacteria in medical research. Many commercial sterilizers use Co-60 , which emits gamma photons of 1.17 and 1.33 MeV. Absorbed doses of approximately 1 Mrad (10(exp 8) ergs/g) destroy most bacteria. This study investigates the effects of lethal doses of Co-60 gamma radiation on materials similar to those anticipated to be returned from Mars. The goals are to determine the gamma dose required to kill microorganisms in rock and soil samples and to determine the effects of gamma sterilization on the samples' isotopic, chemical and physical properties. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.

Plasma density perturbation caused by probes at low gas pressure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sternberg, Natalia; Godyak, Valery

2017-09-01

An analysis of plasma parameter perturbations caused by a spherical probe immersed into a spherical plasma is presented for arbitrary collisionality and arbitrary ratios of probe to plasma dimensions. The plasma was modeled by the fluid plasma equations with ion inertia and nonlinear ion friction force that dominate plasma transport at low gas pressures. Significant depletion of the plasma density around the probe surface has been found. The area of plasma depletion coincides with the sensing area of different kinds of magnetic and microwave probes and will therefore lead to errors in data inferred from measurements with such probes.

High-field plasma acceleration in a high-ionization-potential gas

DOE PAGES

Corde, S.; Adli, E.; Allen, J. M.; ...

2016-06-17

Plasma accelerators driven by particle beams are a very promising future accelerator technology as they can sustain high accelerating fields over long distances with high energy efficiency. They rely on the excitation of a plasma wave in the wake of a drive beam. To generate the plasma, a neutral gas can be field-ionized by the head of the drive beam, in which case the distance of acceleration and energy gain can be strongly limited by head erosion. In our research, we overcome this limit and demonstrate that electrons in the tail of a drive beam can be accelerated by upmore » to 27 GeV in a high-ionization-potential gas (argon), boosting their initial 20.35 GeV energy by 130%. Particle-in-cell simulations show that the argon plasma is sustaining very high electric fields, of ~150 GV m -1, over ~20 cm. Lastly, the results open new possibilities for the design of particle beam drivers and plasma sources.« less

Sterilization/disinfection of medical devices using plasma: the flowing afterglow of the reduced-pressure N2-O2 discharge as the inactivating medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moisan, Michel; Boudam, Karim; Carignan, Denis; Kéroack, Danielle; Levif, Pierre; Barbeau, Jean; Séguin, Jacynthe; Kutasi, Kinga; Elmoualij, Benaïssa; Thellin, Olivier; Zorzi, Willy

2013-07-01

Potential sterilization/disinfection of medical devices (MDs) is investigated using a specific plasma process developed at the Université de Montréal over the last decade. The inactivating medium of the microorganisms is the flowing afterglow of a reduced-pressure N2-O2 discharge, which provides, as the main biocidal agent, photons over a broad ultraviolet (UV) wavelength range. The flowing afterglow is considered less damaging to MDs than the discharge itself. Working at gas pressures in the 400—700 Pa range (a few torr) ensures, through species diffusion, the uniform filling of large volume chambers with the species outflowing from the discharge, possibly allowing batch processing within them. As a rule, bacterial endospores are used as bio-indicators (BI) to validate sterilization processes. Under the present operating conditions, Bacillus atrophaeus is found to be the most resistant one and is therefore utilized as BI. The current paper reviews the main experimental results concerning the operation and characterization of this sterilizer/disinfector, updating and completing some of our previously published papers. It uses modeling results as guidelines, which are particularly useful when the corresponding experimental data are not (yet) available, hopefully leading to more insight into this plasma afterglow system. The species flowing out of the N2-O2 discharge can be divided into two groups, depending on the time elapsed after they left the discharge zone as they move toward the chamber, namely the early afterglow and the late afterglow. The early flowing afterglow from a pure N2 discharge (also called pink afterglow) is known to be comprised of N2+ and N4+ ions. In the present N2-O2 mixture discharge, NO+ ions are additionally generated, with a lifetime that extends over a longer period than that of the nitrogen molecular ions. We shall suppose that the disappearance of the NO+ ions marks the end of the early afterglow regime, thereby stressing our intent

Atomic Force Microscope Investigations of Bacterial Biofilms Treated with Gas Discharge Plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vandervoort, Kurt; Zelaya, Anna; Brelles-Marino, Graciela

2012-02-01

We present investigations of bacterial biofilms before and after treatment with gas discharge plasmas. Gas discharge plasmas represent a way to inactivate bacteria under conditions where conventional disinfection methods are often ineffective. These conditions involve biofilm communities, where bacteria grow embedded in an exopolysaccharide matrix, and cooperative interactions between cells make organisms less susceptible to standard inactivation methods. In this study, biofilms formed by the opportunistic bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa were imaged before and after plasma treatment using an atomic force microscope (AFM). Through AFM images and micromechanical measurements we observed bacterial morphological damage and reduced AFM tip-sample surface adhesion following plasma treatment.

Electron density measurement in gas discharge plasmas by optical and acoustic methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Biagioni, A.; Anania, M. P.; Bellaveglia, M.; Chiadroni, E.; Cianchi, A.; Di Giovenale, D.; Di Pirro, G.; Ferrario, M.; Filippi, F.; Mostacci, A.; Pompili, R.; Shpakov, V.; Vaccarezza, C.; Villa, F.; Zigler, A.

2016-08-01

Plasma density represents a very important parameter for both laser wakefield and plasma wakefield acceleration, which use a gas-filled capillary plasma source. Several techniques can be used to measure the plasma density within a capillary discharge, which are mainly based on optical diagnostic methods, as for example the well-known spectroscopic method using the Stark broadening effect. In this work, we introduce a preliminary study on an alternative way to detect the plasma density, based on the shock waves produced by gas discharge in a capillary. Firstly, the measurements of the acoustic spectral content relative to the laser-induced plasmas by a solid target allowed us to understand the main properties of the acoustic waves produced during this kind of plasma generation; afterwards, we have extended such acoustic technique to the capillary plasma source in order to calibrate it by comparison with the stark broadening method.

Longitudinal gas-density profilometry for plasma-wakefield acceleration targets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schaper, Lucas; Goldberg, Lars; Kleinwächter, Tobias; Schwinkendorf, Jan-Patrick; Osterhoff, Jens

2014-03-01

Precise tailoring of plasma-density profiles has been identified as one of the critical points in achieving stable and reproducible conditions in plasma wakefield accelerators. Here, the strict requirements of next generation plasma-wakefield concepts, such as hybrid-accelerators, with densities around 1017 cm-3 pose challenges to target fabrication as well as to their reliable diagnosis. To mitigate these issues we combine target simulation with fabrication and characterization. The resulting density profiles in capillaries with gas jet and multiple in- and outlets are simulated with the fluid code OpenFOAM. Satisfactory simulation results then are followed by fabrication of the desired target shapes with structures down to the 10 μm level. The detection of Raman scattered photons using lenses with large collection solid angle allows to measure the corresponding longitudinal density profiles at different number densities and allows a detection sensitivity down to the low 1017 cm-3 density range at high spatial resolution. This offers the possibility to gain insight into steep density gradients as for example in gas jets and at the plasma-to-vacuum transition.

Generation and confinement of microwave gas-plasma in photonic dielectric microstructure.

PubMed

Debord, B; Jamier, R; Gérôme, F; Leroy, O; Boisse-Laporte, C; Leprince, P; Alves, L L; Benabid, F

2013-10-21

We report on a self-guided microwave surface-wave induced generation of ~60 μm diameter and 6 cm-long column of argon-plasma confined in the core of a hollow-core photonic crystal fiber. At gas pressure of 1 mbar, the micro-confined plasma exhibits a stable transverse profile with a maximum gas-temperature as high as 1300 ± 200 K, and a wall-temperature as low as 500 K, and an electron density level of 10¹⁴ cm⁻³. The fiber guided fluorescence emission presents strong Ar⁺ spectral lines in the visible and near UV. Theory shows that the observed combination of relatively low wall-temperature and high ionisation rate in this strongly confined configuration is due to an unprecedentedly wide electrostatic space-charge field and the subsequent ion acceleration dominance in the plasma-to-gas power transfer.

Plasma bacterial and mitochondrial DNA distinguish bacterial sepsis from sterile systemic inflammatory response syndrome and quantify inflammatory tissue injury in nonhuman primates.

PubMed

Sursal, Tolga; Stearns-Kurosawa, Deborah J; Itagaki, Kiyoshi; Oh, Sun-Young; Sun, Shiqin; Kurosawa, Shinichiro; Hauser, Carl J

2013-01-01

Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is a fundamental host response common to bacterial infection and sterile tissue injury. Systemic inflammatory response syndrome can cause organ dysfunction and death, but its mechanisms are incompletely understood. Moreover, SIRS can progress to organ failure or death despite being sterile or after control of the inciting infection. Biomarkers discriminating between sepsis, sterile SIRS, and postinfective SIRS would therefore help direct care. Circulating mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is a damage-associated molecular pattern reflecting cellular injury. Circulating bacterial 16S DNA (bDNA) is a pathogen-associated pattern (PAMP) reflecting ongoing infection. We developed quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays to quantify these markers, and predicting their plasma levels might help distinguish sterile injury from infection. To study these events in primates, we assayed banked serum from Papio baboons that had undergone a brief challenge of intravenous Bacillus anthracis delta Sterne (modified to remove toxins) followed by antibiotics (anthrax) that causes organ failure and death. To investigate the progression of sepsis to "severe" sepsis and death, we studied animals where anthrax was pretreated with drotrecogin alfa (activated protein C), which attenuates sepsis in baboons. We also contrasted lethal anthrax bacteremia against nonlethal E. coli bacteremia and against sterile tissue injury from Shiga-like toxin 1. Bacterial DNA and mtDNA levels in timed samples were correlated with blood culture results and assays of organ function. Sterile injury by Shiga-like toxin 1 increased mtDNA, but bDNA was undetectable: consistent with the absence of infection. The bacterial challenges caused parallel early bDNA and mtDNA increases, but bDNA detected pathogens even after bacteria were undetectable by culture. Sublethal E. coli challenge only caused transient rises in mtDNA consistent with a self-limited injury. In lethal

Laparoscopic female sterilization.

PubMed

Filshie, G M

1989-09-01

An overview of laparoscopic sterilization techniques from a historical and practical viewpoint includes instrumentation, operative techniques, mechanical occlusive devices, anesthesia, failure rates, morbidity and mortality. Laparoscope was first reported in 1893, but was developed simultaneously in France, Great Britain, Canada and the US in the 1960s. There are smaller laparoscopes for double-puncture procedures, and larger, single-puncture laparoscopes. To use a ring or clip, a much larger operating channel, up to 8 mm is needed. Insufflating gas may be CO2, which does not support combustion, but is more uncomfortable, NO2, which is also an anesthetic, and room air often used in developing countries. Unipolar electrocautery is now rarely used, in fact most third party payers do not allow it. Bipolar cautery, thermal coagulation and laser photocoagulation are safer methods. Falope rings, Hulka-Clemens, Filshie, Bleier, Weck and Tupla clips are described and illustrated. General anesthesia, usually a short acting agent with a muscle relaxant, causes 33% of the mortality of laparoscope, often due to cardiac arrest and arrhythmias, preventable with atropine. Local anesthesia is safer and cheaper and often used in developing countries. Failure rates of the various laparoscopic tubal sterilization methods are reviewed: most result from fistula formation. Mortality and morbidity can be caused by bowel damage, injury or infection, pre- existing pelvic infection, hemorrhage, gas embolism (avoidable by the saline drip test), and other rare events.

Modeling of non-thermal plasma in flammable gas mixtures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Napartovich, A. P.; Kochetov, I. V.; Leonov, S. B.

2008-07-01

An idea of using plasma-assisted methods of fuel ignition is based on non-equilibrium generation of chemically active species that speed up the combustion process. It is believed that gain in energy consumed for combustion acceleration by plasmas is due to the non-equilibrium nature of discharge plasma, which allows radicals to be produced in an above-equilibrium amount. Evidently, the size of the effect is strongly dependent on the initial temperature, pressure, and composition of the mixture. Of particular interest is comparison between thermal ignition of a fuel-air mixture and non-thermal plasma initiation of the combustion. Mechanisms of thermal ignition in various fuel-air mixtures have been studied for years, and a number of different mechanisms are known providing an agreement with experiments at various conditions. The problem is -- how to conform thermal chemistry approach to essentially non-equilibrium plasma description. The electric discharge produces much above-equilibrium amounts of chemically active species: atoms, radicals and ions. The point is that despite excess concentrations of a number of species, total concentration of these species is far below concentrations of the initial gas mixture. Therefore, rate coefficients for reactions of these discharge produced species with other gas mixture components are well known quantities controlled by the translational temperature, which can be calculated from the energy balance equation taking into account numerous processes initiated by plasma. A numerical model was developed combining traditional approach of thermal combustion chemistry with advanced description of the plasma kinetics based on solution of electron Boltzmann equation. This approach allows us to describe self-consistently strongly non-equilibrium electric discharge in chemically unstable (ignited) gas. Equations of pseudo-one-dimensional gas dynamics were solved in parallel with a system of thermal chemistry equations, kinetic equations

Plasma Processing with a One Atmosphere Uniform Glow Discharge Plasma (OAUGDP)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reece Roth, J.

2000-10-01

The vast majority of all industrial plasma processing is conducted with glow discharges at pressures below 10 torr. This has limited applications to high value workpieces as a result of the large capital cost of vacuum systems and the production constraints of batch processing. It has long been recognized that glow discharges would play a much larger industrial role if they could be operated at one atmosphere. The One Atmosphere Uniform Glow Discharge Plasma (OAUGDP) has been developed at the University of Tennessee Plasma Sciences Laboratory. The OAUGDP is non-thermal RF plasma with the time-resolved characteristics of a classical low pressure DC normal glow discharge. An interdisciplinary team was formed to conduct exploratory investigations of the physics and applications of the OAUGDP. This team includes collaborators from the UTK Textiles and Nonwovens Development Center (TANDEC) and the Departments of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Microbiology, Food Science and Technology, and Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Science. Exploratory tests were conducted on a variety of potential plasma processing and other applications. These include the use of OAUGDP to sterilize medical and dental equipment and air filters; diesel soot removal; plasma aerodynamic effects; electrohydrodynamic (EDH) flow control of the neutral working gas; increasing the surface energy of materials; increasing the wettability and wickability of fabrics; and plasma deposition and directional etching. A general overview of these topics will be presented.

Interval Female Sterilization.

PubMed

Stuart, Gretchen S; Ramesh, Shanthi S

2018-01-01

Female sterilization is relied on by nearly one in three women aged 35-44 years in the United States. Sterilization procedures are among the most common procedures that obstetrician-gynecologists perform. The most frequent sterilization procedures include postpartum tubal ligation, laparoscopic tubal disruption or salpingectomy, and hysteroscopic tubal occlusion. The informed consent process for sterilization is crucial and requires shared decision-making between the patient and the health care provider. Counseling should include the specific risks and benefits of the specific surgical approaches. Additionally, women should be counseled on the alternatives to sterilization, including intrauterine contraceptives and subdermal contraceptive implants. Complications, including unplanned pregnancy after successful female sterilization, are rare. The objectives of this Clinical Expert Series are to describe the epidemiology of female sterilization, access to postpartum sterilization, advances in interval sterilization techniques, and clinical considerations in caring for women requesting sterilization.

Low temperature plasma biomedicine: A tutorial reviewa)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Graves, David B.

2014-08-01

Gas discharge plasmas formed at atmospheric pressure and near room temperature have recently been shown to be potentially useful for surface and wound sterilization, antisepsis, bleeding cessation, wound healing, and cancer treatment, among other biomedical applications. This tutorial review summarizes the field, stressing the likely role of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species created in these plasmas as the biologically and therapeutically active agents. Reactive species, including radicals and non-radical compounds, are generated naturally within the body and are now understood to be essential for normal biological functions. These species are known to be active agents in existing therapies for wound healing, infection control, and cancer treatment. But they are also observed at elevated levels in persons with many diseases and are associated with aging. The physical and chemical complexity of plasma medical devices and their associated biochemical effects makes the development of safe, effective plasma medical devices and procedures a challenge, but encouragingly rapid progress has been reported around the world in the last several years.

EDITORIAL: Gas plasmas in biology and medicine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stoffels, Eva

2006-08-01

and its attendant complications, such as inflammation and scarring. Another substantial research direction makes use of the bactericidal properties of the plasma. The number of findings on plasma inactivation of bacteria and spores is growing; plasma sterilization has already achieved some commercial success. In future, bacteriostatic properties of cold plasmas will even facilitate non-contact disinfection of human tissues. At this moment, one cannot explicitly list all the medical procedures in which cold plasmas will be involved. My personal intuition predicts widespread use of plasma treatment in dentistry and dermatology, but surely more applications will emerge in the course of this multi-disciplinary research. In fact, some plasma techniques, such as coagulation and coblation, are already used in clinical practice—this is another image of plasma science, which is so far unfamiliar to plasma physicists. Therefore, this particular topic forms a perfect platform for contacts between physicists and medical experts. Our colleagues from the medical scientific community will continue giving us feedback, suggestions or even orders. Biomedical plasmas should not become an isolated research area—we must grow together with medical research, listen to criticism, and eventually serve the physicians. Only then will this new field grow, flourish and bear fruit. All the above-mentioned topics meet in this issue of Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics, comprising the most significant examples of modern biomedical plasma research. Browsing through the contributions, the reader can trace back the progress in this field: from fundamental physical (numerical) studies, through phenomenology and physics of new discharges, studies on plasma-surface modification, bacterial inactivation tests, fundamental cell biological investigations, to final in vivo applications. One may ask why this selection has found its place in a purely physical journal—many contributions are concerned

Estimation of Flow Channel Parameters for Flowing Gas Mixed with Air in Atmospheric-pressure Plasma Jets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yambe, Kiyoyuki; Saito, Hidetoshi

2017-12-01

When the working gas of an atmospheric-pressure non-equilibrium (cold) plasma flows into free space, the diameter of the resulting flow channel changes continuously. The shape of the channel is observed through the light emitted by the working gas of the atmospheric-pressure plasma. When the plasma jet forms a conical shape, the diameter of the cylindrical shape, which approximates the conical shape, defines the diameter of the flow channel. When the working gas flows into the atmosphere from the inside of a quartz tube, the gas mixes with air. The molar ratio of the working gas and air is estimated from the corresponding volume ratio through the relationship between the diameter of the cylindrical plasma channel and the inner diameter of the quartz tube. The Reynolds number is calculated from the kinematic viscosity of the mixed gas and the molar ratio. The gas flow rates for the upper limit of laminar flow and the lower limit of turbulent flow are determined by the corresponding Reynolds numbers estimated from the molar ratio. It is confirmed that the plasma jet length and the internal plasma length associated with strong light emission increase with the increasing gas flow rate until the rate for the upper limit of laminar flow and the lower limit of turbulent flow, respectively. Thus, we are able to explain the increasing trend in the plasma lengths with the diameter of the flow channel and the molar ratio by using the cylindrical approximation.

Calculation of gas-flow in plasma reactor for carbon partial oxidation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bespala, Evgeny; Myshkin, Vyacheslav; Novoselov, Ivan; Pavliuk, Alexander; Makarevich, Semen; Bespala, Yuliya

2018-03-01

The paper discusses isotopic effects at carbon oxidation in low temperature non-equilibrium plasma at constant magnetic field. There is described routine of experiment and defined optimal parameters ensuring maximum enrichment factor at given electrophysical, gas-dynamic, and thermodymanical parameters. It has been demonstrated that at high-frequency generator capacity of 4 kW, supply frequency of 27 MHz and field density of 44 mT the concentration of paramagnetic heavy nuclei 13C in gaseous phase increases up to 1.78 % compared to 1.11 % for natural concentration. Authors explain isotopic effect decrease during plasmachemical separation induced by mixing gas flows enriched in different isotopes at the lack of product quench. With the help of modeling the motion of gas flows inside the plasma-chemical reactor based on numerical calculation of Navier-Stokes equation authors determine zones of gas mixing and cooling speed. To increase isotopic effects and proportion of 13C in gaseous phase it has been proposed to use quench in the form of Laval nozzle of refractory steel. The article represents results on calculation of optimal Laval Nozzle parameters for plasma-chemical reactor of chosen geometry of. There are also given dependences of quench time of products on pressure at the diffuser output and on critical section diameter. Authors determine the location of quench inside the plasma-chemical reactor in the paper.

Plasma chemistry of NO in complex gas mixtures excited with a surfatron launcher.

PubMed

Hueso, J L; González-Elipe, A R; Cotrino, J; Caballero, A

2005-06-09

The plasma chemistry of NO has been investigated in gas mixtures with oxygen and/or hydrocarbon and Ar as carrier gas. Surface wave discharges operating at microwave frequencies have been used for this study. The different plasma reactions have been analyzed for a pressure range between 30 and 75 Torr. Differences in product concentration and/or reaction yields smaller than 10% were found as a function of this parameter. The following gas mixtures have been considered for investigation: Ar/NO, Ar/NO/O2, Ar/NO/CH4, Ar/CH4/O2, Ar/NO/CH4/O2. It is found that NO decomposes into N2 and O2, whereas other products such as CO, H2, and H2O are also formed when CH4 and O2 are present in the reaction mixture. Depending on the working conditions, other minority products such as HCN, CO2, and C2 or higher hydrocarbons have been also detected. The reaction of an Ar/NO plasma with deposits of solid carbon has also been studied. The experiments have provided useful information with respect to the possible removal of soot particles by this type of plasma. It has been shown that carbon deposits are progressively burned off by interaction with the plasma, and practically 100% decomposition of NO was found. Plasma intermediate species have been studied by optical emission spectroscopy (OES). Bands and/or peaks due to N2*, NO*, OH*, C2*, CN*, CH*, or H* were detected with different relative intensities depending on the gas mixture. From the analysis of both the reaction products and efficiency and the type of intermediate species detected by OES, different plasma reactions and processes are proposed to describe the plasma chemistry of NO in each particular mixture of gases. The results obtained provide interesting insights about the plasma removal of NO in real gas exhausts.

Validation of cold plasma treatment for protein inactivation: a surface plasmon resonance-based biosensor study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bernard, C.; Leduc, A.; Barbeau, J.; Saoudi, B.; Yahia, L'H.; DeCrescenzo, G.

2006-08-01

Gas plasma is being proposed as an interesting and promising tool to achieve sterilization. The efficacy of gas plasma to destroy bacterial spores (the most resistant living microorganisms) has been demonstrated and documented over the last ten years. In addition to causing damage to deoxyribonucleic acid by UV radiation emitted by excited species originating from the plasma, gas plasma has been shown to promote erosion of the microorganism in addition to possible oxidation reactions within the microorganism. In this work, we used lysozyme as a protein model to assess the effect of gas plasma on protein inactivation. Lysozyme samples have been subjected to the flowing afterglow of a gas discharge achieved in a nitrogen-oxygen mixture. The efficiency of this plasma treatment on lysozyme has been tested by two different assays. These are an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and a surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based biosensor assay. The two methods showed that exposure to gas plasma can abrogate lysozyme interactions with lysozyme-specific antibodies, more likely by destroying the epitopes responsible for the interaction. More specifically, two SPR-based assays were developed since our ELISA approach did not allow us to discriminate between background and low, but still intact, quantities of lysozyme epitope after plasma treatment. Our SPR results clearly demonstrated that significant protein destruction or desorption was achieved when amounts of lysozyme less than 12.5 ng had been deposited in polystyrene 96-well ELISA plates. At higher lysozyme amounts, traces of available lysozyme epitopes were detected by SPR through indirect measurements. Finally, we demonstrated that a direct SPR approach in which biosensor-immobilized lysozyme activity is directly measured prior and after plasma treatment is more sensitive, and thus, more appropriate to define plasma treatment efficacy with more certainty.

Hiding an elephant: heavy sterile neutrino with large mixing angle does not contradict cosmology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bezrukov, F.; Chudaykin, A.; Gorbunov, D.

2017-06-01

We study a model of a keV-scale sterile neutrino with a relatively large mixing with the Standard Model sector. Usual considerations predict active generation of such particles in the early Universe, which leads to constraints from the total Dark Matter density and absence of X-ray signal from sterile neutrino decay. These bounds together may deem any attempt of creation of the keV scale sterile neutrino in the laboratory unfeasible. We argue that for models with a hidden sector coupled to the sterile neutrino these bounds can be evaded, opening new perspectives for the direct studies at neutrino experiments such as Troitsk ν-mass and KATRIN. We estimate the generation of sterile neutrinos in scenarios with the hidden sector dynamics keeping the sterile neutrinos either massless or superheavy in the early Universe. In both cases the generation by oscillations from active neutrinos in plasma is suppressed.

Emerging applications of low temperature gas plasmas in the food industry.

PubMed

Shaw, Alex; Shama, Gilbert; Iza, Felipe

2015-06-16

The global burden of foodborne disease due to the presence of contaminating micro-organisms remains high, despite some notable examples of their successful reduction in some instances. Globally, the number of species of micro-organisms responsible for foodborne diseases has increased over the past decades and as a result of the continued centralization of the food processing industry, outbreaks now have far reaching consequences. Gas plasmas offer a broad range of microbicidal capabilities that could be exploited in the food industry and against which microbial resistance would be unlikely to occur. In addition to reducing the incidence of disease by acting on the micro-organisms responsible for food spoilage, gas plasmas could also play a role in increasing the shelf-life of perishable foods and thereby reduce food wastage with positive financial and environmental implications. Treatment need not be confined to the food itself but could include food processing equipment and also the environment in which commercial food processing occurs. Moreover, gas plasmas could also be used to bring about the degradation of undesirable chemical compounds, such as allergens, toxins, and pesticide residues, often encountered on foods and food-processing equipment. The literature on the application of gas plasmas to food treatment is beginning to reveal an appreciation that attention needs also to be paid to ensuring that the key quality attributes of foods are not significantly impaired as a result of treatment. A greater understanding of both the mechanisms by which micro-organisms and chemical compounds are inactivated, and of the plasma species responsible for this is forming. This is significant, as this knowledge can then be used to design plasma systems with tailored compositions that will achieve maximum efficacy. Better understanding of the underlying interactions will also enable the design and implementation of control strategies capable of minimizing variations in

Influence of reactive oxygen species on the sterilization of microbes

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The influence of reactive oxygen species on living cells, including various microbes, is discussed. A sterilization experiment with bacterial endospores reveals that an argoneoxygen plasma jet very effectively kills endospores of Bacillus atrophaeus (ATCC 9372), thereby indicating that oxygen radic...

Simultaneous generation of acidic and alkaline water using atmospheric air plasma formed in water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Imai, Shin-ichi; Sakaguchi, Yoshihiro; Shirafuji, Tatsuru

2018-01-01

Plasmas on water surfaces and in water can be generated at atmosphere pressure using several kinds of gases, including helium, argon, oxygen, and air. Nitrates are generated in water through the interaction between water and atmospheric plasma that uses ambient air. Water that has been made acidic by the generation of nitric acid and the acidic water can be used for the sterilization of medical instruments, toilet bowls, and washing machines. Dishwashers are another potential application, as alkaline water is needed to remove grease from tableware. To investigate the production of alkaline water and its mechanism, gas component analysis was performed using an atmospheric quadrupole mass spectrometer. It was found that hydrogen gas evolves from the water surrounding both the positive and negative electrodes. The gas and water analyses carried out in this study revealed that acidic water of pH 2.5 and alkaline water of pH 10 can be simultaneously generated by our ambient air plasma device, which has been altered from our original model. The alterative plasma device has a partition wall, which is made of conductive resin, between the positive and negative electrodes.

Plasma Assisted Ignition and Combustion at Low Initial Gas Temperatures: Development of Kinetic Mechanism

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-10-05

describes physics of a nanosecond surface dielectric barrier discharge (SDBD) at ambient gas temperature and high pressures (1-6 bar) in air. Details about...the ignition by a nanosecond discharge. Chapter 7 presents the high pressure high temperature reactor built recently at Laboratory for Plasma Physics ...livelink.ebs.afrl.af.mil/livelink/llisapi.dll Laboratory for Physics of Plasma, Ecole Polytechnique Plasma Assisted Ignition and Combustion at Low Initial Gas

Invited Review Article: Gas puff imaging diagnostics of edge plasma turbulence in magnetic fusion devices

DOE PAGES

Zweben, S. J.; Terry, J. L.; Stotler, D. P.; ...

2017-04-27

Gas puff imaging (GPI) is a diagnostic of plasma turbulence which uses a puff of neutral gas at the plasma edge to increase the local visible light emission for improved space-time resolution of plasma fluctuations. This paper reviews gas puff imaging diagnostics of edge plasma turbulence in magnetic fusion research, with a focus on the instrumentation, diagnostic cross-checks, and interpretation issues. The gas puff imaging hardware, optics, and detectors are described for about 10 GPI systems implemented over the past similar to 15 years. Comparison of GPI results with other edge turbulence diagnostic results is described, and many common featuresmore » are observed. Here, several issues in the interpretation of GPI measurements are discussed, and potential improvements in hardware and modeling are suggested.« less

Invited Review Article: Gas puff imaging diagnostics of edge plasma turbulence in magnetic fusion devices

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zweben, S. J.; Terry, J. L.; Stotler, D. P.

Gas puff imaging (GPI) is a diagnostic of plasma turbulence which uses a puff of neutral gas at the plasma edge to increase the local visible light emission for improved space-time resolution of plasma fluctuations. This paper reviews gas puff imaging diagnostics of edge plasma turbulence in magnetic fusion research, with a focus on the instrumentation, diagnostic cross-checks, and interpretation issues. The gas puff imaging hardware, optics, and detectors are described for about 10 GPI systems implemented over the past similar to 15 years. Comparison of GPI results with other edge turbulence diagnostic results is described, and many common featuresmore » are observed. Here, several issues in the interpretation of GPI measurements are discussed, and potential improvements in hardware and modeling are suggested.« less

Investigation of a sterilization system using active oxygen species generated by ultraviolet irradiation.

PubMed

Yoshino, Kiyoshi; Matsumoto, Hiroyuki; Iwasaki, Tatsuyuki; Kinoshita, Shinobu; Noda, Kazutoshi; Oya, Kei; Iwamori, Satoru

2015-01-01

We have been investigating an advanced sterilization system that employs active oxygen species (AOS). We designed the sterilization equipment, including an evacuation system, which generates AOS from pure oxygen gas using ultraviolet irradiation, in order to study the conditions necessary for sterilization in the system's chamber. Using Geobachillus stearothermophilus spores (10(6) CFU) in a sterile bag as a biological indicator (BI) in the chamber of the AOS sterilization apparatus, we examined the viability of the BI as a function of exposure time, assessing the role of the decompression level in the sterilization performance. We found that the survival curves showed exponential reduction, and that the decompression level did not exert a significant influence on the survival curve. Subsequently, we investigated the sterilization effect as influenced by the spatial and environmental temperature variation throughout the chamber, and found that the sterilization effect varied with position, due to the varying environmental temperature in the respective areas. We confirmed that temperature is one of the most important factors influencing sterilization in the chamber, and estimated the temperature effect on the distribution of atomic oxygen concentration, using the quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) method with fluorocarbon thin film prepared by radio frequency sputtering.

Two dimensional radial gas flows in atmospheric pressure plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Gwihyun; Park, Seran; Shin, Hyunsu; Song, Seungho; Oh, Hoon-Jung; Ko, Dae Hong; Choi, Jung-Il; Baik, Seung Jae

2017-12-01

Atmospheric pressure (AP) operation of plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) is one of promising concepts for high quality and low cost processing. Atmospheric plasma discharge requires narrow gap configuration, which causes an inherent feature of AP PECVD. Two dimensional radial gas flows in AP PECVD induces radial variation of mass-transport and that of substrate temperature. The opposite trend of these variations would be the key consideration in the development of uniform deposition process. Another inherent feature of AP PECVD is confined plasma discharge, from which volume power density concept is derived as a key parameter for the control of deposition rate. We investigated deposition rate as a function of volume power density, gas flux, source gas partial pressure, hydrogen partial pressure, plasma source frequency, and substrate temperature; and derived a design guideline of deposition tool and process development in terms of deposition rate and uniformity.

Ethylene oxide sterilization: how hospitals can adapt to the changes.

PubMed

1994-12-01

Ethylene oxide (EtO) gas sterilizers have been used by hospitals for over 40 years to sterilize surgical equipment and supplies that are heat sensitive or that cannot tolerate excessive moisture. However, in recent decades, EtO has been recognized as a potential mutagenic, reproductive, neurologic, and fire and explosion hazard to workers, and one agency has reportedly voted to classify EtO as carcinogenic to humans. Strict regulations concerning EtO exposure have been imposed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the use of EtO, along with other toxic pollutants, is also being monitored by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Clean Air Act. In addition, the use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) as EtO diluents has focused attention on the EtO-CFC mixtures used in many sterilizers because CFCs have been linked to destruction of the ozone layer. Concerns about restrictive regulations related to these issues have prompted many hospitals to examine their use of EtO sterilization and propagated the misinformation that EtO sterilization is being phased out. In this article, we address some commonly asked questions regarding the use and regulation of EtO mixtures, as well as alternative sterilization agents and methods; provide two case studies illustrating how hospitals can evaluate various sterilization options; and summarize our conclusions and recommendations for hospitals facing decisions about sterilization techniques. For related topics, also see our Evaluation Update on endoscope reprocessors and our Hazard Report on improperly connected EtO-CFC cylinders to EtO sterilizers in this issue.

Hiding an elephant: heavy sterile neutrino with large mixing angle does not contradict cosmology

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bezrukov, F.; Chudaykin, A.; Gorbunov, D., E-mail: Fedor.Bezrukov@manchester.ac.uk, E-mail: chudy@ms2.inr.ac.ru, E-mail: gorby@ms2.inr.ac.ru

We study a model of a keV-scale sterile neutrino with a relatively large mixing with the Standard Model sector. Usual considerations predict active generation of such particles in the early Universe, which leads to constraints from the total Dark Matter density and absence of X-ray signal from sterile neutrino decay. These bounds together may deem any attempt of creation of the keV scale sterile neutrino in the laboratory unfeasible. We argue that for models with a hidden sector coupled to the sterile neutrino these bounds can be evaded, opening new perspectives for the direct studies at neutrino experiments such asmore » Troitsk ν-mass and KATRIN. We estimate the generation of sterile neutrinos in scenarios with the hidden sector dynamics keeping the sterile neutrinos either massless or superheavy in the early Universe. In both cases the generation by oscillations from active neutrinos in plasma is suppressed.« less

Simultaneous treatment of washing, disinfection and sterilization using ultrasonic levitation, silver electrolysis and ozone oxidation.

PubMed

Ueda, Toyotoshi; Hara, Masanori; Odagawa, Ikumi; Shigihara, Takanori

2009-03-01

A new type of ultrasonic washer-disinfector-sterilizer, able to clean, disinfect and sterilize most kinds of reusable medical devices, has been developed by using the ultrasonic levitation function with umbrella-shape oscillators and ozone bubbling together with sterilization carried out by silver electrolysis. We have examined the biomedical and physicochemical performance of this instrument. Prokariotic and gram-negative Escherichia coli and eukariotic Saccharomyces cerevisiae were killed by silver electrolysis in 18 min and 1 min, respectively. Prokariotic and gram-positive Geobacillus stearothermophilus and Bacillus atrophaeus, which are most resistant to autoclave and gas sterilization, respectively, were killed by silver electrolysis within 20 min. Prokariotic and gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa was also killed by silver electrolysis in 10 min. The intensity distribution of the ultrasonic levitation waves was homogeneous throughout the tank. The concentration of ozone gas was 2.57 mg/ kg. The concentration of dissolved silver ions was around 0.17 mg/L. The disulfide bond in proteins was confirmed to be destroyed by silver electrolysis.

Advanced oxidation technology for H2S odor gas using non-thermal plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tao, ZHU; Ruonan, WANG; Wenjing, BIAN; Yang, CHEN; Weidong, JING

2018-05-01

Non-thermal plasma technology is a new type of odor treatment processing. We deal with H2S from waste gas emission using non-thermal plasma generated by dielectric barrier discharge. On the basis of two criteria, removal efficiency and absolute removal amount, we deeply investigate the changes in electrical parameters and process parameters, and the reaction process of the influence of ozone on H2S gas removal. The experimental results show that H2S removal efficiency is proportional to the voltage, frequency, power, residence time and energy efficiency, while it is inversely proportional to the initial concentration of H2S gas, and ozone concentration. This study lays the foundations of non-thermal plasma technology for further commercial application.

Plasma Assisted Ignition and Combustion at Low Initial Gas Temperatures: Development of Kinetic Mechanism

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-10-05

the complexity of the air flow, plasma and combustion interaction can be obtained from papers where the ignition of supersonic and fast subsonic gas ...AFRL-AFOSR-JP-TR-2016-0083 Plasma Assisted Ignition and Combustion at Low Initial Gas Temperatures: Development of Kinetic Mechanism Svetlana...Combustion at Low Initial Gas Temperatures: Development of Kinetic Mechanism 5a.  CONTRACT NUMBER 5b.  GRANT NUMBER FA2386-13-1-4064 5c.  PROGRAM ELEMENT

Study of atmospheric plasma spray process with the emphasis on gas-shrouded nozzles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jankovic, Miodrag M.

An atmospheric plasma spraying process is investigated in this work by using experimental approach and mathematical modelling. Emphasis was put on the gas shrouded nozzles, their design, and the protection against the mixing with the surrounding air, which they give to the plasma jet. First part of the thesis is dedicated to the analysis of enthalpy probe method, as a major diagnostic tool in this work. Systematic error in measuring the stagnation pressure, due to a big temperature difference between the plasma and the water-cooled probe, is investigated here. Parallel measurements with the enthalpy probe and an uncooled ceramic probe were performed. Also, numerical experiments were conducted, using the k-ɛ model of turbulence. Based on the obtained results, a compensating algorithm for the above error is suggested. Major objective of the thesis was to study the plasma spraying process, and potential benefits from using the gas shrouded nozzles. Mathematical modelling was used to perform the parametric study on the flow pattern inside these nozzles. Two nozzles were used: a commercial conical nozzle, and a custom-made curvilinear nozzle. The later is aimed towards elimination of the cold air entrainment, recorded for the conical nozzle. Also, parametric study on the shrouding gas and its interaction with the plasma jet was carried out. Two modes of the shrouding gas injection were tested: through sixteen injection ports, and through a continuous slot, surrounding the plasma jet. Both nozzles and both injection modes were thoroughly tested, experimentally and numerically. The curvilinear nozzle completely eliminates the cold air entrainment and yields significantly higher plasma temperature. Also, injection through the continuous slot resulted in a much better protection of the plasma jet. Both nozzles were used to perform the spraying tests. Obtained coatings were tested on porosity, adhesion strength, and micro- structure. These tests indicated better micro

Three-dimensional modeling of the neutral gas depletion effect in a helicon discharge plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kollasch, Jeffrey; Schmitz, Oliver; Norval, Ryan; Reiter, Detlev; Sovinec, Carl

2016-10-01

Helicon discharges provide an attractive radio-frequency driven regime for plasma, but neutral-particle dynamics present a challenge to extending performance. A neutral gas depletion effect occurs when neutrals in the plasma core are not replenished at a sufficient rate to sustain a higher plasma density. The Monte Carlo neutral particle tracking code EIRENE was setup for the MARIA helicon experiment at UW Madison to study its neutral particle dynamics. Prescribed plasma temperature and density profiles similar to those in the MARIA device are used in EIRENE to investigate the main causes of the neutral gas depletion effect. The most dominant plasma-neutral interactions are included so far, namely electron impact ionization of neutrals, charge exchange interactions of neutrals with plasma ions, and recycling at the wall. Parameter scans show how the neutral depletion effect depends on parameters such as Knudsen number, plasma density and temperature, and gas-surface interaction accommodation coefficients. Results are compared to similar analytic studies in the low Knudsen number limit. Plans to incorporate a similar Monte Carlo neutral model into a larger helicon modeling framework are discussed. This work is funded by the NSF CAREER Award PHY-1455210.

[Comparative study of the effects of sterilized air and perfluoropropane gas tamponades on recovery after idiopathic full-thickness macular hole surgery].

PubMed

He, F; Zheng, L; Dong, F T

2017-05-11

Objective: To compare the effects of sterilized air and perfluoropropane (C(3)F(8)) tamponades on recovery after vitrectomy for the treatment of idiopathic full-thickness macular hole (IFTMH). Methods: Case control study. Seventy-three eyes of 69 consecutive cases underwent vitrectomy with air (53 eyes) or 10% C(3)F(8) gas (20 eyes) tamponade. Surgical outcomes were retrospectively analyzed between the two groups, including logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) and optical coherence tomography findings like the size of the macular hole and the photoreceptor layer defect. Results: Preoperatively, the mean best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was (0.10±0.49), the mean hole diameter was (777.9±320.7) μm, and the mean diameter of the photoreceptor layer defect was (1 709.3±516.0) μm in the sterilized air group, while in the C(3)F(8) group, the mean BCVA was (0.07±0.50), the mean hole diameter was (853.9±355.0) μm, and the mean defect diameter was (1 480.5±429.9) μm. The primary closure rate was 90.6% in the sterilized air group and 95.0% in the C(3)F(8) group. One month after surgery, the mean BCVA was (0.17±0.41), and the mean diameter of the photoreceptor layer defect was (820.5±598.0) μm in the sterilized air group, while in the C(3)F(8) group, the mean BCVA was 0.12±0.49, and the mean defect diameter was (762.5±658.0) μm. There was no statistically significant difference in the closure rate (χ(2)=0.019), BCVA ( t =-1.689), hole diameter ( t =0.837) and diameter of the photoreceptor layer defect ( t =0.338) between the two groups( P >0.05). Conclusions: Vitrectomy with sterilized air tamponade is safe and effective for the treatment of IFTMH and even cases with relatively large diameters. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2017, 53: 327 - 331) .

Overview of plasma technology used in medicine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ryan, Thomas P.; Stalder, Kenneth R.; Woloszko, Jean

2013-02-01

Plasma Medicine is a growing field that is having an impact in several important areas in therapeutic patient care, combining plasma physics, biology, and clinical medicine. Historically, plasmas in medicine were used in electrosurgery for cautery and non-contact hemostasis. Presently, non-thermal plasmas have attained widespread use in medicine due to their effectiveness and compatibility with biological systems. The paper will give a general overview of how low temperature, non-equilibrium, gas plasmas operate, both from physics and biology perspectives. Plasma is commonly described as the fourth state of matter and is typically comprised of charged species, active molecules and atoms, as well as a source of UV and photons. The most active areas of plasma technology applications are in wound treatment; tissue regeneration; inactivation of pathogens, including biofilms; treating skin diseases; and sterilization. There are several means of generating plasmas for use in medical applications, including plasma jets, dielectric barrier discharges, capacitively or inductively coupled discharges, or microplasmas. These systems overcome the former constraints of high vacuum, high power requirements and bulky systems, into systems that use room air and other gases and liquids at low temperature, low power, and hand-held operation at atmospheric pressure. Systems will be discussed using a variety of energy sources: pulsed DC, AC, microwave and radiofrequency, as well as the range of frequency, pulse duration, and gas combinations in an air environment. The ionic clouds and reactive species will be covered in terms of effects on biological systems. Lastly, several commercial products will be overviewed in light of the technology utilized, health care problems being solved, and clinical trial results.

Biocompatibility differences with respect to the dialyzer sterilization method.

PubMed

Müller, T F; Seitz, M; Eckle, I; Lange, H; Kolb, G

1998-01-01

The impact of the method of sterilization (steam vs. ethylene oxide, ETO) on indices of biocompatibility is investigated using polysulfone membranes. Eight patients were treated with a random choice of the high-flux membranes F60S (steam) and F60 (ETO) and the low-flux membrane F6 (ETO). Blood samples were taken prior to and 5, 15, 30, 60, and 180 min after the start of hemodialysis. White blood cell count, platelet count, and plasma concentrations of polymorphonuclear neutrophil elastase, complements C3a and C5a, and beta2-microglobulin were determined. The dialysis procedure was associated with a significant decrease in white blood cell count and beta2-microglobulin level and a significant increase in polymorphonuclear neutrophil elastase and complement C3a and C5a levels. However, the steam-sterilized F60S membrane had a significantly lower impact on the biocompatibility indices than the ETO-sterilized F60 and F6 membranes (p < 0.05 or p < 0.001 for the individual markers). We conclude that using steam instead of ETO for sterilization may improve the biocompatibility of membranes.

Exploring the plasma chemistry in microwave chemical vapor deposition of diamond from C/H/O gas mixtures.

PubMed

Kelly, Mark W; Richley, James C; Western, Colin M; Ashfold, Michael N R; Mankelevich, Yuri A

2012-09-27

Microwave (MW)-activated CH(4)/CO(2)/H(2) gas mixtures operating under conditions relevant to diamond chemical vapor deposition (i.e., X(C/Σ) = X(elem)(C)/(X(elem)(C) + X(elem)(O)) ≈ 0.5, H(2) mole fraction = 0.3, pressure, p = 150 Torr, and input power, P = 1 kW) have been explored in detail by a combination of spatially resolved absorption measurements (of CH, C(2)(a), and OH radicals and H(n = 2) atoms) within the hot plasma region and companion 2-dimensional modeling of the plasma. CO and H(2) are identified as the dominant species in the plasma core. The lower thermal conductivity of such a mixture (cf. the H(2)-rich plasmas used in most diamond chemical vapor deposition) accounts for the finding that CH(4)/CO(2)/H(2) plasmas can yield similar maximal gas temperatures and diamond growth rates at lower input powers than traditional CH(4)/H(2) plasmas. The plasma chemistry and composition is seen to switch upon changing from oxygen-rich (X(C/Σ) < 0.5) to carbon-rich (X(C/Σ) > 0.5) source gas mixtures and, by comparing CH(4)/CO(2)/H(2) (X(C/Σ) = 0.5) and CO/H(2) plasmas, to be sensitive to the choice of source gas (by virtue of the different prevailing gas activation mechanisms), in contrast to C/H process gas mixtures. CH(3) radicals are identified as the most abundant C(1)H(x) [x = 0-3] species near the growing diamond surface within the process window for successful diamond growth (X(C/Σ) ≈ 0.5-0.54) identified by Bachmann et al. (Diamond Relat. Mater.1991, 1, 1). This, and the findings of similar maximal gas temperatures (T(gas) ~2800-3000 K) and H atom mole fractions (X(H)~5-10%) to those found in MW-activated C/H plasmas, points to the prevalence of similar CH(3) radical based diamond growth mechanisms in both C/H and C/H/O plasmas.

Sterilization System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1990-01-01

Cox Sterile Products, Inc.'s Rapid Heat Transfer Sterilizer employs a heat exchange process that induces rapid air movement; the air becomes the heat transfer medium, maintaining a uniform temperature of 375 degrees Fahrenheit. It features pushbutton controls for three timing cycles for different instrument loads, a six-minute cycle for standard unpackaged instruments, eight minutes for certain specialized dental/medical instruments and 12 minutes for packaged instruments which can then be stored in a drawer in sterile condition. System will stay at 375 degrees all day. Continuous operation is not expensive because of the sterilizer's very low power requirements.

Mobility in a strongly coupled dusty plasma with gas.

PubMed

Liu, Bin; Goree, J

2014-04-01

The mobility of a charged projectile in a strongly coupled dusty plasma is simulated. A net force F, opposed by a combination of collisional scattering and gas friction, causes projectiles to drift at a mobility-limited velocity up. The mobility μp=up/F of the projectile's motion is obtained. Two regimes depending on F are identified. In the high-force regime, μp∝F0.23, and the scattering cross section σs diminishes as up-6/5. Results for σs are compared with those for a weakly coupled plasma and for two-body collisions in a Yukawa potential. The simulation parameters are based on microgravity plasma experiments.

Mobility in a strongly coupled dusty plasma with gas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Bin; Goree, J.

2014-04-01

The mobility of a charged projectile in a strongly coupled dusty plasma is simulated. A net force F, opposed by a combination of collisional scattering and gas friction, causes projectiles to drift at a mobility-limited velocity up. The mobility μp=up/F of the projectile's motion is obtained. Two regimes depending on F are identified. In the high-force regime, μp∝F0.23, and the scattering cross section σs diminishes as up-6/5. Results for σs are compared with those for a weakly coupled plasma and for two-body collisions in a Yukawa potential. The simulation parameters are based on microgravity plasma experiments.

[Sterilization effect analysis of B-class pulsation table top vacuum sterilizer to dental handpieces].

PubMed

Zeng, Shu-Rong; Jiang, Bo; Xiao, Xiao-Rong

2007-06-01

Discuss sterilization effect of B-class pulsation table top vacuum pressure steam sterilizer for dental handpiece. Analysis selection of sterilizer for dental handpiece and sterilization management processes and sterilization effect monitoring, evaluation of monitoring result and effective sterilization method. The B-class pulsation table top vacuum pressure steam sterilizer to dental handpiece in West China Stomatological Hospital of Sichuan University met the requirement of the chemical and biological monitoring. Its efficiency of sterilization was 100%. The results of aerobic culture, anaerobic culture, B-type hepatitis mark monitoring to sterilized dental handpiece were negative. It is effective method for dental handpiece sterilization to use B-class pulsation table top vacuum pressure steam sterilizer.

Low temperature plasma biomedicine: A tutorial review

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Graves, David B., E-mail: graves@berkeley.edu

2014-08-15

Gas discharge plasmas formed at atmospheric pressure and near room temperature have recently been shown to be potentially useful for surface and wound sterilization, antisepsis, bleeding cessation, wound healing, and cancer treatment, among other biomedical applications. This tutorial review summarizes the field, stressing the likely role of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species created in these plasmas as the biologically and therapeutically active agents. Reactive species, including radicals and non-radical compounds, are generated naturally within the body and are now understood to be essential for normal biological functions. These species are known to be active agents in existing therapies for woundmore » healing, infection control, and cancer treatment. But they are also observed at elevated levels in persons with many diseases and are associated with aging. The physical and chemical complexity of plasma medical devices and their associated biochemical effects makes the development of safe, effective plasma medical devices and procedures a challenge, but encouragingly rapid progress has been reported around the world in the last several years.« less

Method for forming synthesis gas using a plasma-catalyzed fuel reformer

DOEpatents

Hartvigsen, Joseph J; Elangovan, S; Czernichowski, Piotr; Hollist, Michele

2015-04-28

A method of forming a synthesis gas utilizing a reformer is disclosed. The method utilizes a reformer that includes a plasma zone to receive a pre-heated mixture of reactants and ionize the reactants by applying an electrical potential thereto. A first thermally conductive surface surrounds the plasma zone and is configured to transfer heat from an external heat source into the plasma zone. The reformer further includes a reaction zone to chemically transform the ionized reactants into synthesis gas comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide. A second thermally conductive surface surrounds the reaction zone and is configured to transfer heat from the external heat source into the reaction zone. The first thermally conductive surface and second thermally conductive surface are both directly exposed to the external heat source. A corresponding apparatus and system are also disclosed herein.

Influence of the gas-flow Reynolds number on a plasma column in a glass tube

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jin, Dong Jun; Uhm, Han S.; Cho, Guangsup

2013-08-15

Atmospheric-plasma generation inside a glass tube is influenced by gas stream behavior as described by the Reynolds number (Rn). In experiments with He, Ne, and Ar, the plasma column length increases with an increase in the gas flow rate under laminar flow characterized by Rn < 2000. The length of the plasma column decreases as the flow rate increases in the transition region of 2000 < Rn < 4000. For a turbulent flow beyond Rn > 4000, the length of the plasma column is short in front of the electrode, eventually leading to a shutdown.

ISO radiation sterilization standards

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lambert, Byron J.; Hansen, Joyce M.

1998-06-01

This presentation provides an overview of the current status of the ISO radiation sterilization standards. The ISO standards are voluntary standards which detail both the validation and routine control of the sterilization process. ISO 11137 was approved in 1994 and published in 1995. When reviewing the standard you will note that less than 20% of the standard is devoted to requirements and the remainder is guidance on how to comply with the requirements. Future standards developments in radiation sterilization are being focused on providing additional guidance. The guidance that is currently provided in informative annexes of ISO 11137 includes: device/packaging materials, dose setting methods, and dosimeters and dose measurement, currently, there are four Technical Reports being developed to provide additional guidance: 1. AAMI Draft TIR, "Radiation Sterilization Material Qualification" 2. ISO TR 13409-1996, "Sterilization of health care products — Radiation sterilization — Substantiation of 25 kGy as a sterilization dose for small or infrequent production batches" 3. ISO Draft TR, "Sterilization of health care products — Radiation sterilization Selection of a sterilization dose for a single production batch" li]4. ISO Draft TR, "Sterilization of health care products — Radiation sterilization-Product Families, Plans for Sampling and Frequency of Dose Audits."

Preliminary evaluation of several disinfection/sterilization techniques for use with microdialysis probes.

PubMed

Huff, Jacquelyn K; Bresnahan, James F; Davies, Malonne I

2003-06-06

This study evaluated the suitability of some disinfection and sterilization methods for use with microdialysis probes. Disinfection or sterilization should minimize the tissue inflammatory reaction and improve the long-term health of rats on study and ensure the quality of data obtained by microdialysis sampling. Furthermore, the treatment should not negatively impact probe integrity or sampling performance. The techniques chosen for evaluation included two disinfection methods (70% ethanol and a commercial contact lens solution) and two sterilization methods (hydrogen peroxide plasma, and e-beam radiation). Linear microdialysis probes treated by these processes were compared to untreated probes removed from the manufacturer's packaging as if sterile (the control group). The probes were aseptically implanted in the livers of rats and monitored for 72 hours. The parameters chosen to evaluate probe performance were relative sample mass recovery and the relative in vivo extraction efficiency of the probe for caffeine. Post mortem bacterial counts and histopathology examination of liver tissue were also conducted. The probes remained intact and functional for the entire study period. The methods tested did not acutely alter the probes although hydrogen peroxide plasma and contact lens solution groups showed reduced extraction efficiencies. Minimal tissue damage was observed surrounding the probes and acute inflammatory reaction was mild to moderate. Low numbers of bacterial colonies from the implantation sites indicates that the health of animals in this study was not impaired. This was also true for the control group (untreated probe).

Plasma treatment of Seeds: effect on growth, spores and bacterial charge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ambrico, P. F.; Simek, M.; Morano, M.; Ambrico, M.; Minafra, A.; Prukner, V.; de Miccolis Angelini, R. M.; Trotti, P.

2016-09-01

We report on the effect of low temperature plasma treatment on tomato, basil and tobacco commercial seeds. Seeds were treated in filtered ambient air volume, surface and plasma jet DBD at atmospheric pressure Sterile agar substrate, supplemented with a nutrient and vitamin mixture, was used to allow seeds germination in sterilized sealed plastic containers. The seeds were stored in controlled environmental condition (T = 26C, cycle of 14hrs light/10hrs dark condition). Since all the procedure was performed under sterile conditions, only bacteria and fungi carried by seeds could grow. Plasma treatment significantly reduced the presence of bacterial contamination, while some fungi could resist at shortest exposures Seeds germination was then followed by time lapse photography in sterile water on 3MM Whatman paper in a closed container. The effect of plasma treatment was a faster germination time of seeds and emergence of cotyledons, able to start photosynthesis in seedlings.The plasma treated seeds were also sow in a soil/peat moss mixture. Plants were cultivated for about 40 days, showing that plasma induced a faster growth in length and weight with respect to untreated seeds.Furthermore the effect of plasma on seeds surface was studied by SEM imaging. We acknowledge `SELGE' (Puglia) and TACR (TA03010098).

Sterilization of endoscopic instruments.

PubMed

Sabnis, Ravindra B; Bhattu, Amit; Vijaykumar, Mohankumar

2014-03-01

Sterilization of endoscopic instruments is an important but often ignored topic. The purpose of this article is to review the current literature on the sterilization of endoscopic instruments and elaborate on the appropriate sterilization practices. Autoclaving is an economic and excellent method of sterilizing the instruments that are not heat sensitive. Heat sensitive instruments may get damaged with hot sterilization methods. Several new endoscopic instruments such as flexible ureteroscopes, chip on tip endoscopes, are added in urologists armamentarium. Many of these instruments are heat sensitive and hence alternative efficacious methods of sterilization are necessary. Although ethylene oxide and hydrogen peroxide are excellent methods of sterilization, they have some drawbacks. Gamma irradiation is mainly for disposable items. Various chemical agents are widely used even though they achieve high-level disinfection rather than sterilization. This article reviews various methods of endoscopic instrument sterilization with their advantages and drawbacks. If appropriate sterilization methods are adopted, then it not only will protect patients from procedure-related infections but prevent hypersensitive allergic reactions. It will also protect instruments from damage and increase its longevity.

Evaluation of in vitro serial antibiotic elution from meropenem-impregnated polymethylmethacrylate beads after ethylene oxide gas and autoclave sterilization.

PubMed

Báez, L A; Langston, C; Givaruangsawat, S; McLaughlin, R

2011-01-01

To determine the elution properties of meropenem and to compare the elutions of meropenem-impregnated polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) beads without sterilization (P-M-C) to those sterilized with steam (P-M-A) and ethylene oxide gas (P-M-EO). A commercial bead mould was used to produce four groups of beads: one group without antibiotic (negative control), and three groups of meropenem-impregnated beads: P-M-C, P-M-A, and P-M-EO. The beads were placed in a phosphate buffered solution and eluent samples were collected. Concentrations of the antibiotic in eluent samples from the two sterilized groups and the control beads were determined using a microbiological assay at 1, 3, 6 and 12 hours and at 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 22, 26, and 30 days. The microbiological assay resulted in no zone of inhibition at all time periods for the P-M-A samples and the samples of PMMA without antimicrobial. The meropenem concentration on the eluent remained above 4 mcg/ml for 15 days in the P-M-C group and until day 18 for P-M-EO group. There was no statistical difference in AUC0-∞ (p<0.318), however significance did occur for MRT (p<0.005) when comparing P-M-C and P-M-EO with the later being higher. The meropenem incorporated in the PMMA beads eluted effectively and gradually decreased after the 24 hour peak, but remained above the concentration level of 4 mcg/ml for 15 days in the P-M-C group and until day 18 for P-M-EO group. Ethylene oxide does not adversely affect meropenem's elution from PMMA beads.

Design and Preliminary Performance Testing of Electronegative Gas Plasma Thruster

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liu, Thomas M.; Schloeder, Natalie R.; Walker, Mitchell L. R.; Polzin, Kurt A.; Dankanich, John W.; Aanesland, Ane

2014-01-01

In classical gridded electrostatic ion thrusters, positively charged ions are generated from a plasma discharge of noble gas propellant and accelerated to provide thrust. To maintain overall charge balance on the propulsion system, a separate electron source is required to neutralize the ion beam as it exits the thruster. However, if high-electronegativity propellant gases (e.g., sulfur hexafluoride) are instead used, a plasma discharge can result consisting of both positively and negatively charged ions. Extracting such electronegative plasma species for thrust generation (e.g., with time-varying, bipolar ion optics) would eliminate the need for a separate neutralizer cathode subsystem. In addition for thrusters utilizing a RF plasma discharge, further simplification of the ion thruster power system may be possible by also using the RF power supply to bias the ion optics. Recently, the PEGASES (Plasma propulsion with Electronegative gases) thruster prototype successfully demonstrated proof-of-concept operations in alternatively accelerating positively and negatively charged ions from a RF discharge of a mixture of argon and sulfur hexafluoride.i In collaboration with NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), the Georgia Institute of Technology High-Power Electric Propulsion Laboratory (HPEPL) is applying the lessons learned from PEGASES design and testing to develop a new thruster prototype. This prototype will incorporate design improvements and undergo gridless operational testing and diagnostics checkout at HPEPL in April 2014. Performance mapping with ion optics will be conducted at NASA MSFC starting in May 2014. The proposed paper discusses the design and preliminary performance testing of this electronegative gas plasma thruster prototype.

Effects of gas temperature in the plasma layer on RONS generation in array-type dielectric barrier discharge at atmospheric pressure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoon, Sung-Young; Yi, Changho; Eom, Sangheum; Park, Seungil; Kim, Seong Bong; Ryu, Seungmin; Yoo, Suk Jae

2017-12-01

In this work, we studied the control of plasma-produced species under a fixed gas composition (i.e., ambient air) in a 10 kHz-driven array-type dielectric barrier atmospheric-pressure plasma discharge. Instead of the gas composition, only the gas velocity was controlled. Thus, the plasma-maintenance cost was considerably lower than methods such as external N2 or O2 injection. The plasma-produced species were monitored using Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy. The discharge properties were measured using a voltage probe, current probe, infrared camera, and optical emission spectroscopy. The results showed that the major plasma products largely depend on the gas temperature in the plasma discharge layer. The gas temperature in the plasma discharge layer was significantly different to the temperature of the ceramic adjacent to the plasma discharge layer, even in the small discharge power density of ˜15 W/cm2 or ˜100 W/cm3. Because the vibrational excitation of N2 was suppressed by the higher gas flow, the major plasma-produced species shifted from NOx in low flow to O3 in high flow.

Interferometric analysis of laboratory photoionized plasmas utilizing supersonic gas jet targets.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Swanson, Kyle James; Ivanov, Vladimir; Mancini, Roberto; Mayes, Daniel C.

2018-06-01

Photoionized plasmas are an important component of active galactic nuclei, x-ray binary systems and other astrophysical objects. Laboratory produced photoionized plasmas have mainly been studied at large scale facilities, due to the need for high intensity broadband x-ray flux. Using supersonic gas jets as targets has allowed university scale pulsed power generators to begin similar research. The two main advantages of this approach with supersonic gas jets include: possibility of a closer location to the x-ray source and no attenuation related to material used for containment and or tamping. Due to these factors, this experimental platform creates a laboratory environment that more closely resembles astrophysical environments. This system was developed at the Nevada Terawatt Facility using the 1 MA pulsed power generator Zebra. Neon, argon, and nitrogen supersonic gas jets are produced approximately 7-8mm from the z-pinch axis. The high intensity broadband x-ray flux produced by the collapse of the z-pinch wire array implosion irradiates the gas jet. Cylindrical wire arrays are made with 4 and 8 gold 10µm thick wire. The z-pinch radiates approximately 12-16kj of x-ray energy, with x-ray photons under 1Kev in energy. The photoionized plasma is measured via x-ray absorption spectroscopy and interferometry. A Mach-Zehnder interferometer is used to the measure neutral density of the jet prior to the zebra shot at a wavelength of 266 nm. A dual channel air-wedge shearing interferometer is used to measure electron density of the ionized gas jet during the shot, at wavelengths of 532nm and 266nm. Using a newly developed interferometric analysis tool, average ionization state maps of the plasma can be calculated. Interferometry for nitrogen and argon show an average ionization state in the range of 3-8. Preliminary x-ray absorption spectroscopy collected show neon absorption lines. This work was sponsored in part by DOE Office of Science Grant DE-SC0014451.

[Principles of antisepsis, disinfection and sterilization].

PubMed

Hernández-Navarrete, María-Jesús; Celorrio-Pascual, José-Miguel; Lapresta Moros, Carlos; Solano Bernad, Victor-Manuel

2014-12-01

This article aims to provide a brief review of the main concepts on which the prevention and control of infection are based. Antisepsis comprises a set of techniques aimed at the total sterilization, or at most, disinfection, removing germs that contaminate an environment. Both procedures must be preceded by an environmental cleanup in the location in which they intend to be applied. The disinfection is carried out using biocides or germicides. Antimicrobial chemicals, that have mechanisms of action and resistances very similar to antibiotics, are generating concern due to the possibility of crossing genetic information that aggravates the problem of bacterial resistance. Most biocides can act as antiseptics, and applied to skin tissue, or disinfectants on inanimate materials. The spectrum of action of germicides depends on the product itself and external controllable factors: temperature, concentration, exposure time, etc. Sterilization techniques are primarily physical, by exposing the material to steam, or sterilizing gas, using autoclaves. Major advances are the use of low temperatures with shorter exposure times, in parallel with technological advances in instrumentation in order to avoid high temperatures and high use rotations due to workload. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier España, S.L.U. y Sociedad Española de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica. All rights reserved.

Note: Design and investigation of a multichannel plasma-jet triggered gas switch.

PubMed

Tie, Weihao; Liu, Xuandong; Zhang, Qiaogen; Liu, Shanhong

2014-07-01

We described the fabrication and testing of a multichannel plasma-jet triggered gas switch (MPJTGS). A novel six-channel annular micro-plasma-gun was embedded in the trigger electrode to generate multichannel plasma jets as a nanosecond trigger pulse arrived. The gas breakdown in multiple sites of the spark gap was induced and fixed around jet orifices by the plasma jets. We tested the multichannel discharge characteristics of the MPJTGS in two working modes with charge voltage of 50 kV, trigger voltage of +40 kV (25 ns rise time), and trigger energy of 240 J, 32 J, and 2 J, respectively, at different working coefficients. Results show that the average number of discharge channels increased as the trigger energy increased, and decreased as the working coefficient decreased. At a working coefficient of 87.1% and trigger energy of 240 J, the average number of discharge channels in Mode II could reach 4.1.

Atomic and molecular hydrogen gas temperatures in a low-pressure helicon plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Samuell, Cameron M.; Corr, Cormac S.

2015-08-01

Neutral gas temperatures in hydrogen plasmas are important for experimental and modelling efforts in fusion technology, plasma processing, and surface modification applications. To provide values relevant to these application areas, neutral gas temperatures were measured in a low pressure (< 10 mTorr) radiofrequency helicon discharge using spectroscopic techniques. The atomic and molecular species were not found to be in thermal equilibrium with the atomic temperature being mostly larger then the molecular temperature. In low power operation (< 1 kW), the molecular hydrogen temperature was observed to be linearly proportional to the pressure while the atomic hydrogen temperature was inversely proportional. Both temperatures were observed to rise linearly with input power. For high power operation (5-20 kW), the molecular temperature was found to rise with both power and pressure up to a maximum of approximately 1200 K. Spatially resolved measurements near a graphite target demonstrated localised cooling near the sample surface. The temporal evolution of the molecular gas temperature during a high power 1.1 ms plasma pulse was also investigated and found to vary considerably as a function of pressure.

Low temperature gamma sterilization of a bioresorbable polymer, PLGA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davison, Lisa; Themistou, Efrosyni; Buchanan, Fraser; Cunningham, Eoin

2018-02-01

Medical devices destined for insertion into the body must be sterilised before implantation to prevent infection or other complications. Emerging biomaterials, for example bioresorbable polymers, can experience changes in their properties due to standard industrial sterilization processes. Gamma irradiation is one of the most reliable, large scale sterilization methods, however it can induce chain scission, cross-linking or oxidation reactions in polymers. sterilization at low temperature or in an inert atmosphere has been reported to reduce the negative effects of gamma irradiation. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of low temperature sterilization (at -80 °C) when compared to sterilization at ambient temperature (25 °C) both in inert atmospheric conditions of nitrogen gas, on poly(lactide co-glycolide) (PLGA). PLGA was irradiated at -80 and 25 °C at 40 kGy in a nitrogen atmosphere. Samples were characterised using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), tensile test, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The results showed that the molecular weight was significantly reduced as was the glass transition temperature, an indication of chain scission. FTIR showed small changes in chemical structure in the methyl and carbonyl groups after irradiation. Glass transition temperature was significantly different between irradiation at -80 °C and irradiation at 25 °C, however this was a difference of only 1 °C. Ultimately, the results indicate that the sterilization temperature used does not affect PLGA when carried out in a nitrogen atmosphere.

The interaction of intense, ultra-short microwave beams with the plasma generated by gas ionization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shafir, G.; Cao, Y.; Bliokh, Y.; Leopold, J. G.; Levko, D.; Rostov, V.; Gad, R.; Fisher, A.; Bernshtam, V.; Krasik, Ya. E.

2018-03-01

Results of the non-linear interaction of an extremely short (0.6 ns) high power (˜500 MW) X-band focused microwave beam with the plasma generated by gas ionization are presented. Within certain gas pressure ranges, specific to the gas type, the plasma density is considerably lower around the microwave beam axis than at its periphery, thus forming guiding channel through which the beam self-focuses. Outside these pressure ranges, either diffuse or streamer-like plasma is observed. We also observe high energy electrons (˜15 keV), accelerated by the very high-power microwaves. A simplified analytical model of this complicated dynamical system and particle-in-cell numerical simulations confirm the experimental results.

Probability of pregnancy after sterilization: a comparison of hysteroscopic versus laparoscopic sterilization.

PubMed

Gariepy, Aileen M; Creinin, Mitchell D; Smith, Kenneth J; Xu, Xiao

2014-08-01

To compare the expected probability of pregnancy after hysteroscopic versus laparoscopic sterilization based on available data using decision analysis. We developed an evidence-based Markov model to estimate the probability of pregnancy over 10 years after three different female sterilization procedures: hysteroscopic, laparoscopic silicone rubber band application and laparoscopic bipolar coagulation. Parameter estimates for procedure success, probability of completing follow-up testing and risk of pregnancy after different sterilization procedures were obtained from published sources. In the base case analysis at all points in time after the sterilization procedure, the initial and cumulative risk of pregnancy after sterilization is higher in women opting for hysteroscopic than either laparoscopic band or bipolar sterilization. The expected pregnancy rates per 1000 women at 1 year are 57, 7 and 3 for hysteroscopic sterilization, laparoscopic silicone rubber band application and laparoscopic bipolar coagulation, respectively. At 10 years, the cumulative pregnancy rates per 1000 women are 96, 24 and 30, respectively. Sensitivity analyses suggest that the three procedures would have an equivalent pregnancy risk of approximately 80 per 1000 women at 10 years if the probability of successful laparoscopic (band or bipolar) sterilization drops below 90% and successful coil placement on first hysteroscopic attempt increases to 98% or if the probability of undergoing a hysterosalpingogram increases to 100%. Based on available data, the expected population risk of pregnancy is higher after hysteroscopic than laparoscopic sterilization. Consistent with existing contraceptive classification, future characterization of hysteroscopic sterilization should distinguish "perfect" and "typical" use failure rates. Pregnancy probability at 1 year and over 10 years is expected to be higher in women having hysteroscopic as compared to laparoscopic sterilization. Copyright © 2014

EDITORIAL: Focus on Plasma Medicine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morfill, G. E.; Kong, M. G.; Zimmermann, J. L.

2009-11-01

-pressure microwave plasmas in an N2 and O2 gas mixture M K Singh, A Ogino and M Nagatsu Degradation of adhesion molecules of G361 melanoma cells by a non-thermal atmospheric pressure microplasma H J Lee, C H Shon, Y S Kim, S Kim, G C Kim and M G Kong The acidification of lipid film surfaces by non-thermal DBD at atmospheric pressure in air A Helmke, D Hoffmeister, N Mertens, S Emmert, J Schuette and W Vioel Reduction and degradation of amyloid aggregates by a pulsed radio-frequency cold atmospheric plasma jet D L Bayliss, J L Walsh, G Shama, F Iza and M G Kong The effect of low-temperature plasma on bacteria as observed by repeated AFM imaging René Pompl, Ferdinand Jamitzky, Tetsuji Shimizu, Bernd Steffes, Wolfram Bunk, Hans-Ulrich Schmidt, Matthias Georgi, Katrin Ramrath, Wilhelm Stolz, Robert W Stark, Takuya Urayama, Shuitsu Fujii and Gregor Eugen Morfill Removal and sterilization of biofilms and planktonic bacteria by microwave-induced argon plasma at atmospheric pressure Mi Hee Lee, Bong Joo Park, Soo Chang Jin, Dohyun Kim, Inho Han, Jungsung Kim, Soon O Hyun, Kie-Hyung Chung and Jong-Chul Park Cell permeabilization using a non-thermal plasma M Leduc, D Guay, R L Leask and S Coulombe Physical and biological mechanisms of direct plasma interaction with living tissue Danil Dobrynin, Gregory Fridman, Gary Friedman and Alexander Fridman Nosocomial infections-a new approach towards preventive medicine using plasmas G E Morfill, T Shimizu, B Steffes and H-U Schmidt Generation and transport mechanisms of chemical species by a post-discharge flow for inactivation of bacteria Takehiko Sato, Shiroh Ochiai and Takuya Urayama Low pressure plasma discharges for the sterilization and decontamination of surfaces F Rossi, O Kylián, H Rauscher, M Hasiwa and D Gilliland Contribution of a portable air plasma torch to rapid blood coagulation as a method of preventing bleeding S P Kuo, O Tarasenko, J Chang, S Popovic, C Y Chen, H W Fan, A Scott, M Lahiani, P Alusta, J D Drake and M Nikolic A two

Measurements of hydrogen gas stopping efficiency for tin ions from laser-produced plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abramenko, D. B.; Spiridonov, M. V.; Krainov, P. V.; Krivtsun, V. M.; Astakhov, D. I.; Medvedev, V. V.; van Kampen, M.; Smeets, D.; Koshelev, K. N.

2018-04-01

Experimental studies of stopping of ion fluxes from laser-produced plasma by a low-pressure gas atmosphere are presented. A modification of the time-of-flight spectroscopy technique is proposed for the stopping cross-sectional measurements in the ion energy range of 0.1-10 keV. The application of the proposed technique is demonstrated for Sn ion stopping by H2 gas. This combination of elements is of particular importance for the development of plasma-based sources of extreme ultraviolet radiation for lithographic applications.

Plasma processes in inert gas thrusters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kaufman, H. R.; Robinson, R. S.

1979-01-01

Inert gas thrusters, particularly with large diameters, have continued to be of interest for space propulsion applications. Two plasma processes are treated in this study: electron diffusion across magnetic fields and double ion production in inert-gas thrusters. A model is developed to describe electron diffusion across a magnetic field that is driven by both density and potential gradients, with Bohm diffusion used to predict the diffusion rate. This model has applications to conduction across magnetic fields inside a discharge chamber, as well as through a magnetic baffle region used to isolate a hollow cathode from the main chamber. A theory for double ion production is presented, which is not as complete as the electron diffusion theory described, but it should be a useful tool for predicting double ion sputter erosion. Correlations are developed that may be used, without experimental data, to predict double ion densities for the design of new and especially larger ion thrusters.

Using high-temperature formaldehyde sterilization as a model for studying gaseous sterilization.

PubMed

Mosley, Gregg A

2008-01-01

This study uses the high-temperature formaldehyde sterilization system provided by the Harvey Chemiclave, manufactured by Barnstead Thermolyne Corporation (Dubuque, IA), as a model to investigate certain phenomena associated with gaseous chemical sterilization systems. Although formaldehyde sterilization presents some unique and complex system attributes, the current studies provide helpful insights into general sterilization methods by chemicals in the gaseous state. Both population recovery and fraction negative (FN) techniques were used to assay surviving populations from biological indicators of the organism Geobacillus stearothermophilus following exposure to incremental Chemiclave cycles. Models 5500 and 6000 of the Barnstead/Thermolyne Chemiclave were used in the study. Reusable instruments such as scalers, explorers, and various hinged pieces were tested in minimum versus maximum load studies. Population recovery study results demonstrated that lethality rates increase with time throughout the Chemiclave sterilization process and that there are significant variations in lethality according to load location. The population recovery data in conjunction with the FN studies and temperature data confirm that one-half the full-cycle time is not a good estimator of one-half the full-cycle lethality because lethality curves are concave downward and lethality varies by load location. This conclusion can also be applied to other types of gaseous, chemical sterilization such as ethylene oxide. The work outlined in this study was a result of investigations into the parameters affecting formaldehyde chemical vapor sterilization with the Harvey Chemiclave sterilizer. During these studies, it became apparent that results clearly depicted the effects of continued acceleration of the rate of microbial lethality, as well as variations in delivered lethality as a function of position in the sterilizer load. This publication focuses on these observations because they are

Investigation of Plasma Focus in Coaxial Accelerator with Pre-Ionization of Gas,

DTIC Science & Technology

appears that when the accelerating current beyond the end of the central electrodes has sufficiently high levels a plasma focus is formed which is...obtained from an investigation of the main properties of the plasma focus in a system with a pre-ionized gas, achieved by means of an inductive electrical field.

Conductive Polymer Synthesis with Single-Crystallinity via a Novel Plasma Polymerization Technique for Gas Sensor Applications.

PubMed

Park, Choon-Sang; Kim, Dong Ha; Shin, Bhum Jae; Kim, Do Yeob; Lee, Hyung-Kun; Tae, Heung-Sik

2016-09-30

This study proposes a new nanostructured conductive polymer synthesis method that can grow the single-crystalline high-density plasma-polymerized nanoparticle structures by enhancing the sufficient nucleation and fragmentation of the pyrrole monomer using a novel atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) technique. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) results show that the plasma-polymerized pyrrole (pPPy) nanoparticles have a fast deposition rate of 0.93 µm·min -1 under a room-temperature process and have single-crystalline characteristics with porous properties. In addition, the single-crystalline high-density pPPy nanoparticle structures were successfully synthesized on the glass, plastic, and interdigitated gas sensor electrode substrates using a novel plasma polymerization technique at room temperature. To check the suitability of the active layer for the fabrication of electrochemical toxic gas sensors, the resistance variations of the pPPy nanoparticles grown on the interdigitated gas sensor electrodes were examined by doping with iodine. As a result, the proposed APPJ device could obtain the high-density and ultra-fast single-crystalline pPPy thin films for various gas sensor applications. This work will contribute to the design of highly sensitive gas sensors adopting the novel plasma-polymerized conductive polymer as new active layer.

Reversible Sterilization

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Largey, Gale

1977-01-01

Notes that difficult questions arise concerning the use of sterilization for alleged eugenic and euthenic purposes. Thus, how reversible sterilization will be used with relation to the poor, mentally ill, mentally retarded, criminals, and minors, is questioned. (Author/AM)

Ion-plasma protective coatings for gas-turbine engine blades

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kablov, E. N.; Muboyadzhyan, S. A.; Budinovskii, S. A.; Lutsenko, A. N.

2007-10-01

Evaporated, diffusion, and evaporation—diffusion protective and hardening multicomponent ionplasma coatings for turbine and compressor blades and other gas-turbine engine parts are considered. The processes of ion surface treatment (ion etching and ion saturation of a surface in the metallic plasma of a vacuum arc) and commercial equipment for the deposition of coatings and ion surface treatment are analyzed. The specific features of the ion-plasma coatings deposited from the metallic plasma of a vacuum arc are described, and the effect of the ion energy on the phase composition of the coatings and the processes occurring in the surface layer of an article to be treated are discussed. Some properties of ion-plasma coatings designed for various purposes are presented. The ion surface saturation of articles made from structural materials is shown to change the structural and phase states of their surfaces and, correspondingly, the related properties of these materials (i.e., their heat resistance, corrosion resistance, fatigue strength, and so on).

Atmospheric-pressure plasma jets: Effect of gas flow, active species, and snake-like bullet propagation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wu, S.; Wang, Z.; Huang, Q.

2013-02-15

Cold atmospheric-pressure plasma jets have recently attracted enormous interest owing to numerous applications in plasma biology, health care, medicine, and nanotechnology. A dedicated study of the interaction between the upstream and downstream plasma plumes revealed that the active species (electrons, ions, excited OH, metastable Ar, and nitrogen-related species) generated by the upstream plasma plume enhance the propagation of the downstream plasma plume. At gas flows exceeding 2 l/min, the downstream plasma plume is longer than the upstream plasma plume. Detailed plasma diagnostics and discharge species analysis suggest that this effect is due to the electrons and ions that are generatedmore » by the upstream plasma and flow into the downstream plume. This in turn leads to the relatively higher electron density in the downstream plasma. Moreover, high-speed photography reveals a highly unusual behavior of the plasma bullets, which propagate in snake-like motions, very differently from the previous reports. This behavior is related to the hydrodynamic instability of the gas flow, which results in non-uniform distributions of long-lifetime active species in the discharge tube and of surface charges on the inner surface of the tube.« less

Infrared gas phase study on plasma-polymer interactions in high-current diffuse dielectric barrier discharge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Y.; Welzel, S.; Starostin, S. A.; van de Sanden, M. C. M.; Engeln, R.; de Vries, H. W.

2017-06-01

A roll-to-roll high-current diffuse dielectric barrier discharge at atmospheric pressure was operated in air and Ar/N2/O2 gas mixtures. The exhaust gas from the discharge was studied using a high-resolution Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer in the range from 3000 to 750 cm-1 to unravel the plasma-polymer interactions. The absorption features of HxNyOz, COx, and HCOOH (formic acid) were identified, and the relative densities were deduced by fitting the absorption bands of the detected molecules. Strong interactions between plasma and polymer (Polyethylene-2,6-naphthalate, or PEN) in precursor-free oxygen-containing gas mixtures were observed as evidenced by a high COx production. The presence of HCOOH in the gas effluent, formed through plasma-chemical synthesis of COx, turns out to be a sensitive indicator for etching. By adding tetraethylorthosilicate precursor in the plasma, dramatic changes in the COx production were measured, and two distinct deposition regimes were identified. At high precursor flows, a good agreement with the precursor combustion and the COx production was observed, whereas at low precursor flows an etching-deposition regime transpires, and the COx production is dominated by polymer etching.

Nitrogen gas plasma treatment of bacterial spores induces oxidative stress that damages the genomic DNA.

PubMed

Sakudo, Akikazu; Toyokawa, Yoichi; Nakamura, Tetsuji; Yagyu, Yoshihito; Imanishi, Yuichiro

2017-01-01

Gas plasma, produced by a short high‑voltage pulse generated from a static induction thyristor power supply [1.5 kilo pulse/sec (kpps)], was demonstrated to inactivate Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores (decimal reduction time at 15 min, 2.48 min). Quantitative polymerase chain reaction and enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assays further indicated that nitrogen gas plasma treatment for 15 min decreased the level of intact genomic DNA and increased the level of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, a major product of DNA oxidation. Three potential inactivation factors were generated during operation of the gas plasma instrument: Heat, longwave ultraviolet-A and oxidative stress (production of hydrogen peroxide, nitrite and nitrate). Treatment of the spores with hydrogen peroxide (3x2‑4%) effectively inactivated the bacteria, whereas heat treatment (100˚C), exposure to UV-A (75‑142 mJ/cm2) and 4.92 mM peroxynitrite (•ONOO‑), which is decomposed into nitrite and nitrate, did not. The results of the present study suggest the gas plasma treatment inactivates bacterial spores primarily by generating hydrogen peroxide, which contributes to the oxidation of the host genomic DNA.

Comparison of surface vacuum ultraviolet emissions with resonance level number densities. II. Rare-gas plasmas and Ar-molecular gas mixtures

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Boffard, John B., E-mail: jboffard@wisc.edu; Lin, Chun C.; Wang, Shicong

2015-03-15

Vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) emissions from excited plasma species can play a variety of roles in processing plasmas, including damaging the surface properties of materials used in semiconductor processing. Depending on their wavelength, VUV photons can easily transmit thin upper dielectric layers and affect the electrical characteristics of the devices. Despite their importance, measuring VUV fluxes is complicated by the fact that few materials transmit at VUV wavelengths, and both detectors and windows are easily damaged by plasma exposure. The authors have previously reported on measuring VUV fluxes in pure argon plasmas by monitoring the concentrations of Ar(3p{sup 5}4s) resonance atomsmore » that produce the VUV emissions using noninvasive optical emission spectroscopy in the visible/near-infrared wavelength range [Boffard et al., J. Vac. Sci. Technol., A 32, 021304 (2014)]. Here, the authors extend this technique to other rare-gases (Ne, Kr, and Xe) and argon-molecular gas plasmas (Ar/H{sub 2}, Ar/O{sub 2}, and Ar/N{sub 2}). Results of a model for VUV emissions that couples radiation trapping and the measured rare-gas resonance level densities are compared to measurements made with both a calibrated VUV photodiode and a sodium salicylate fluorescence detection scheme. In these more complicated gas mixtures, VUV emissions from a variety of sources beyond the principal resonance levels of the rare gases are found to contribute to the total VUV flux.« less

Sterile neutrinos in cosmology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abazajian, Kevork N.

2017-11-01

Sterile neutrinos are natural extensions to the standard model of particle physics in neutrino mass generation mechanisms. If they are relatively light, less than approximately 10 keV, they can alter cosmology significantly, from the early Universe to the matter and radiation energy density today. Here, we review the cosmological role such light sterile neutrinos can play from the early Universe, including production of keV-scale sterile neutrinos as dark matter candidates, and dynamics of light eV-scale sterile neutrinos during the weakly-coupled active neutrino era. We review proposed signatures of light sterile neutrinos in cosmic microwave background and large scale structure data. We also discuss keV-scale sterile neutrino dark matter decay signatures in X-ray observations, including recent candidate ∼3.5 keV X-ray line detections consistent with the decay of a ∼7 keV sterile neutrino dark matter particle.

Atmospheric pulsed laser deposition of plasmonic nanoparticle films of silver with flowing gas and flowing atmospheric plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khan, T. M.; Pokle, A.; Lunney, J. G.

2018-04-01

Two methods of atmospheric pulsed laser deposition of plasmonic nanoparticle films of silver are described. In both methods the ablation plume, produced by a 248 nm, 20 ns excimer laser in gas, is strongly confined near the target and forms a nanoparticle aerosol. For both the flowing gas, and the atmospheric plasma from a dielectric barrier discharge plasma source, the aerosol is entrained in the flow and carried to a substrate for deposition. The nanoparticle films produced by both methods were examined by electron microscopy and optical absorption spectroscopy. With plasma assistance, the deposition rate was significantly enhanced and the film morphology altered. With argon gas, isolated nanoparticles of 20 nm size were obtained, whereas in argon plasma, the nanoparticles are aggregated in clusters of 90 nm size. Helium gas also leads to the deposition of isolated nanoparticles, but with helium plasma, two populations of nanoparticles are observed: one of rounded particles with a mean size of 26 nm and the other of faceted particles with a mean size 165 nm.

Inhibiting Sterilization-Induced Oxidation of Large Molecule Therapeutics Packaged in Plastic Parenteral Vials.

PubMed

Vieregg, Jeffrey R; Martin, Steven J; Breeland, Adam P; Weikart, Christopher M; Tirrell, Matthew V

2018-01-01

For many years, glass has been the default material for parenteral packaging, but the development of advanced plastics such as cyclic olefin polymers and the rapidly increasing importance of biologic drugs have provided new choices, as well as more stringent performance requirements. In particular, many biologics must be stored at non-neutral pH, where glass is susceptible to hydrolysis, metal extraction, and delamination. Plastic containers are not susceptible to these problems, but suffer from higher gas permeability and a propensity for sterilization-induced radical generation, heightening the risk of oxidative damage to sensitive drugs. This study evaluates the properties of a hybrid material, SiOPlas™, in which an ultrathin multilayer coating is applied to the interior of cyclic olefin polymer containers via plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. Our results show that the coating decreases oxygen permeation through the vial walls 33-fold compared to uncoated cyclic olefin polymers, which should allow for improved control of oxygen levels in sensitive formulations. We also measured degradation of two biologic drugs that are known to be sensitive to oxidation, teriparatide and erythropoietin, in gamma and electron beam sterilized SiOPlas™, glass, and uncoated cyclic olefin polymer vials. In both cases, solutions stored in SiOPlas™ vials did not show elevated susceptibility to oxidation compared to either glass or unsterilized controls. Taken together, these results suggest that hybrid materials such as SiOPlas™ are attractive choices for storing high-value biologic drugs. LAY ABSTRACT: One of the most important functions of parenteral drug containers is safeguarding their contents from damage, either chemical or physical. Glass has been the container material of choice for many years, but concerns over breakage and vulnerability to chemical attack at non-neutral pH have spurred the rise of advanced plastics as alternatives. Plastics solve many

The Effects of Gas Composition on the Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jet Modification of Polyethylene Films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Jie; Qiu, Yiping

2015-05-01

Polyethylene (PE) films are treated using an atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) with He or He/O2 gas for different periods of time. The influence of gas type on the plasma-polymer interactions is studied. The surface contact angle of the PE film can be effectively lowered to 58° after 20 s of He/O2 plasma treatment and then remains almost unchanged for longer treatment durations, while, for He plasma treatment, the film surface contact angle drops gradually to 47° when the time reaches 120 s. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) results show that the root mean square (RMS) roughness was significantly higher for the He/O2 plasma treated samples than for the He plasma treated counterparts, and the surface topography of the He/O2 plasma treated PE films displays evenly distributed dome-shaped small protuberances. Chemical composition analysis reveals that the He plasma treated samples have a higher oxygen content but a clearly lower percentage of -COO than the comparable He/O2 treated samples, suggesting that differences exist in the mode of incorporating oxygen between the two gas condition plasma treatments. Electron spin resonance (ESR) results show that the free radical concentrations of the He plasma treated samples were clearly higher than those of the He/O2 plasma treated ones with other conditions unchanged. supported by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities of China (Nos. JUSRP1044 and JUSRP1045), National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 51203062 and 51302110), and the Cooperative Innovation Fund, Project of Jiangsu Province, China (Nos. BY2012064, BY2013015-31 and BY2013015-32)

High Power Light Gas Helicon Plasma Source For VASMIR

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Squire, J. P.; Chang-Diaz, F. R.; Glover, T. W.; Jacobson, V. T.; McCaskill, G. E.; Winter, D. S.; Baity, F. W.; Carter, M. D.; Goulding, R. H.

2004-01-01

The VASIMR space propulsion development effort relies on a high power (greater than 10kW) helicon source to produce a dense flowing plasma (H, D and He) target for ion cyclotron resonance (ICR) acceleration of the ions. Subsequent expansion in an expanding magnetic field (magnetic nozzle) converts ion lunetic energy to directed momentum. This plasma source must have critical features to enable an effective propulsion device. First, it must ionize most of the input neutral flux of gas, thus producing a plasma stream with a high degree of ionization for application of ICR power. This avoids propellant waste and potential power losses due to charge exchange. Next, the plasma stream must flow into a region of high magnetic field (approximately 0.5 T) for efficient ICR acceleration. Third, the ratio of input power to plasma flux must be low, providing an energy per ion-electron pair approaching 100 eV. Lastly, the source must be robust and capable of very long life-times (years). In our helicon experiment (VX-10) we have measured a ratio of input gas to plasma flux near 100%. The plasma flows from the helicon region (B approximately 0.1 T) into a region with a peak magnetic field of 0.8 T. The energy input per ion-electron pair has been measured at 300 plus or minus 100 eV. Recent results at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) show an enhanced efficiency mode of operation with a high power density, over 5 kW in a 5 cm diameter tube. Our helicon is presently 9 cm in diameter and operates up to 3.5 kW of input power. An upgrade to a power level of 10 kW is underway. Much of our recent work has been with a Boswell double-saddle antenna design. We are also converting the antenna design to a helical type. With these modifications, we anticipate an improvement in the ionization efficiency. This paper presents the results from scaling the helicon in the VX-10 device from 3.5 to 10 kW. We also compare the operation with a double-saddle to a helical antenna design. Finally, we

Gas Contamination In Plasma-Arc-Welded Aluminum

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcclure, John C.; Torres, Martin R.; Gurevitch, Alan C.; Newman, Robert A.

1992-01-01

Document describes experimental investigation on visible and tactile effects of gaseous contaminants in variable-polarity plasma arc (VPPA) welding of 2219 T-87 aluminum alloy. Contaminant gases (nitrogen, methane, oxygen, and hydrogen) introduced in argon arc and in helium shield gas in various controlled concentrations. Report represents results of experiments in form of photographs of fronts, backs, polished cross sections, and etched cross sections of welds made with various contaminants at various concentrations. Provides detailed discussion of conditions under which welds made.

[Sterilization and eugenics].

PubMed

Shasha, Shaul M

2011-04-01

The term "eugenics" was coined by Francis Galton in 1883 and was defined as the science of the improvement of the human race by better breeding. "Positive eugenics" referred to methods of encouraging the "most fit" to reproduce more often, while "negative eugenics" was related to ways of discouraging or preventing the "less fit" from reproducing by birth control and sterilization. Many western countries adopted eugenics programs including Britain, Canada, Norway, Australia, Switzerland and others. In Sweden more then 62,000 "unfits" were forcibly sterilized. Many states in the U.S.A. had adopted marriage laws with eugenics criteria including forced sterilization. Approximately 64,000 individuals were sterilized. Eugenics considerations also lay behind the adoption of the Immigration Restriction Act of 1924. The Largest plan on eugenics was adopted by the Nazi regime in Germany. Hundreds of thousands of people, who were viewed as being "unfit", were forcibly sterilized by different methods: Surgical sterilization or castration with severe complications and high mortality rates. X-ray irradiation. The method was suggested by Brack, and tested by Schuman using prisoners in Block No. 10 in Auschwitz and Birkenau. Experiments were also performed by Brack on prisoners using the "window method". "Klauberg method"--injection of irritating materials into the uterus. Experiments were conducted using the plant Caladium Seguinum which was believed to have sterilization and castration properties.

Hysteroscopic Tubal Sterilization

PubMed Central

McMartin, K

2013-01-01

Background Hysteroscopic tubal sterilization is a minimally invasive alternative to laparoscopic tubal ligation for women who want permanent contraception. The procedures involves non-surgical placement of permanent microinserts into both fallopian tubes. Patients must use alternative contraception for at least 3 months postprocedure until tubal occlusion is confirmed. Compared to tubal ligation, potential advantages of the hysteroscopic procedure are that it can be performed in 10 minutes in an office setting without the use of general or even local anesthesia. Objective The objective of this analysis was to determine the effectiveness and safety of hysteroscopic tubal sterilization compared with tubal ligation for permanent female sterilization. Data Sources A standard systematic literature search was conducted for studies published from January 1, 2008, until December 11, 2012. Review Methods Observational studies, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), systematic reviews and meta-analyses with 1 month or more of follow-up were examined. Outcomes included failure/pregnancy rates, adverse events, and patient satisfaction. Results No RCTs were identified. Two systematic reviews covered 22 observational studies of hysteroscopic sterilization. Only 1 (N = 93) of these 22 studies compared hysteroscopic sterilization to laparoscopic tubal ligation. Two other noncomparative case series not included in the systematic reviews were also identified. In the absence of comparative studies, data on tubal ligation were derived for this analysis from the CREST study, a large, multicentre, prospective, noncomparative observational study in the United States (GRADE low). Overall, hysteroscopic sterilization is associated with lower pregnancy rates and lower complication rates compared to tubal ligation. No deaths have been reported for hysteroscopic sterilization. Limitations A lack of long-term follow-up for hysteroscopic sterilization and a paucity of studies that directly

An investigation of a sterile access technique for the repair and adjustment of sterile spacecraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Farmer, F. H.; Fuller, H. V.; Hueschen, R. M.

1973-01-01

A description is presented of a unique system for the sterilization and sterile repair of spacecraft and the results of a test program designed to assess the biological integrity and engineering reliability of the system. This trailer-mounted system, designated the model assembly sterilizer for testing (MAST), is capable of the dry-heat sterilization of spacecraft and/or components less than 2.3 meters in diameter at temperatures up to 433 K and the steam sterilization of components less than 0.724 meter in diameter. Sterile access to spacecraft is provided by two tunnel suits, called the bioisolator suit systems (BISS), which are contiguous with the walls of the sterilization chambers. The test program was designed primarily to verify the biological and engineering reliability of the MAST system by processing simulated space hardware. Each test cycle simulated the initial sterilization of a spacecraft, sterile repair of a failed component, removal of the spacecraft from the MAST for mating with the bus, and a sterile recycle repair.

Production of ammonia from plasma-catalytic decomposition of urea: Effects of carrier gas composition.

PubMed

Fan, Xing; Li, Jian; Qiu, Danqi; Zhu, Tianle

2018-04-01

Effects of carrier gas composition (N 2 /air) on NH 3 production, energy efficiency regarding NH 3 production and byproducts formation from plasma-catalytic decomposition of urea were systematically investigated using an Al 2 O 3 -packed dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactor at room temperature. Results show that the presence of O 2 in the carrier gas accelerates the conversion of urea but leads to less generation of NH 3 . The final yield of NH 3 in the gas phase decreased from 70.5%, 78.7%, 66.6% and 67.2% to 54.1%, 51.7%, 49.6% and 53.4% for applied voltages of 17, 19, 21 and 23kV, respectively when air was used as the carrier gas instead of N 2 . From the viewpoint of energy savings, however, air carrier gas is better than N 2 due to reduced energy consumption and increased energy efficiency for decomposition of a fixed amount of urea. Carrier gas composition has little influence on the major decomposition pathways of urea under the synergetic effects of plasma and Al 2 O 3 catalyst to give NH 3 and CO 2 as the main products. Compared to a small amount of N 2 O formed with N 2 as the carrier gas, however, more byproducts including N 2 O and NO 2 in the gas phase and NH 4 NO 3 in solid deposits were produced with air as the carrier gas, probably due to the unproductive consumption of NH 3 , the possible intermediate HNCO and even urea by the abundant active oxygen species and nitrogen oxides generated in air-DBD plasma. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Effect of sheath gas in atmospheric-pressure plasma jet for potato sprouting suppression

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nishiyama, S.; Monma, M.; Sasaki, K.

2016-09-01

Recently, low-temperature atmospheric-pressure plasma jets (APPJs) attract much interest for medical and agricultural applications. We try to apply APPJs for the suppression of potato sprouting in the long-term storage. In this study, we investigated the effect of sheath gas in APPJ on the suppression efficiency of the potato sprouting. Our APPJ was composed of an insulated thin wire electrode, a glass tube, a grounded electrode which was wound on the glass tube, and a sheath gas nozzle which was attached at the end of the glass tube. The wire electrode was connected to a rectangular-waveform power supply at a frequency of 3 kHz and a voltage of +/- 7 kV. Helium was fed through the glass tube, while we tested dry nitrogen, humid nitrogen, and oxygen as the sheath gas. Eyes of potatoes were irradiated by APPJ for 60 seconds. The sprouting probability was evaluated at two weeks after the plasma irradiation. The sprouting probability was 28% when we employed no sheath gases, whereas an improved probability of 10% was obtained when we applied dry nitrogen as the sheath gas. Optical emission spectroscopy was carried out to diagnose the plasma jet. It was suggested that reactive species originated from nitrogen worked for the efficient suppression of the potato sprouting.

Formation of high heat resistant coatings by using gas tunnel type plasma spraying.

PubMed

Kobayashi, A; Ando, Y; Kurokawa, K

2012-06-01

Zirconia sprayed coatings are widely used as thermal barrier coatings (TBC) for high temperature protection of metallic structures. However, their use in diesel engine combustion chamber components has the long run durability problems, such as the spallation at the interface between the coating and substrate due to the interface oxidation. Although zirconia coatings have been used in many applications, the interface spallation problem is still waiting to be solved under the critical conditions such as high temperature and high corrosion environment. The gas tunnel type plasma spraying developed by the author can make high quality ceramic coatings such as Al2O3 and ZrO2 coating compared to other plasma spraying method. A high hardness ceramic coating such as Al2O3 coating by the gas tunnel type plasma spraying, were investigated in the previous study. The Vickers hardness of the zirconia (ZrO2) coating increased with decreasing spraying distance, and a higher Vickers hardness of about Hv = 1200 could be obtained at a shorter spraying distance of L = 30 mm. ZrO2 coating formed has a high hardness layer at the surface side, which shows the graded functionality of hardness. In this study, ZrO2 composite coatings (TBCs) with Al2O3 were deposited on SS304 substrates by gas tunnel type plasma spraying. The performance such as the mechanical properties, thermal behavior and high temperature oxidation resistance of the functionally graded TBCs was investigated and discussed. The resultant coating samples with different spraying powders and thickness are compared in their corrosion resistance with coating thickness as variables. Corrosion potential was measured and analyzed corresponding to the microstructure of the coatings. High Heat Resistant Coatings, Gas Tunnel Type Plasma Spraying, Hardness,

LIF and fast imaging plasma jet characterization relevant for NTP biomedical applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Riès, D.; Dilecce, G.; Robert, E.; Ambrico, P. F.; Dozias, S.; Pouvesle, J.-M.

2014-07-01

In the field of biomedical application, many publications report on non-thermal plasma jet potentialities for cell behaviour modifications in cancer treatment, wound healing or sterilization. However most previous plasma jet characterizations were performed when jets expend freely in air. Only recently has the influence of the targeted surface been properly considered. In this work, modifications induced by various types of targets, mimicking the biological samples, in the plasma propagation and production of hydroxyl radicals are evidenced through time-resolved intensified charge-coupled device imaging and laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) measurements. A LIF model, also specifically dedicated to estimate air and water penetration inside the jet, is used and proves to be well adapted to characterize the plasma jet under biomedical application conditions. It is shown that the plasma produced by the plasma gun counter-propagates after impinging the surface which, for the same operating parameters, leads to an increase of almost one order of magnitude in the maximum OH density (from ˜2 × 1013 cm-3 for open-air propagation to ˜1 × 1014 cm-3 for a grounded metal target). The nature of the target, especially its electrical conductivity, as well as gas flow rate and voltage amplitude are playing a key role in the production of hydroxyl radicals. The strong interplay between gas flow dynamics and plasma propagation is here confirmed by air and water distribution measurements. The need for a multi-diagnostic approach, as well as great care in setting up the in situ characterization of plasma jets, is here emphasized. Special attention must not only be paid to voltage amplitude and gas flow rate but also to the nature, humidity and conductivity of the target.

Reversibility of female sterilization.

PubMed

Siegler, A M; Hulka, J; Peretz, A

1985-04-01

The discussion considers the current status of reversibility of sterilization in the US and describes clinical and experimental efforts for developing techniques designed for reversibility. It focuses on regret following sterilization, reversal potential of current sterilization techniques, patient selection, current reversal techniques, results of sterilization procedures, experimental approaches to reversal of current techniques of sterilization, and sterilization procedures devised for reversibility, in humans and in animals. Request is the 1st stage of reversal, but a request for sterilization reversal (SR) does not always mean regret for a decision made at the time. Frequently it is a wish to restore fertility because life circumstances have changed after a sterilization that was ppropriate at the time it was performed. Schwyhart and Kutner reviewed 22 studies published between 1949-69 in which they found that the percentage of patients regretting the procedure ranged from 1.3-15%. Requests for reversal remain low in most countries, but if sterilization becomes a more popular method of contraception, requests will also increase. The ideal operation considered as a reversaible method of sterilization should include an easy, reliable outpatient method of tubal occlusion with miniml risk or patient discomfort that subsequently could be reversed without the need for a major surgical intervention. Endoscopic methods have progressed toward the 1st objective. A recent search of the literature uncovered few series of SR of more than 50 cases. The 767 operations found were analyzed with regard to pregnancy outcome. The precent of live births varied from 74-78.8%, and the occurance of tubal pregnancies ranged from 1.7-6.5%. All of the confounding variables in patient selection and small numbers of reported procedures preclude any conclusion about the different techniques or the number of operations that give a surgeon a level of expertise. Few authors classify their

Observation of tritium in gas/plasma loaded titanium samples

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Srinivasan, M.; Shyam, A.; Kaushik, T. C.; Rout, R. K.; Kulkarni, L. V.; Krishnan, M. S.; Malhotra, S. K.; Nagvenkar, V. G.; Iyengar, P. K.

1991-05-01

The observation of significant neutron yield from gas loaded titanium samples at Frascati in April 1989 opened up an alternate pathway to the investigation of anomalous nuclear phenomena in deuterium/solid systems, complimenting the electrolytic approach. Since then at least six different groups have successfully measured burst neutron emission from deuterated titanium shavings following the Frascati methodology, the special feature of which was the use of liquid nitrogen to create repeated thermal cycles resulting in the production of non-equilibrium conditions in the deuterated samples. At Trombay several variations of the gas loading procedure have been investigated including induction heating of single machined titanium targets in a glass chamber as well as use of a plasma focus device for deuteriding its central titanium electrode. Stemming from earlier observations both at BARC and elsewhere that tritium yield is ≂108 times higher than neutron output in cold fusion experiments, we have channelised our efforts to the search for tritium rather than neutrons. The presence of tritium in a variety gas/plasma loaded titanium samples has been established successfully through a direct measurement of the radiations emitted as a result of tritium decay, in contradistinction to other groups who have looked for tritium in the extracted gases. In some samples we have thus observed tritium levels of over 10 MBq with a corresponding (t/d) ratio of ≳10-5.

Absorption of the laser radiation by the laser plasma with gas microjet targets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Borisevichus, D. A.; Zabrodskii, V. V.; Kalmykov, S. G.; Sasin, M. E.; Seisyan, R. P.

2017-01-01

An upper limit of absorption of the laser radiation in the plasma produced in a gas jet Xe target with the average density of (3-6) × 1018 cm-3 and the effective diameter of 0.7 mm is found. It is equal to ≈50% and remains constant under any variation in this range of densities. This result contradicts both theoretical assessments that have predicted virtually complete absorption and results of earlier experiments with the laser spark in an unlimited stationary Xe gas with the same density, where the upper limit of absorption was close to 100%. An analysis shows that nonlinearity of absorption and plasma nonequilibrium lead to the reduction of the absorption coefficient that, along with the limited size of plasma, can explain the experimental results.

Safety and efficacy of hysteroscopic sterilization compared with laparoscopic sterilization: an observational cohort study.

PubMed

Mao, Jialin; Pfeifer, Samantha; Schlegel, Peter; Sedrakyan, Art

2015-10-13

To compare the safety and efficacy of hysteroscopic sterilization with the "Essure" device with laparoscopic sterilization in a large, all-inclusive, state cohort. Population based cohort study. Outpatient interventional setting in New York State. Women undergoing interval sterilization procedure, including hysteroscopic sterilization with Essure device and laparoscopic surgery, between 2005 and 2013. Safety events within 30 days of procedures; unintended pregnancies and reoperations within one year of procedures. Mixed model accounting for hospital clustering was used to compare 30 day and 1 year outcomes, adjusting for patient characteristics and other confounders. Time to reoperation was evaluated using frailty model for time to event analysis. We identified 8048 patients undergoing hysteroscopic sterilization and 44,278 undergoing laparoscopic sterilization between 2005 and 2013 in New York State. There was a significant increase in the use of hysteroscopic procedures during this period, while use of laparoscopic sterilization decreased. Patients undergoing hysteroscopic sterilization were older than those undergoing laparoscopic sterilization and were more likely to have a history of pelvic inflammatory disease (10.3% v 7.2%, P<0.01), major abdominal surgery (9.4% v 7.9%, P<0.01), and cesarean section (23.2% v 15.4%, P<0.01). At one year after surgery, hysteroscopic sterilization was not associated with a higher risk of unintended pregnancy (odds ratio 0.84 (95% CI 0.63 to 1.12)) but was associated with a substantially increased risk of reoperation (odds ratio 10.16 (7.47 to 13.81)) compared with laparoscopic sterilization. Patients undergoing hysteroscopic sterilization have a similar risk of unintended pregnancy but a more than 10-fold higher risk of undergoing reoperation compared with patients undergoing laparoscopic sterilization. Benefits and risks of both procedures should be discussed with patients for informed decisions making. © Mao et al 2015.

Safety and efficacy of hysteroscopic sterilization compared with laparoscopic sterilization: an observational cohort study

PubMed Central

Mao, Jialin; Pfeifer, Samantha; Schlegel, Peter

2015-01-01

Objective To compare the safety and efficacy of hysteroscopic sterilization with the “Essure” device with laparoscopic sterilization in a large, all-inclusive, state cohort. Design Population based cohort study. Settings Outpatient interventional setting in New York State. Participants Women undergoing interval sterilization procedure, including hysteroscopic sterilization with Essure device and laparoscopic surgery, between 2005 and 2013. Main outcomes measures Safety events within 30 days of procedures; unintended pregnancies and reoperations within one year of procedures. Mixed model accounting for hospital clustering was used to compare 30 day and 1 year outcomes, adjusting for patient characteristics and other confounders. Time to reoperation was evaluated using frailty model for time to event analysis. Results We identified 8048 patients undergoing hysteroscopic sterilization and 44 278 undergoing laparoscopic sterilization between 2005 and 2013 in New York State. There was a significant increase in the use of hysteroscopic procedures during this period, while use of laparoscopic sterilization decreased. Patients undergoing hysteroscopic sterilization were older than those undergoing laparoscopic sterilization and were more likely to have a history of pelvic inflammatory disease (10.3% v 7.2%, P<0.01), major abdominal surgery (9.4% v 7.9%, P<0.01), and cesarean section (23.2% v 15.4%, P<0.01). At one year after surgery, hysteroscopic sterilization was not associated with a higher risk of unintended pregnancy (odds ratio 0.84 (95% CI 0.63 to 1.12)) but was associated with a substantially increased risk of reoperation (odds ratio 10.16 (7.47 to 13.81)) compared with laparoscopic sterilization. Conclusions Patients undergoing hysteroscopic sterilization have a similar risk of unintended pregnancy but a more than 10-fold higher risk of undergoing reoperation compared with patients undergoing laparoscopic sterilization. Benefits and risks of both procedures

Development of a sterilizing in-place application for a production machine using Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide.

PubMed

Mau, T; Hartmann, V; Burmeister, J; Langguth, P; Häusler, H

2004-01-01

The use of steam in sterilization processes is limited by the implementation of heat-sensitive components inside the machines to be sterilized. Alternative low-temperature sterilization methods need to be found and their suitability evaluated. Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide (VHP) technology was adapted for a production machine consisting of highly sensitive pressure sensors and thermo-labile air tube systems. This new kind of "cold" surface sterilization, known from the Barrier Isolator Technology, is based on the controlled release of hydrogen peroxide vapour into sealed enclosures. A mobile VHP generator was used to generate the hydrogen peroxide vapour. The unit was combined with the air conduction system of the production machine. Terminal vacuum pumps were installed to distribute the gas within the production machine and for its elimination. In order to control the sterilization process, different physical process monitors were incorporated. The validation of the process was based on biological indicators (Geobacillus stearothermophilus). The Limited Spearman Karber Method (LSKM) was used to statistically evaluate the sterilization process. The results show that it is possible to sterilize surfaces in a complex tube system with the use of gaseous hydrogen peroxide. A total microbial reduction of 6 log units was reached.

Sterilization: A Review and Update.

PubMed

Moss, Chailee; Isley, Michelle M

2015-12-01

Sterilization is a frequently used method of contraception. Female sterilization is performed 3 times more frequently than male sterilization, and it can be performed immediately postpartum or as an interval procedure. Methods include mechanical occlusion, coagulation, or tubal excision. Female sterilization can be performed using an abdominal approach, or via laparoscopy or hysteroscopy. When an abdominal approach or laparoscopy is used, sterilization occurs immediately. When hysteroscopy is used, tubal occlusion occurs over time, and additional testing is needed to confirm tubal occlusion. Comprehensive counseling about sterilization should include discussion about male sterilization (vasectomy) and long-acting reversible contraceptive methods. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A study of gas flow pattern, undercutting and torch modification in variable polarity plasma arc welding

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcclure, John C.; Hou, Haihui Ron

1994-01-01

A study on the plasma and shield gas flow patterns in variable polarity plasma arc (VPPA) welding was undertaken by shadowgraph techniques. Visualization of gas flow under different welding conditions was obtained. Undercutting is often present with aluminum welds. The effects of torch alignment, shield gas flow rate and gas contamination on undercutting were investigated and suggestions made to minimize the defect. A modified shield cup for the welding torch was fabricated which consumes much less shield gas while maintaining the weld quality. The current torch was modified with a trailer flow for Al-Li welding, in which hot cracking is a critical problem. The modification shows improved weldablility on these alloys.

Physics of neutral gas jet interaction with magnetized plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zhanhui; Xu, Xueqiao; Diamond, Patrick; Xu, Min; Duan, Xuru; Yu, Deliang; Zhou, Yulin; Shi, Yongfu; Nie, Lin; Ke, Rui; Zhong, Wulv; Shi, Zhongbing; Sun, Aiping; Li, Jiquan; Yao, Lianghua

2017-10-01

It is critical to understand the physics and transport dynamics during the plasma fuelling process. Plasma and neutral interactions involve the transfer of charge, momentum, and energy in ion-neutral and electron-neutral collisions. Thus, a seven field fluid model of neutral gas jet injection (NGJI) is obtained, which couples plasma density, heat, and momentum transport equations together with neutrals density and momentum transport equations of both molecules and atoms. Transport dynamics of plasma and neutrals are simulated for a complete range of discharge times, including steady state before NGJI, transport during NGJI, and relaxation after NGJI. With the trans-neut module of BOUT + + code, the simulations of mean profile variations and fueling depths during fueling have been benchmarked well with other codes and also validated with HL-2A experiment results. Both fast component (FC) and slow component (SC) of NGJI are simulated and validated with the HL-2A experimental measurements. The plasma blocking effect on the FC penetration is also simulated and validated well with the experiment. This work is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant No. 11575055.

Sterilization for Women and Men

MedlinePlus

f AQ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FAQ011 CONTRACEPTION Sterilization for Women and Men • What is sterilization? • How does tubal occlusion work to prevent pregnancy? • How effective is female sterilization? • Does female sterilization ...

Elimination of diazinon insecticide from cucumber surface by atmospheric pressure air-dielectric barrier discharge plasma.

PubMed

Dorraki, Naghme; Mahdavi, Vahideh; Ghomi, Hamid; Ghasempour, Alireza

2016-12-06

The food industry is in a constant search for new technologies to improve the commercial sterilization process of agricultural commodities. Plasma treatment may offer a novel and efficient method for pesticide removal from agricultural product surfaces. To study the proposed technique of plasma food treatment, the degradation behavior of diazinon insecticide by air-dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma was investigated. The authors studied the effect of different plasma powers and treatment times on pesticide concentration in liquid form and coated on the surface of cucumbers, where the diazinon residue was analyzed with mass spectroscopy gas chromatography. Our results suggest that atmospheric pressure air-DBD plasma is potentially effective for the degradation of diazinon insecticide, and mainly depends on related operating parameters, including plasma treatment time, discharge power, and pesticide concentrations. Based on the interaction between reactive oxygen species and electrons in the plasma with the diazinon molecule, two degradation pathway of diazinon during plasma treatment are proposed. It was also found that produced organophosphate pesticides are harmless and less hazardous compounds than diazinon.

Experimental investigation on the effect of plasma jet in the triggered discharge process of a gas switch

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tie, W., E-mail: twh.110.666@163.com, E-mail: 84470220@qq.com; Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049; Liu, S.

The temporal and spatial evolution of a plasma jet generated by a spark discharge was observed. The electron temperature and density were obtained under different time and gas pressures by optical emission spectroscopy. Moreover, the discharge process of the plasma-jet triggered gas switch was recorded and analyzed at the lowest working coefficient. The results showed that the plasma jet moved forward in a bullet mode, and the advancing velocity increased with the decrease of pressure, and decreased with time growing. At initial time, the maximum velocity of a plasma jet could reach 3.68 × 10{sup 6 }cm/s. The electron temperature decreased from 2.0 eVmore » to 1.3 eV, and the electron density increased from 3.1 × 10{sup 15}/cm{sup 3} to 6.3 × 10{sup 15}/cm{sup 3} at the initial moment as the gas pressure increases from 0.1 MPa to 0.32 MPa. For a two-gap gas switch, the discharge performances were more depended on the second discharge spark gap (gap 2). Because plasma jet promoted the discharge in Gap 2, the gas switch operating in mode II had better triggered discharge characteristics. In the discharge process, the plasma-jet triggering had the effect of non-penetrating inducing, which not only provided initial electrons for reducing statistical lag but also enhanced the local electric field. The discharge was initiated and accelerated from electron avalanche to streamer. Therefore, a fast discharge was occurred in the gas switch.« less

Schlieren flow visualization of helium atmospheric plasma jet and influence of the gas flow rate and applied voltage frequency

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Borghei, S. M.; Vaziri, N.; Alibabaei, S.

2018-03-01

We used schlieren photography to visualize the influence of gas flow rates of 1, 2.5, 5, 10 L/min and of the applied voltage frequency on a helium atmospheric plasma jet induced at the nozzle of a capillary tube. The expansion of the gas in the surrounding medium (air) was analyzed in the two different modes – plasma on/plasma off. Changes in the above parameters affect the gas flow regime and the hydrodynamics of the jet.

Sterile neutrino dark matter production

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gorbunov, Dmitry

2017-10-01

Sterile neutrinos provide active neutrinos with masses and mixing, and hence is one of the well-motivated candidate for dark matter. We discuss the sterile neutrino production mechanisms operating in the early Universe and show that additional scalar coupled to sterile neutrino can significantly change the situation, making moderate sterile-neutrino mixing and small sterile neutrino masses consistent with current cosmological and astrophysical bounds. Further searches for a narrow line in galactic X-rays and even direct searches for keV-scale sterile neutrinos in particle physics experiments can probe the suggested setup.

Optical shaping of gas targets for laser–plasma ion sources

DOE PAGES

Dover, N. P.; Cook, N.; Tresca, O.; ...

2016-02-09

In this paper, we report on the experimental demonstration of a technique to generate steep density gradients in gas-jet targets of interest to laser–plasma ion acceleration. By using an intentional low-energy prepulse, we generated a hydrodynamic blast wave in the gas to shape the target prior to the arrival of an intense COmore » $$_{2}$$($${\\it\\lambda}\\approx 10~{\\rm\\mu}\\text{m}$$) drive pulse. This technique has been recently shown to facilitate the generation of ion beams by shockwave acceleration (Trescaet al.,Phys. Rev. Lett., vol. 115 (9), 2015, 094802). Here, we discuss and introduce a model to understand the generation of these blast waves and discuss in depth the experimental realisation of the technique, supported by hydrodynamics simulations. With appropriate prepulse energy and timing, this blast wave can generate steepened density gradients as short as$$l\\approx 20~{\\rm\\mu}\\text{m}$$($1/e$), opening up new possibilities for laser–plasma studies with near-critical gaseous targets.« less

21 CFR 880.6850 - Sterilization wrap.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Sterilization wrap. 880.6850 Section 880.6850 Food... § 880.6850 Sterilization wrap. (a) Identification. A sterilization wrap (pack, sterilization wrapper... sterilized by a health care provider. It is intended to allow sterilization of the enclosed medical device...

Effect of neutral gas heating in argon radio frequency inductively coupled plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chin, O. H.; Jayapalan, K. K.; Wong, C. S.

2014-08-01

Heating of neutral gas in inductively coupled plasma (ICP) is known to result in neutral gas depletion. In this work, this effect is considered in the simulation of the magnetic field distribution of a 13.56 MHz planar coil ICP. Measured electron temperatures and densities at argon pressures of 0.03, 0.07 and 0.2 mbar were used in the simulation whilst neutral gas temperatures were heuristically fitted. The simulated results showed reasonable agreement with the measured magnetic field profile.

The sterilization of endodontic hand files.

PubMed

Hurtt, C A; Rossman, L E

1996-06-01

Several different methods of file sterilization were analyzed to determine the best method of providing complete file sterility, including the metal shaft and plastic handle. Six test groups of 15 files were studied using Bacillus stearothermophilus as the test organism. Groups were "sterilized" by glutaraldehyde immersion, steam autoclaving, and various techniques of salt sterilization. Only proper steam autoclaving reliably produced completely sterile instruments. Salt sterilization and glutaraldehyde solutions may not be adequate sterilization methods for endodontic hand files and should not be relied on to provide completely sterile instruments.

Radiation sterilization of enzyme hybrids with biodegradable polymers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Furuta, Masakazu; Oka, Masahito; Hayashi, Toshio

2002-03-01

Ionizing radiations, which have already been utilized for the sterilization of medical supplies as well as gas fumigation, should be the final candidate to decontaminate "hybrid" biomaterials containing bio-active materials including enzymes because irradiation induces neither heat nor substances affecting the quality of the materials and our health. In order to check the feasibility of 60Co-gamma rays on these materials, we selected commercial proteases including papain and bromelain hybridized with commercial activated chitosan beads and demonstrated that these enzyme-hybrids suspended in water showed the significant radiation durability of more than twice as much as free enzyme solution at 25-kGy irradiation. Enhanced thermal and storage stability of the enzyme hybrids were not affected by the same dose level of irradiation, either, indicating that commercial irradiation sterilization method is applicable to enzyme hybrids without modification.

Plasma Radiation Source on the Basis of the Gas Puff with Outer Plasma Shell in the Circuit of a Mega-Ampere Load Current Doubler

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kokshenev, V. A.; Labetsky, A. Yu.; Shishlov, A. V.; Kurmaev, N. E.; Fursov, F. I.; Cherdizov, R. K.

2017-12-01

Characteristics of Z-pinch plasma radiation in the form of a double shell neon gas puff with outer plasma shell are investigated in the microsecond implosion mode. Experiments are performed using a GIT-12 mega-joule generator with load current doubler having a ferromagnetic core at implosion currents up to 5 MA. Conditions for matching of the nonlinear load with the mega-ampere current multiplier circuit are determined. The load parameters (plasma shell characteristics and mass and geometry of gas puff shells) are optimized on the energy supplied to the gas puff and n energy characteristics of radiation. It is established that the best modes of K-shell radiation in neon are realized for such radial distribution of the gas-puff material at which the compression velocity of the shell is close to a constant and amounts to 27-30 cm/μs. In these modes, up to 40% of energy supplied to the gas puff is converted into K-shell radiation. The reasons limiting the efficiency of the radiation source with increasing implosion current are analyzed. A modernized version of the energy supply from the current doubler to the Z-pinch is proposed.

Slit shaped microwave induced atmospheric pressure plasma based on a parallel plate transmission line resonator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kang, S. K.; Seo, Y. S.; Lee, H. Wk; Aman-ur-Rehman; Kim, G. C.; Lee, J. K.

2011-11-01

A new type of microwave-excited atmospheric pressure plasma source, based on the principle of parallel plate transmission line resonator, is developed for the treatment of large areas in biomedical applications such as skin treatment and wound healing. A stable plasma of 20 mm width is sustained by a small microwave power source operated at a frequency of 700 MHz and a gas flow rate of 0.9 slm. Plasma impedance and plasma density of this plasma source are estimated by fitting the calculated reflection coefficient to the measured one. The estimated plasma impedance shows a decreasing trend while estimated plasma density shows an increasing trend with the increase in the input power. Plasma uniformity is confirmed by temperature and optical emission distribution measurements. Plasma temperature is sustained at less than 40 °C and abundant amounts of reactive species, which are important agents for bacteria inactivation, are detected over the entire plasma region. Large area treatment ability of this newly developed device is verified through bacteria inactivation experiment using E. coli. Sterilization experiment shows a large bacterial killing mark of 25 mm for a plasma treatment time of 10 s.

X-ray diffraction analysis of hydroxyapatite-coated in different plasma gas atmosphere on Ti and Ti-6Al-4V

PubMed Central

Kotian, Ravindra; Rao, P. Prasad; Madhyastha, Prashanthi

2017-01-01

Objective: The aim is to study the effect of plasma working gas on composition, crystallinity, and microstructure of hydroxyapatite (HA) coated on Ti and Ti-6Al-4V metal substrates. Materials and Methods: Ti and Ti-6Al-4V metal substrates were coated with HA by plasma spray using four plasma gas atmospheres of argon, argon/hydrogen, nitrogen, and nitrogen/hydrogen. The degree of crystallinity, the phases present, and microstructure of HA coating were characterized using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Results: Variation in crystallinity and the microstructure of HA coating on plasma gas atmosphere was observed. Micro-cracks due to thermal stresses and shift in the 2θ angle of HA compared to feedstock was seen. Conclusion: Plasma gas atmosphere has a significant influence on composition, crystallinity, and micro-cracks of HA-coated dental implants. PMID:29279668

Atmospheric pressure plasma accelerates tail regeneration in tadpoles Xenopus laevis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rivie, A.; Martus, K.; Menon, J.

2017-08-01

Atmospheric pressure plasma is a partially ionized gas composed of neutral and charged particles, including electrons and ions, as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS). Recently, it is utilized as possible therapy in oncology, sterilization, skin diseases, wound healing and tissue regeneration. In this study we focused on effect of plasma exposure on tail regeneration of tadpoles, Xenopus leavis with special emphasis on role of ROS, antioxidant defenses and morphological features of the regenerate. When amputated region of the tail was exposed to the helium plasma it resulted in a faster rate of growth, elevated ROS and increase in antioxidant enzymes in the regenerate compared to that of untreated control. An increase in nitric oxide (free radical) as well as activity of nitric oxide synthase(s) were observed once the cells of the regeneration blastema - a mass of proliferating cells are ready for differentiation. Microscopically the cells of the regenerate of plasma treated tadpoles show altered morphology and characteristics of cellular hypoxia and oxidative stress. We summarize that plasma exposure accelerates the dynamics of wound healing and tail regeneration through its effects on cell proliferation and differentiation as well as angiogenesis mediated through ROS signaling.

Investigation of a Light Gas Helicon Plasma Source for the VASIMR Space Propulsion System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Squire, J. P.; Chang-Diaz, F. R.; Jacobson, V. T.; Glover, T. W.; Baity, F. W.; Carter, M. D.; Goulding, R. H.; Bengtson, R. D.; Bering, E. A., III

2003-01-01

An efficient plasma source producing a high-density (approx.10(exp 19/cu m) light gas (e.g. H, D, or He) flowing plasma with a high degree of ionization is a critical component of the Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket (VASIMR) concept. We are developing an antenna to apply ICRF power near the fundamental ion cyclotron resonance to further accelerate the plasma ions to velocities appropriate for space propulsion applications. The high degree of ionization and a low vacuum background pressure are important to eliminate the problem of radial losses due to charge exchange. We have performed parametric (e.g. gas flow, power (0.5 - 3 kW), magnetic field , frequency (25 and 50 MHz)) studies of a helicon operating with gas (H2 D2, He, N2 and Ar) injected at one end with a high magnetic mirror downstream of the antenna. We have explored operation with a cusp and a mirror field upstream. Plasma flows into a low background vacuum (<10(exp -4) torr) at velocities higher than the ion sound speed. High densities (approx. 10(exp 19/cu m) have been achieved at the location where ICRF will be applied, just downstream of the magnetic mirror.

Effects of admixture gas on the production of (18)F radioisotope in plasma focus devices.

PubMed

Talaei, Ahmad; Sadat Kiai, S M; Zaeem, A A

2010-12-01

In this article, the effect of admixture gas on the heating and cooling of pinched plasma directly related to the enhancement or reduction of (18)F production through the (16)O((3)He, p)(18)F is considered in the plasma focus devices. It is shown that by controlling the velocity of added Oxygen particles mixed with the working helium gas into the plasma focus chamber, one can increase the current and decrease the confinement time (plasma heating) or vice verse (plasma cooling). The highest level of nuclear activities of (18)F was found around 16% of the Oxygen admixture participation and was about 0.35 MBq in the conditions of 20 kJ, 0.1 Hz and after 2 min operating of Dena PF. However, in the same condition, but for the frequency of 1 Hz, the level of activity increased up to 3.4 MBq. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Plasma polymerization of an ethylene-nitrogen gas mixture

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hudis, M.; Wydeven, T.

1975-01-01

A procedure has been developed whereby nitrogen can be incorporated into an organic film from an ethylene-nitrogen gas mixture using an internal electrode capacitively coupled radio frequency reactor. The presence of nitrogen has been shown directly by infrared transmittance spectra and electron spectroscopic chemical analysis data, and further indirect evidence was provided by dielectric measurements and by the reverse osmosis properties of the film. Preparation of a nitrogen containing film did not require vapor from an organic nitrogen containing liquid monomer. Some control over the bonding and stoichiometry of the polymer film was provided by the added degree of freedom of the nitrogen partial pressure in the gas mixture. This new parameter strongly affected the dielectric properties of the plasma polymerized film and could affect the reverse osmosis behavior.

[Regret of female sterilization].

PubMed

Öhman, Malin Charlotta; Andersen, Lars Franch

2015-11-16

Regret of sterilization is inversely correlated to age at the time of sterilization. The minimum age for legal sterilization in Denmark has recently been lowered to 18 years. In Denmark surgical refertilization has almost completely been replaced by in vitro fertilization (IVF). In recent literature pregnancy results after surgical refertilization are easily comparable to IVF. Refertilization may in some cases be advantageous to IVF treatment. Women requesting reversal of sterilization should be offered individualized evaluation and differentiated treatment. It is recommended that surgical refertilization is performed at very few centres.

Sterilizing the Poor

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rothman, Sheila M.

1977-01-01

Suggests that freedom for the middle classes may mean vulnerability for the poor. The enthusiasm for sterilization may be so intense as to deprive the poor of their right not to be sterilized. (Author/AM)

The backcross sterility technique

Treesearch

V. C. Mastro; A. Pellegrini-Toole

1991-01-01

The sterile insect technique (SIT) and the induced inherited (F1) sterility technique have been investigated for a number of lepidopterous pests, including the gypsy moths. Another technique, backcross sterility, which could potentially prove as or more useful for control of pest species has been developed for the control of only one lepidopteran...

Laser ablated copper plasmas in liquid and gas ambient

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Bhupesh; Thareja, Raj K.

2013-05-01

The dynamics of copper ablated plasma plumes generated using laser ablation of copper targets in both liquid (de-ionized water) and gas (air) ambients is reported. Using time and space resolved visible emission spectroscopy (450-650 nm), the plasma plumes parameters are investigated. The electron density (ne) determined using Stark broadening of the Cu I (3d104d1 2D3/2-3d104p1 2P3/2 at 521.8 nm) line is estimated and compared for both plasma plumes. The electron temperature (Te) was estimated using the relative line emission intensities of the neutral copper transitions. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectral analysis of the ablated copper surface indicated abundance of spherical nanoparticles in liquid while those in air are amalgamates of irregular shapes. The nanoparticles suspended in the confining liquid form aggregates and exhibit a surface plasmon resonance at ˜590 nm.

Non-thermal plasma technologies: new tools for bio-decontamination.

PubMed

Moreau, M; Orange, N; Feuilloley, M G J

2008-01-01

Bacterial control and decontamination are crucial to industrial safety assessments. However, most recently developed materials are not compatible with standard heat sterilization treatments. Advanced oxidation processes, and particularly non-thermal plasmas, are emerging and promising technologies for sanitation because they are both efficient and cheap. The applications of non-thermal plasma to bacterial control remain poorly known for several reasons: this technique was not developed for biological applications and most of the literature is in the fields of physics and chemistry. Moreover, the diversity of the devices and complexity of the plasmas made any general evaluation of the potential of the technique difficult. Finally, no experimental equipment for non-thermal plasma sterilization is commercially available and reference articles for microbiologists are rare. The present review aims to give an overview of the principles of action and applications of plasma technologies in biodecontamination.

Metal-Assisted Laser-Induced Gas Plasma for the Direct Analysis of Powder Using Pulse CO2 Laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khumaeni, A.; Lie, Z. S.; Kurniawan, K. H.; Kagawa, K.

2017-01-01

Analysis of powder samples available in small quantities has been carried out using metal-assisted gas plasma by utilizing a transversely excited atmospheric (TEA) CO2 laser. The powder was homogeneously mixed with Si grease, and the mixed powder was painted on a metal subtarget. When a TEA CO2 laser was directly focused on the metal subtarget at atmospheric pressure of He gas, a high-temperature He gas plasma was induced. It is assumed that the powder particles were vaporized to be effectively atomized and excited in the gas plasma region. This method has been employed in the rapid analyses of elements in organic and inorganic powder samples present in small quantities. Detection of trace elements of Cr and Pb has been successfully made by using the supplement powder and loam soil, respectively. The detection limits of Pb in loam soil were approximately 20 mg/kg.

Single-step generation of metal-plasma polymer multicore@shell nanoparticles from the gas phase.

PubMed

Solař, Pavel; Polonskyi, Oleksandr; Olbricht, Ansgar; Hinz, Alexander; Shelemin, Artem; Kylián, Ondřej; Choukourov, Andrei; Faupel, Franz; Biederman, Hynek

2017-08-17

Nanoparticles composed of multiple silver cores and a plasma polymer shell (multicore@shell) were prepared in a single step with a gas aggregation cluster source operating with Ar/hexamethyldisiloxane mixtures and optionally oxygen. The size distribution of the metal inclusions as well as the chemical composition and the thickness of the shells were found to be controlled by the composition of the working gas mixture. Shell matrices ranging from organosilicon plasma polymer to nearly stoichiometric SiO 2 were obtained. The method allows facile fabrication of multicore@shell nanoparticles with tailored functional properties, as demonstrated here with the optical response.

Experimental and Numerical Study of the Effect of Gas-Shrouded Plasma Spraying on Cathode Coating of Alkaline Electrolysis Cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, T.; Reißner, R.; Schiller, G.; Ansar, A.

2018-01-01

The aim of this work is to improve the performance of electrodes prepared via atmospheric plasma spray by means of gas shrouding which is expected to apparently reduce the oxygen content of the plasma plume and subsequently improve the coating quality. Electrodes with dual-layer coating for alkaline water electrolysis were deposited on Ni-coated perforated substrates. Microstructure and morphology were studied by SEM. Element content was measured by EDS. Enthalpy probe was employed for measuring plasma temperature and velocity as well as the gas composition. For verifying and better understanding the shrouding effect numerical calculation was carried out according to the experimental settings. Electrochemical test was carried out to validate the shrouding effect. The results showed slight protecting effect of gas shrouding on plasma plume and the final coating. Over the dual-layer section, the measured oxygen fraction was 3.46 and 3.15% for the case without gas shrouding and with gas shrouding, respectively. With gas shrouding the coating exhibited similar element contents as the coating sprayed by VPS, while no obvious improvement was observed in the microstructure or the morphology. Evident electrochemical improvement was nevertheless achieved that with gas shrouding the electrode exhibited similar performance as that of the VPS-sprayed electrode.

Thermal sterilization of heat-sensitive products using high-temperature short-time sterilization.

PubMed

Mann, A; Kiefer, M; Leuenberger, H

2001-03-01

High-temperature short-time (HTST) sterilization with a continuous-flow sterilizer, developed for this study, was evaluated. The evaluation was performed with respect to (a) the chemical degradation of two heat-sensitive drugs in HTST range (140-160 degrees C) and (b) the microbiological effect of HTST sterilization. Degradation kinetics of two heat-sensitive drugs showed that a high peak temperature sterilization process resulted in less chemical degradation for the same microbiological effect than a low peak temperature process. Both drugs investigated could be sterilized with acceptable degradation at HTST conditions. For the evaluation of the microbiological effect, Bacillus stearothermophilus ATCC 7953 spores were used as indicator bacteria. Indicator spore kinetics (D(T), z value, k, and E(a)), were determined in the HTST range. A comparison between the Bigelow model (z value concept) and the Arrhenius model, used to describe the temperature coefficient of the microbial inactivation, demonstrated that the Bigelow model is more accurate in prediction of D(T) values in the HTST range. The temperature coefficient decreased with increasing temperature. The influence of Ca(2+) ions and pH value on the heat resistance of the indicator spores, which is known under typical sterilization conditions, did not change under HTST conditions.

Interplay between discharge physics, gas phase chemistry and surface processes in hydrocarbon plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hassouni, Khaled

2013-09-01

In this paper we present two examples that illustrate two different contexts of the interplay between plasma-surface interaction process and discharge physics and gas phase chemistry in hydrocarbon discharges. In the first example we address the case of diamond deposition processes and illustrate how a detailed investigation of the discharge physics, collisional processes and transport phenomena in the plasma phase make possible to accurately predict the key local-parameters, i.e., species density at the growing substrate, as function of the macroscopic process parameters, thus allowing for a precise control of diamond deposition process. In the second example, we illustrate how the interaction between a rare gas pristine discharge and carbon (graphite) electrode induce a dramatic change on the discharge nature, i.e., composition, ionization kinetics, charge equilibrium, etc., through molecular growth and clustering processes, solid particle formation and dusty plasma generation. Work done in collaboration with Alix Gicquel, Francois Silva, Armelle Michau, Guillaume Lombardi, Xavier Bonnin, Xavier Duten, CNRS, Universite Paris 13.

Sterilization in Finland: from eugenics to contraception.

PubMed

Hemminki, E; Rasimus, A; Forssas, E

1997-12-01

The purpose of this paper was to describe the transition of sterilization in Finland from an eugenic tool to a contraceptive. Historical data were drawn from earlier reports in Finnish. Numbers of and reasons for sterilizations since 1950 were collected from nationwide sterilization statistics. Prevalence, characteristics of sterilized women, and women's satisfaction with sterilizations were studied from a 1994 nationwide survey (74% response rate). Logistic regression was used for adjustments. In the first half of the 20th century, eugenic ideology had influence in Finland as in other parts of Europe, and the 1935 and 1950 sterilization laws had an eugenic spirit. Regardless of this, the numbers of eugenic sterilizations remained low, and in practice, family planning was the main reason for sterilization. Nonetheless, prior to 1970 not all sterilizations were freely chosen, because sterilizations were sometimes used as a precondition for abortion. Female sterilizations showed remarkable fluctuation over time. Male sterilizations have been rare. The reasons stipulated by the law did not explain the numbers of sterilizations. In a 1994 survey, 9% of Finnish women reported they were using sterilization as their current contraceptive method (n = 189). Compared to women using other contraceptive methods, sterilized women were older, had had more births and pregnancies, and came from lower social classes. Sterilized women were satisfied with their sterilization, but there were women (8.5%) who regretted it. In conclusion, sterilizations have been and are likely to continue to be an important family planning method in Finland. The extreme gender ratio suggests a need for promoting male sterilizations, and women's expressed regrets suggest consideration of a higher age limit.

Evaluation of glutaraldehyde and povidone iodine for sterilization of wide-field contact vitrectomy lenses.

PubMed

Das, T; Sharma, S; Singh, J; Rao, V; Chalam, K V

2001-01-01

Wide-field vitrectomy contact lenses are currently sterilized with ethylene oxide gas, and other lenses with autoclaving. To maintain a large inventory or possibly run the risk of loss of lens quality with repeated autoclaving, glutaraldehyde 2% and povidone iodine 5% solution were evaluated as possible sterilizing agents. Ethylene oxide presterilized lenses were contaminated with known concentrations (10(5) organisms/mL) of bacteria (S. epidemidis, P. aeruginosa, B. subtilis), and fungi (A. flavus, C. albicans) for 5 minutes. The test lenses were treated with glutaraldehyde or povidone iodine for 5, 10, 30, 60, and 120 minutes, and controls with sterilized water for a similar duration. Following treatment, both test and control lenses were sampled with sterile cotton swabs. The swabs were cultured for bacteria (tryptone soya broth 48 hours), and fungi (Saubourd's dextrose broth 5 days). The culture was negative for both glutaraldehyde- and povidone iodine-treated lenses against all organisms at all time points except B subtilis, which needed 120 minutes treatment. Two hours contact time with glutaraldehyde 2% or providone iodine 5% can sterilize vitrectomy contact lenses against common bacteria and fungi without affecting lens quality.

The effect of liquid target on a nonthermal plasma jet—imaging, electric fields, visualization of gas flow and optical emission spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kovačević, Vesna V.; Sretenović, Goran B.; Slikboer, Elmar; Guaitella, Olivier; Sobota, Ana; Kuraica, Milorad M.

2018-02-01

The article describes the complex study of the interaction of a helium plasma jet with distilled water and saline. The discharge development, spatial distribution of the excited species, electric field measurement results and the results of the Schlieren imaging are presented. The results of the experiments showed that the plasma-liquid interaction could be prolonged with the proper choice of the gas composition between the jet nozzle and the target. This depends on the gas flow and the target distance. Increased conductivity of the liquid does not affect the discharge properties significantly. An increase of the gas flow enables an extension of the plasma duration on the liquid surface up to 10 µs, but with a moderate electric field strength in the ionization wave. In contrast, there is a significant enhancement of the electric field on the liquid surface, up to 30 kV cm-1 for low flows, but with a shorter time of the overall plasma liquid interaction. Ignition of the plasma jet induces a gas flow modification and may cause turbulences in the gas flow. A significant influence of the plasma jet causing a mixing in the liquid is also recorded and it is found that the plasma jet ignition changes the direction of the liquid circulation.

Rapid inactivation of Penicillium digitatum spores using high-density nonequilibrium atmospheric pressure plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iseki, Sachiko; Ohta, Takayuki; Aomatsu, Akiyoshi; Ito, Masafumi; Kano, Hiroyuki; Higashijima, Yasuhiro; Hori, Masaru

2010-04-01

A promising, environmentally safe method for inactivating fungal spores of Penicillium digitatum, a difficult-to-inactivate food spoilage microorganism, was developed using a high-density nonequilibrium atmospheric pressure plasma (NEAPP). The NEAPP employing Ar gas had a high electron density on the order of 1015 cm-3. The spores were successfully and rapidly inactivated using the NEAPP, with a decimal reduction time in spores (D value) of 1.7 min. The contributions of ozone and UV radiation on the inactivation of the spores were evaluated and concluded to be not dominant, which was fundamentally different from the conventional sterilizations.

Rapid inactivation of Penicillium digitatum spores using high-density nonequilibrium atmospheric pressure plasma

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Iseki, Sachiko; Hori, Masaru; Ohta, Takayuki

2010-04-12

A promising, environmentally safe method for inactivating fungal spores of Penicillium digitatum, a difficult-to-inactivate food spoilage microorganism, was developed using a high-density nonequilibrium atmospheric pressure plasma (NEAPP). The NEAPP employing Ar gas had a high electron density on the order of 10{sup 15} cm{sup -3}. The spores were successfully and rapidly inactivated using the NEAPP, with a decimal reduction time in spores (D value) of 1.7 min. The contributions of ozone and UV radiation on the inactivation of the spores were evaluated and concluded to be not dominant, which was fundamentally different from the conventional sterilizations.

Chondrules born in plasma? Simulation of gas-grain interaction using plasma arcs with applications to chondrule and cosmic spherule formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morlok, A.; Sutton, Y. C.; Braithwaite, N. St. J.; Grady, Monica M.

2012-12-01