Inactivation of Vegetative Microorganisms and Bacillus atrophaeus Endospores by Reactive Nitrogen Species (RNS)

Plasma is used as a common technology for the treatment and modification of surfaces in a variety of industrial branches. Decontamination of inorganic materials by plasma is possible with deterioration of the materials properties of a few nanometres. The inactivation efficacy of microwave plasma processed air against vegetative bacteria and bacterial endospores was investigated. The gained results provide inactivation rates up to 6 log in total treatment times (15–30 min) comparable to sterilization treatment times of thermo‐sensitive medical devices with ethylene oxide, formaldehyde or H 2 O 2 . Additions like O 2 or O 3 did not promote the antimicrobial efficacy. Moreover, this new method is characterized by advantages like no thermal influence, no toxicity for human and environment and low costs.