Inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes and Enterococcus faecalis by Bubble‐Based Plasma Treated Water: Reactive Species Characterization and Numerical Simulation Insights

The rise of antibacterial resistance represents a major global challenge affecting human health and food production systems. Plasma treated water (PTW) was assessed as a sustainable antimicrobial technology. PTW was generated via a bubble‐based approach at air flows of 60, 80, 100 and 120 slm and evaluated against Listeria monocytogenes and Enterococcus faecalis . Several reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) were detected; increasing airflow enhanced their diversity and concentration. PTW‐120 delivered the highest antibacterial activity, coinciding with the highest spin‐adduct levels measured by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). Numerical simulations of bubble dynamics and air–water interfacial area supported enhanced RONS transfer at higher flows. These findings demonstrate that PTW is a viable, eco‐friendly and antimicrobial alternative without harmful chemical residues.