Surface Modification by Low Temperature Plasma: Sterilization of Biodegradable Materials

Effect of low temperature plasma treatment on mortality of several microorganisms, Penicillium chrysogenum, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Aspergillus fumigatus, Fusarium culmorum, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus, deposited on polylactide (PLA) surface, was investigated. After the PLA surface was modified, fungal spores were counted and the degree of bacterial reduction was determined. Images of specimens’ surface, reflecting the effect of the low temperature plasma on particular microorganisms, were obtained by using a digital camera, polarizing microscope, epi-fluorescence microscope, and scanning electron microscope. The low temperature plasma causes mortality of microorganisms as a result of cell membrane cracking.