Cold Air Plasma To Decontaminate Inanimate Surfaces of the Hospital Environment

Abstract

The hospital environment harbors bacteria that may cause health care-associated infections. Microorganisms, such as multiresistant bacteria, can spread around the patient's inanimate environment. Some recently introduced biodecontamination approaches in hospitals have significant limitations due to the toxic nature of the gases and the length of time required for aeration. This study evaluated the in vitro use of cold air plasma as an efficient alternative to traditional methods of biodecontamination of hospital surfaces. Cultures of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), extended-spectrum-β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli, and Acinetobacter baumannii were applied to different materials similar to those found in the hospital environment. Artificially contaminated sections of marmoleum, mattress, polypropylene, powder-coated mild steel, and stainless steel were then exposed to a cold air pressure plasma single jet for 30 s, 60 s, and 90 s, operating at approximately 25 W and 12 liters/min flow rate. Direct plasma exposure successfully reduced the bacterial load by log 3 for MRSA, log 2.7 for VRE, log 2 for ESBL-producing E. coli, and log 1.7 for A. baumannii. The present report confirms the efficient antibacterial activity of a cold air plasma single-jet plume on nosocomial bacterially contaminated surfaces over a short period of time and highlights its potential for routine biodecontamination in the clinical environment.

Combination of Cold Atmospheric Plasma and Vitamin C Effectively Disrupts Bacterial Biofilms

“…CAP has been clearly shown to enhance the wound healing effect when used in combination with certain antiseptic liquids [17]. Therefore, CAP is currently in use as a decontaminant in hospital environments [18] and for functionalization of wound dressings [19]. Interestingly, CAP is also being studied in oncology to eradicate tumor cells.…”

A three-point time series study of antibiotic usage on an intensive care unit, following an antibiotic stewardship programme, after an outbreak of multi-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii

“…Temporary critical care areas were seconded as temporary ICUs for these purposes, until all infected cases from the main ICU had been discharged, and the main ICU cleansed. This included the use of deep cleaning and ozone cold air plasma spray [10]. Alongside these daily operational matters, the use of antibiotics was put under greater scrutiny at each of the daily ICU ward rounds.…”

Cold atmospheric pressure plasma and decontamination. Can it contribute to preventing hospital-acquired infections?

“…hospital pagers and surfaces often found in the clinical environment. 62,63 Applications have also been identified in dentistry for the removal of dental biofilms on the surface of implant devices and dentine. 69,70 Skin decontamination has also been successful with applications in the treatment of wound infections, dermatitis, and eczema chiefly due to the antibacterial and antifungal properties of CAPPs.…”