In vitro analysis of nonthermal plasma as a disinfecting agent.

The research paper explores the application of nonthermal plasma as a disinfecting agent, particularly focusing on its effects on Staphylococcus aureus, fibroblasts, and skin explants.

Methodology

• The researchers conducted in vitro tests on skin taken from euthanized horses.
• They plated Staphylococcus aureus organisms and treated them with nonthermal plasma. The viability of the bacteria was then assessed through bacterial culture.
• Fibroblasts in monolayer culture and both the epidermal and dermal surfaces of clean and S aureus-contaminated skin explants underwent the same treatment.
• The team examined the effects of distance and duration on the response to treatment.

Results

• Nonthermal plasma treatment resulted in significantly decreased bacterial growth and considerably inhibited the survival of fibroblasts in monolayer culture.
• When the epidermal and dermal surfaces of skin explants were treated, there was no effect on the production of normal fibroblasts during the explant culture. This was unless extended exposure times of more than or equal to 2 minutes were used.
• The treatment resulted in significantly lower bacterial counts after 24 hours of culture of S aureus-contaminated epidermis, but not of the dermis.

Conclusions

• The results demonstrated that nonthermal plasma could successfully decontaminate both agar and epithelium.
• However, it negatively affected fibroblasts in monolayer while showing no negative impact on skin explants, except when subjected to long exposure durations.
• It was established that nonthermal plasma seems safe for the treatment of epithelized surfaces and might be safe for treating granulating wounds. It was also effective in decontaminating S aureus.
• The authors suggest that further investigations are required regarding the effects that nonthermal plasma may have on patient tissues. This should be done using a clinically applicable delivery device.