Analysis of biological responses to plasma-treated sodium chloride solutions

Increasing resistances of germs to established antiseptics demand a continuous development of new antimicrobial agents. Therefore, atmospheric pressure plasma was used to produce antimicrobial NaCl-solutions. Its shortand long-term germicidal effects have been investigated by inactivation of Escherichia coli in batches. Liquid changes by plasma exposure that correlate with bacteria inactivation have been monitored for nitrite, nitrate, hydrogen peroxide and pH value. Acidified nitrite has been identified as key molecule in biochemical mechanisms of short-term bactericidal effects.