The interplay between biological and physical scenarios of bacterial death induced by non-thermal plasma

Direct interactions of plasma matter with living cells and tissues can dramatically affect their functionality. We studied the molecular mechanisms of non-thermal plasma-induced bacteria inactivation in both Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains. We demonstrate that depending on the exposure time plasma induces either direct physical destruction of bacteria or triggers programmed cell death that exhibits characteristic features of apoptosis. Our study opens new possibilities for controlled non-thermal plasma interactions with living systems.

Non-thermal plasma induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in bacteria. (A) False-coloured SEM images of bacteria exposed to either HV or LV plasma. (B) Results of 3D SRIM simulations of He ion penetration through either Gram-positive or Gram-negative bacterial walls. (C) ROS accumulation after either HV or LV plasma.

¹Institute of Physics AS CR, Prague, Czech Republic
²Institute of Experimental Medicine AS CR, Prague, Czech Republic