Decomposition of biological macromolecules by plasma generated with helium and oxygen.

In this study, we attempted to characterize the biomolecular effects of an atmospheric pressure cold plasma (APCP) system which utilizes helium/oxygen (He/O(2)). APCP using He/O(2) generates a low level of UV while generating reactive oxygen radicals which probably serve as the primary factor in sterilization; these reactive oxygen radicals have the advantage of being capable to access the interiors of the structures of microbial cells. The damaging effects of plasma exposure on polypeptides, DNA, and enzyme proteins in the cell were assessed using biochemical methods.