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New approaches are required in the agricultural sector to keep pace with the ever-growing demand for food in the context of climate change and resource deterioration and avoiding further negative impact on the environment. Nonthermal plasma is an environmentally-friendly technology which could make a difference in future agricultural production. This review intends to introduce the topic of plasma agriculture to a broad audience by describing in detail various plasma sources with potential for agricultural applications, as well as the effects of plasma exposure of seeds, both at the macroscopic scale, and concerning the intimate mechanisms occurring inside the plant. Examples meant to illustrate the plasma effect on seeds and plants have been selected among extensively investigated species, such as cereals and legumes, as well as among a few species that are less often reported in literature, such as medicinal plants and woody plants. Generally, the main effects for all types of seeds consist in increased germination, higher plant yield, seed decontamination, and sometimes higher tolerance to various stress factors. These effects are due to the physical and chemical plasma interaction with seeds followed by the response of cell mechanisms, which are addressed in detail in the paper. Finally, a few crucial aspects regarding the practical application of nonthermal plasma in agriculture are discussed to illustrate the challenges and perspective of such treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the comparative analysis of untreated, optimized non-thermal plasma (NTP)–treated (38 kV/631 s), extreme NTP–treated (45 kV/900 s), and thermally treated (95 ℃/12 min) pineapple juice (PJ) on enzyme activity, microbial count, protein structure, particle size, bioactive substances and, sensory, rheological, and biochemical attributes. The PJ treated with optimized NTP demonstrated merits over extreme NTP–treated and thermally treated in terms of the retention of bromelain, bioactive components, and biochemical attributes. Moreover, the fuzzy logic evaluation showed that optimized NTP–treated juice had superior sensory characteristics than extremely NTP– and thermally treated juice. The NTP approach, like thermal treatment (95 ℃/12 min), extends shelf life by assuring microbiological safety (<1 log10 cfu/mL) and enzyme inactivation (>90%). However, the thermal treatment resulted in loss of bioactive, sensory, and biochemical attributes. Particle size distribution indicates that NTP significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the sauter mean and volume mean diameter from 1617 to 894 nm and 1688 to 917 nm, respectively, which stabilized juice after treatment. NTP treatment substantially reduced the consistency from 1.22 to 0.31 mPa.sn and showed a pseudo-plastic behavior of juice. These results collectively imply that NTP has a tremendous ability to maintain bioactive compounds, and sensory and physicochemical attributes, as well as extend the shelf life of PJ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study developed a freshness indicator based on poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and a biohybrid (BH) of Laponite® and anthocyanins adhered to linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) using cold atmospheric plasma (CAP). LLDPE was treated with CAP for 0 to 300 s, which resulted in an increased surface energy, characterized by an important increase in its polar component up to 120 s of treatment, due to the formation of polar groups on the surface of LLDPE. No changes in mechanical properties and water vapor permeability of LLDPE were observed. LLDPE–PVA–BH films were more homogeneous if BH was added before the acidification of the film‐forming solution due to more negative zeta potential and lower particle size of BH in basic medium. Indicators made with BH were able to maintain color after 8 weeks of exposure to light, while those made with anthocyanin extract had fully degraded after 3 weeks. The freshness indicator's color changed from purple to blue and finally to green when exposed to ammonia hydroxide (30% NH3) and from purple to blue when exposed to a simulant liquid of spoiled meat (0.03% NH3). Similar color variance was observed when the indicator was applied to monitor shrimp freshness, changing from purple to blue when the shrimp pH reached pH 7.6. Thus, bilayer films of LLDPE–PVA and natural BH produced using CAP have potential food packaging applications. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a novel ignition approach, nanosecond repetitively pulsed discharge (NRPD)-based non-thermal plasma offers significant benefits such as low energy consumption, and lean operating conditions. However, there is no investigation conducted on the early flame kernel formation and development induced by non-thermal plasma. Therefore, in this paper, experiments of conventional spark and non-thermal plasma ignition systems in constant volume combustion chamber (CVCC) are conducted under gasoline engine relevant conditions: wide initial ambient pressures (6.5, 8.3, 11.3 bar), a range of equivalence ratios (0.7–1.0), EGR rates (10−25%), and cross flow speeds (0–30 m/s). The discharge energy of non-thermal plasma is of around 210 mJ, while a single spark event can generate energy from 65 mJ to 83 mJ depending on ambient conditions. A consecutive spark strategy is adopted to guarantee comparable total input energy to non-thermal plasma. The ignition delay and combustion phase obtained from the chamber pressure history are calculated. In the meanwhile, flame kernel radius, flame propagation rate, and flame front length ratio via schlieren images are quantified and analyzed. Results showed that the flame initiated by non-thermal plasma can maintain a robust flame kernel and propagates fast. Under high-speed cross flow and high EGR rate conditions, non-thermal plasma can maintain a robust flame kernel at early stage supporting the initial flame kernel to survive and improve its ignition probability. Considering the effects of the EGR ratio and high-speed cross flow on flame kernel development, non-thermal plasma ignition can efficiently enhance the flame propagation and ignition probability. It is also concluded that non-thermal plasma can successfully ignite under lean (equivalence ratio between 0.7–1.0), high-diluted mixture (25% EGR), and high-speed cross flow of 30 m/s within the range of current study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of ammonia using non-thermal plasma can present distinct advantages for distributed stand-alone operations powered by electricity from renewable energy sources. We present the synthesis of ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen using a membrane Dielectric-Barrier Discharge (mDBD) reactor integrated with metal catalyst. The reactor used a porous alumina membrane as a dielectric-barrier and as a distributor of H2, a configuration that leads to greater NH3 production than using pre-mixed N2 and H2. The membrane is surrounded by catalyst powder held by glass wool as porous dielectric support filling the plasma region. We evaluated nickel, cobalt, and bimetallic nickel-cobalt as catalysts due to their predicted lower activation energy under non-thermal plasma conditions as determined through Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations. The catalysts were loaded at 5% by weight on alumina powder. The performance of the catalytic mDBD reactor was assessed using electrical, optical, and spectroscopic diagnostics, as well as Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy. Experimental results showed that the glass wool support suppresses microdischarges, generally leading to greater ammonia production. The Ni-Co/Al2O3 catalyst produced the greatest energy yield of 0.87 g-NH3/kWh, compared to a maximum of 0.82 and 0.78 g-NH3/kWh for the Co/Al2O3 and Ni/Al2O3 catalysts, respectively. Although the differences in performance among the three metal catalysts are small, they corroborate the predictions by DFT. Moreover, the maximum energy yield for bare Al2O3 (no metal catalyst) with dielectric support was 0.38 g-NH3/kWh, for mDBD operation with no metal catalyst or dielectric support was 0.28 g-NH3/kWh, and for standard DBD operation (no membrane, dielectric support, or catalyst) was 0.08 g-NH3/kWh, i.e., 2.1, 3.1, and 11 times lower, respectively, than the maximum energy yield for the Ni-Co/Al2O3 catalyst with dielectric support. The study shows that the integration of dielectric membrane and metal catalyst is an effective approach at enhancing ammonia production in a DBD reactor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is considered one of the main challenges in this century, and CO2 emissions significantly cause it. Integrating CO2 capture, storage, and conversion is proposed to solve this problem. 1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Bmim]Cl) ionic liquid was employed to capture and store CO2 from the air and subsequently converted into CO using non-thermal plasma. Moreover, we also tested the CO2 capture and storage capacity of water from different sources, e.g., Milli-Q, deionized water, and tap water. [Bmim]Cl solution captured CO2 from the air and then converted to CO after 24 h using plasma. In comparison with water (Milli-Q water, deionized water, and tap water), CO production was increased by 28.31% in the presence of water (Milli-Q water, deionized water, and tap water) + [Bmim]Cl. It suggests that this method could be a promising way to capture, store, and convert CO2 from air at atmospheric pressure and room temperature as an effort to reduce carbon emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spurred by global COVID‐19, work in recent years has demonstrated that various devices based on technology generating cold plasma are capable of reducing the infectivity of virus particles. There is great potential in this approach, which is, however, hampered by the ability of most cold plasma science laboratories to test for antiviral effects of their individual plasma sources in sophisticated mammalian cell test systems. To this end, we developed a quick, simple, and fast assay system based on bacteriophages and their ability to lyse bacterial hosts, which can be monitored in readily available microplate readers. We successfully demonstrated the principal ability of this approach using two types of plasma jets, different microplate readers, and two different bacteriophage strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The transition from lab-scale studies to pilot-scale applications is a critical step in advancing water remediation technologies. While laboratory experiments provide valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms and method effectiveness, pilot-scale studies are essential for evaluating their practical feasibility and scalability. This progression addresses challenges related to operational conditions, effectiveness and energy requirements in real-world scenarios. In this study, the potential of nanopulsed plasma bubbles, when scaled up from a lab environment, was explored by investigating critical experimental parameters, such as plasma gas, pulse voltage, and pulse repetition rate, while also analyzing plasma-treated water composition. To validate the broad effectiveness of this method, various classes of highly toxic organic pollutants were examined in terms of pollutant degradation efficiency and energy requirements. The pilot-scale plasma bubble reactor generated a high concentration of short-lived reactive species with minimal production of long-lived species. Additionally, successful degradation of all pollutants was achieved in both lab- and pilot-scale setups, with even lower electrical energy-per-order (EEO) values at the pilot scale, 2–3 orders of magnitude lower compared to other advanced oxidation processes. This study aimed to bridge the gap between lab-scale plasma bubbles and upscaled systems, supporting the rapid, effective, and energy-efficient destruction of organic pollutants in water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has been employed as a therapy against both acute and chronic skin lesions, contaminated or not, and has effects on angiogenesis and reepithelialization promoting healing. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of a CAP jet associated with pharmacological treatment described by the 2015 AAHA/AAFP pain management guidelines and the 2022 WSAVA guidelines for the recognition, assessment, and treatment of pain, on the healing of chronic skin lesions caused by a pruritic reaction resulting from post-surgical neuropathic pain. To this end, a single CAP application was performed on a feline patient with a 6 months old recurrent contaminated cervical skin lesions along with administration of ketamine (10 µg/kg/min) following the prescription of prednisone (1 mg/kg, SID, 6 days), gabapentin (8 mg/kg, BID, 60 days) and amitriptyline (0.5 mg /kg, SID, 60 days). A single application of plasma associated with an NMDA antagonist, anti-inflammatory steroid, tricyclic antidepressant and gabapentinoid thus provided a significant improvement in the macroscopic appearance of the lesion within 10 days, and the owner reported the cessation of intense itching within the first four hours after treatment and a consequent improvement in the animal's quality of life. The medical treatment was finished almost a year since the writing of this paper, without clinical or reported recurrent signs of the condition. Therefore, we observed that single dose CAP application associated with ketamine, gabapentin, amitriptyline and prednisone leads to significant healing of chronically infected skin lesions resulting from post-surgical neuropathic pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasma from electric discharges can be used in the abatement of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The application of gas-phase pulsed corona discharge (PCD) in air–water mixtures provides favorable conditions for the oxidation of VOCs at unsurpassed energy efficiency. This research investigates the impact of water sprinkling on PCD performance in the oxidation of m-xylene as a model compound. Experimental research into the plasma treatment of continuous air flow was undertaken using the PCD reactor in dry and water-sprinkled modes. Water sprinkling more than doubled the m-xylene oxidation rate, which can be attributed to abundant OH-radicals produced at the plasma–water interface. Water sprinkling substantially reduced the formation of nitrous oxide, which is considered to be a secondary pollutant in the outlet air. Ozone is considered a by-product helping the subsequent photocatalytic oxidation of potential residues and photocatalyst maintenance. The use of water-sprinkled PCD is a promising approach to energy-efficient abatement of VOCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-thermal plasma (NTP) catalysis is considered one of the most promising technologies to address a wide range of energy and environmental needs, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) conversion, NH3 synthesis, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) removal. A systematic approach to optimizing NTP systems benefits from understanding VOCs' fundamental NTP destruction behavior and analyzing the correlations between molecular structures and conversion and selectivity. Herein, the mechanical performance of the toluene destruction in NTP is examined and compared with benzene bearing a similar molecular structure. Different experimental and theoretical techniques are applied, including synchrotron vacuum ultraviolet photoionization mass spectrometry(SVUV-PIMS), thermochemistry, and quantum chemistry. Comparatively, toluene is more readily destroyed under the same NTP conditions than benzene. More intriguingly, the distribution of the decomposition species is significantly different. The theoretical calculations reveal that the abundant methyl radicals generated in toluene decomposition mainly lead to the various species distribution. These radicals promote some reactions, such as the decomposition of obenzoquinone, one of the key intermediates, thus leading to new reaction pathways and products different from benzene. Finally, the critical mechanistic steps of toluene decomposition under the present non-thermal plasma conditions are established, which include the interactions between toluene and electrons or reactive radicals, the cleavage of the aromatic ring, and the various reaction pathways involving of methyl radicals. This study presents an effective approach to elucidate the distinct fundamental reaction mechanisms arising from subtle structural differences, offering new insights into the underlying plasma chemistry crucial for advancing various promising environmental and energy applications of non-thermal plasma systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dielectric barrier discharges (DBDs) are frequently utilized in various gas conversion processes. For industrial applications a low flow resistance and scalability are crucial. In this study a tenfold scaled‐up reactor based on a surface dielectric barrier discharge (SDBD) was employed for the removal of oxygen traces from H2/N2/O2 gas mixtures. The conversion efficiency of the reactor with ten electrode configurations was investigated for different admixtures of O2, and high degrees of conversion were observed that decreased with increasing flow rate, but remained constant when raising the pressure to 2 bar(g). A new generator based on silicon carbide field‐effect transistors (SiC‐FETs) was used and compared to a generator based on classical metal oxide semiconductor field‐effect transistors (MOS‐FETs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil salinization leads to a reduction in arable land area, which seriously endangers food security. Developing saline-alkali land has become a key measure to address the contradiction between population growth and limited arable land. Rice is the most important global food crop, feeding half of the world's population and making it a suitable choice for planting on saline-alkali lands. The traditional salt–alkali improvement method has several drawbacks. Currently, non-thermal plasma (NTP) technology is being increasingly applied in agriculture. However, there are few reports on the cultivation of salt/alkali-tolerant rice. Under alkaline stress, argon NTP treatment significantly increased the germination rate of Longdao 5 (LD5) rice seeds. In addition, at 15 kV and 120 s, NTP treatment significantly increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase and SOD. NTP treatment induced changes in genes related to salt-alkali stress in rice seedlings, such as chitinase and xylanase inhibitor proteins, which increased the tolerance of the seeds to salt-alkali stress. This experiment has expanded the application scope of NTP in agriculture, providing a more cost-effective, less harmful, and faster method for developing salt-alkali-tolerant rice and laying a theoretical foundation for cultivating NTP-enhanced salt-alkali-tolerant rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to assess the effects of different surface conditionings on hybrid ceramics (HBC). Hydrofluoric acid was combined with a silane (HFA+S), low-level laser therapy activated Malachite green (LLLT-MG), Ho: YAG laser, and non-thermal plasma (NTP) as surface conditioning methods for HBC. Eighty-four HBC discs were prepared and divided into four groups according to surface conditioning methods. The total number of samples (n = 21) for each group was further split into two for the non-thermocycling and thermocycling subgroups. After surface treatment, all samples were examined to study the effect of color change and surface roughness. The shear bond strength (SBS) test of HBC was performed on thermo-cycled samples. Statistical analysis using ANOVA with Tukey post hoc was performed to observe any significant difference among tested groups, p > 0.05. The HFA+S and Ho: YAG surface-treated samples showed higher SBS than other surface-treated samples due to higher surface roughness. All surface conditioning methods, except NTP, induced noticeable color change, making them less suitable for aesthetical purposes in clinical settings. Overall, surface conditioning methods are critical in affecting shear bond strength through surface roughness and color change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main goal was to investigate the ability of a non-thermal plasma reactor with gliding arc discharge to remove diesel exhaust particulates (DEPs). A conventional knife-shaped LTP GA (low-temperature plasma gliding arc) reactor was utilized. The following three cases were studied: 140 L/min, 70 L/min, and 14 L/min of air drawn through the reactor, and diesel exhaust fumes were sampled continuously. They were assayed in terms of concentration and number particle size distribution. The higher the residence times, the higher the energy input that may be utilized for DEPs' removal. The reactor performance definitely lowered the concentration of DEPs (250–580 nm) and altered their number size distribution. There was no effect on the number concentration, nor the particle size distribution, of DEPs of 10–250 nm in size. Regarding the effectiveness of DEPs' removal, decreasing the flow rate from 140 L/min to 70 L/min somehow altered the values. Achieving the airflow of 14 L/min led to a substantial improvement (even to a fourfold increase for 300–480 nm particles). Non-thermal plasma reactors with gliding arc discharge may be successfully adapted to the process of DEP treatment. Their performance may be optimized by adjusting the airflow at the inlet of the reactor to guarantee the longest aerosol residence times and the highest removal efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite best efforts in air purification, airborne infectious diseases will continue to spread due to the continuous emission of bioaerosols by the host/infected person. Hence, a shift in focus from air purification to bioaerosol inactivation is urgently needed. To explore the potential of the cold plasma technology for preventing rapid spread of airborne infectious diseases, we studied a cold plasma ionizer (CPI) device and an electrostatic precipitator (ESP)-coupled CPI (CPI-ESP) device for the inactivation and cleaning of surface-spread microorganisms and bioaerosols, using porcine respiratory coronavirus (PRCV), Escherichia coli (E. coli), and aerosolized E. coli as representatives. We firstly demonstrated that CPI coupled with ESP is an effective technology for inactivating virus and bacteria spread on surfaces in an in-house test chamber. We then demonstrated the efficacy of CPI-coupled ESP for the inactivation of aerosolized E. coli in the same chamber. Furthermore, we have demonstrated the efficiency of a CPI-ESP coupled device for the inactivation of naturally occurring airborne microbials in a few indoor settings (i.e., a living room, a discussion room, a schoolroom, and an office) to determine the treatment duration- and human activity-dependent efficacy. To understand the disinfection mechanism, we conducted a fluorescence microscopy study to reveal different degrees of E. coli bacteria cell membrane damage under CPI treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the transient phase of an atmospheric pressure discharge, the avalanche turns into a streamer discharge with time. Hydrodynamic fluid models are frequently used to describe the formation and propagation of streamers, where charge particle transport is dominated by the creation of space charge. The required electron transport data and rate coefficients for the fluid model are parameterized using the local mean energy approximation (LMEA) and the local field approximation (LFA). In atmospheric pressure applications, the excited species produced in the electrical discharge determine the subsequent conversion chemistry. We performed the fluid model simulation of streamers in nitrogen gas at atmospheric pressure using three different parametrizations for transport and electron excitation rate data. We present the spatial and temporal development of several macroscopic properties such as electron density and energy, and the electric field during the transient phase. The species production efficiency, which is important to understand the efficacy of any application of non-thermal plasmas, is also obtained for the three different parametrizations. Our results suggest that at atmospheric pressure, all three schemes predicted essentially the same macroscopic properties. Therefore, a lower-order method such as LFA, which does not require the solution of the energy conservation equation, should be adequate to determine streamer macroscopic properties to inform most plasma-assisted applications of nitrogen-containing gases at atmospheric pressure.

Non-thermal plasma, a partially ionized gas, holds significant potential for clinical applications, including wound-healing support, oral therapies, and anti-tumour treatments. While its applications showed promising outcomes, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain incompletely understood. We thus apply non-thermal plasma to mouse auricular skin and conducted non-coding RNA sequencing, as well as single-cell blood sequencing. In a time-series analysis (five timepoints spanning 2 hours), we compare the expression of microRNAs in the plasma-treated left ears to the unexposed right ears of the same mice as well as to the ears of unexposed control mice. Our findings indicate specific effects in the treated ears for a set of five miRNAs: mmu-miR-144-5p, mmu-miR-144-3p, mmu-miR-142a-5p, mmu-miR-223-3p, and mmu-miR-451a. Interestingly, mmu-miR-223-3p also exhibits an increase over time in the right non-treated ear of the exposed mice, suggesting systemic effects. Notably, this miRNA, along with mmu-miR-142a-5p and mmu-miR-144-3p, regulates genes and pathways associated with wound healing and tissue regeneration (namely ErbB, FoxO, Hippo, and PI3K-Akt signalling). This co-regulation is particularly remarkable considering the significant seed dissimilarities among the miRNAs. Finally, single-cell sequencing of PBMCs reveals the downregulation of 12 from 15 target genes in B-cells, Cd4+ and Cd8+ T-cells. Collectively, our data provide evidence for a systemic effect of non-thermal plasma.

Seed aging adversely affects agricultural productivity by reducing germination rates and seedling vigor, leading to significant costs for seed banks and companies due to the need for frequent seed renewals. This study demonstrated the use of plasma-activated water (PAW), generated by a solarpowered corona dielectric barrier discharger, to enhance germination rates of spinach seeds that had been stored at 4 °C for 23 years. Treating seeds with PAW at 17 kV for 15 min improved germination (by 135%) and seedling growth compared to untreated seeds. Through detailed analysis, beneficial PAW properties for seed development were identified, and a molecular mechanism for this rejuvenation is proposed. The solar-powered microreactor used in this study is considered to represent a significant advancement in seed treatment technology, offering a sustainable solution to meet growing food demands while addressing environmental and resource sustainability challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food packaging materials must be sterilized to prevent cross‐contamination of the product. Non‐thermal plasma (NTP) corona discharge can be an effective alternative sterilization method for packaging films. The inactivation efficiency atmospheric NTP corona discharge under dry and wet conditions against vegetative cells of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis, spores of B. subtilis and Clostridium sporogenes and fungal spores of Candida albicans, Penicillium expansum and Aspergillus niger on polymeric packaging films were studied. The maximum inactivation of these microorganisms was 5.58, 0.54, 1.51, 1.06, 2.47, 1.73, 2.80, 3.20 and 3.50 log, respectively. Microbial inactivation by the treatments was greatly enhanced under wet conditions. Gram‐negative bacteria were found to be more sensitive to NTP, but spores were more resistant than vegetative bacterial cells. Although fungi were less susceptible than bacteria in dry treatments, they became more sensitive than the Gram‐positive bacteria in wet treatments. Overall, plasma treatments under wet conditions achieved higher microbial inactivation and would be favourable over the dry treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to assess the effects of different surface conditionings on hybrid ceramics (HBC). Hydrofluoric acid was combined with a silane (HFA+S), low-level laser therapy activated Malachite green (LLLT-MG), Ho: YAG laser, and non-thermal plasma (NTP) as surface conditioning methods for HBC. Eighty-four HBC discs were prepared and divided into four groups according to surface conditioning methods. The total number of samples (n = 21) for each group was further split into two for the non-thermocycling and thermocycling subgroups. After surface treatment, all samples were examined to study the effect of color change and surface roughness. The shear bond strength (SBS) test of HBC was performed on thermo-cycled samples. Statistical analysis using ANOVA with Tukey post hoc was performed to observe any significant difference among tested groups, p > 0.05. The HFA+S and Ho: YAG surface-treated samples showed higher SBS than other surface-treated samples due to higher surface roughness. All surface conditioning methods, except NTP, induced noticeable color change, making them less suitable for aesthetical purposes in clinical settings. Overall, surface conditioning methods are critical in affecting shear bond strength through surface roughness and color change.

A dielectric barrier discharge plasma device (DBD) was built, characterized and operated. Ten species of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, as well as fungus and spores of Bacillus cereus and its vegetative cells, in addition to eggs and pupae of the potato tuber moth (PTM) were exposed to DBD plasma. A strong detrimental effect on the exposed species was observed in function to the exposure time at helium: air ratio 98:2, electrode gap 1.8 cm, amplitude of discharge voltage 6 kV and an effective power density 208 mW/cm3. The outcome of this work provides valuable data on the use of DBD plasma as an alternative non-heating sterilization method to kill or inhibit microbial growth and protecting potatoes from PTM infestation.

Dysprosium doped Ni0.50Co0.50DyxFe2−xO4 (x = 0.25, 0.50, 0.75) was synthesized via auto combustion of nitrate citrate gel. The prepared composites were given microwave plasma treatment to improve their dielectric properties for constructing high-frequency devices. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the production of Dy-doped cubic spinel NiCo ferrites. The average crystallite size for the untreated magnetic composite was 32.10 nm, while for plasma-treated samples was 25.17 nm. A growth in lattice parameters and decreased porosity was observed in plasma-treated composites. VSM findings revealed a decrease in saturation magnetization from 54.15 to 36.75 emu/g with an increase in Dy3+ from 0.25 to 0.50%. Saturation magnetization again raised with increasing Dy3+ content from 0.50 to 0.75%. The lower Dy3+ concentration resulted in low saturation magnetization, while the high Dy3+ concentration showed high saturation magnetization of the composite. Temperature and frequency-dependent dielectric characteristics revealed bulbous enrichment in the dielectric constant and significant Q factor for plasma-treated samples. The perceived deviation in dielectric loss with frequency change is credited to the conduction phenomenon, which agrees with Koop's phenomenological theory. High dielectric constant and low dielectric loss, even at higher temperatures, enable the synthesized ferrites to be strong candidates for high-frequency devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is a promising alternative to antibiotics and chemical substances in dentistry that can reduce the risk of unwanted side effects and bacterial resistance. AmbiJet is a device that can ignite and deliver plasma directly to the site of action for maximum effectiveness. The aim of the study was to investigate its antimicrobial efficacy and the possible development of bacterial resistance. The antimicrobial effect of the plasma was tested under aerobic and anaerobic conditions on bacteria (five aerobic, three anaerobic (Gram +/−)) that are relevant in dentistry. The application times varied from 1 to 7 min. Possible bacterial resistance was evaluated by repeated plasma applications (10 times in 50 days). A possible increase in temperature was measured. Plasma effectively killed 106 seeded aerobic and anaerobic bacteria after an application time of 1 min per 10 mm2. Neither the development of resistance nor an increase in temperature above 40 °C was observed, so patient discomfort can be ruled out. The plasma treatment proved to be effective under anaerobic conditions, so the influence of ROS can be questioned. Our results show that AmbiJet efficiently eliminates pathogenic oral bacteria. Therefore, it can be advocated for clinical therapeutic use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anal fistula, characterized by abnormal tracts between the perianal skin and the anal canal, presents challenges in treatment because of its diversity and complexity. This study investigates the use of non-thermal plasma as a postsurgical therapy for anal fistula, aiming to promote healing and tissue regeneration. A specialized plasma reactor was designed to apply non-thermal plasma within the anorectal cavity practically. Non-thermal plasma treatment was administered to 20 patients including 10 undergoing fistulectomies and 10 undergoing fistulotomies. The average duration of non-thermal plasma application in the operating room was shorter for fistulotomies. The pain reported the day after surgery was similar in both groups. Improvements in the number of evacuations starting from the day after surgery, as well as the assessment of stool quality using the Bristol scale, indicated satisfactory intestinal recovery. Fistulotomy patients exhibited faster wound healing times. These findings underscore the efficacy of non-thermal plasma as a postoperative therapy for anal fistula, enhancing healing and recovery outcomes without increasing complication risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ammonia (NH3) production is of global concern for today's food supply security and as future energy vector. Plasma technology can add to supply‐chain resilience of fertilizer production and improve the environmental profile using renewable energy; allowing distributed NH3 production. With the objective to provide process intensification of small‐capacity reactors for local supply, a novel micropyramid‐disk plasma reactor operated in micro‐arc mode was developed. NH3 was synthesized from N2, nitrogen, and H2, hydrogen over Ru/MCM‐41 catalyst at atmospheric pressure. The microplasma brings plasma and catalyst surface close together and intensifies the electric field. The arc plasma elevates temperature, 'nonthermal', releasing high‐energy free electrons, known to be effective in converting low‐reactive molecules. The study demonstrates that microplasma, with reduced electrode‐to‐electrode dimensions and a microstructured reaction environment, enhances the performance of the NH3 synthesis and opens novel process windows. This is detailed on the impact of feed ratio (N2/H2), applied voltage, frequency, electrode gap, and the flow distribution by which the gas is fed in. Optical emission spectroscopy (OES) was used to identify vibrationally and other excited species generated by the microplasma and confirms the catalyst is in symbiosis with the radicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this study encompass the characterization of process parameters and the antimicrobial potential during operation of a novel non-thermal plasma (NTP) source in a duct system containing a particulate matter (PM) filter thus mimicking the interior of an air purifier. Simulating conditions of a long-term operation scenario, in which bacterial aerosols in indoor environments accumulate on PM filters, the filter surfaces were artificially inoculated with Escherichia coli (E. coli) and exposed to an air stream enriched with reactive species. Electrical power consumption, key plasma parameters, volume flow and air flow velocity, reactive gas species concentrations as well as inactivation rates of E. coli were assessed. The NTP operated at a gas temperature close to ambient air temperature and featured a mean electron energy of 9.4 eV and an electron density of 1∙1019 m−3. Ozone was found to be the dominating reactive gas species with concentrations of approx. 10 ppm in close vicinity to the PM filters. An inactivation rate of 99.96 % could be observed after exposure of the PM filters to the gas stream for 15 min. This inactivation efficiency appears very competitive in combating realistic bacterial aerosol concentrations in indoor environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this endeavor, three types of non-thermal dielectric barrier discharge plasma (NTDBDP) systems are designed and built locally in custom configurations and investigate the properties of the produced plasma. The difference between these systems is the shape and configuration of the discharge electrode, which plays an essential role in defining the nature of the generated plasma. The first type is two circular plane copper discs, the second is two concentric circular rings of copper, and the third is two concentric cylindrical tubes. Quartz was used as a plate or tube as dielectric material. The optical emission spectroscopy (OES) method was used to analyze the produced plasma spectrum and calculate the various plasma properties (the temperature of electrons, the density of electrons, the frequency of electrons, the Debye length, and the Debye number) in different conditions of applied voltage for all designs. The generated non-thermal plasma was used to inactivate E.coli bacteria at different AC applied voltages (18, 20 and 22 kV) and plasma exposure durations (10, 15, and 20 min). The effect of nonthermal plasma was slight on the bacteria at low applied voltage and exposure time. In contrast, the impact positively of the high voltage and treatment time values on the bacteria. The plasma effect appeared effective at these voltages due to the homogeneously and high intensity of produced plasma and high temperature of plasma electrons. Thus, the effect is more effective on bacteria. The re-cultivation of the treated bacteria demonstrated this, as the spread was very little. All operating scenarios had an electron temperature of around 4. 27-5.2eV, while the electron density was (1. 035-3.6) × 1018 cm-3. The results demonstrated the distinct effect of electrode configurations on the properties of the produced plasma due to a change in the electric field's distribution in the discharge region, which allowed it to be used in E. coli bacteria inactivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid growth in industrialization, and consumerism had surged the usage of chemicals and synthetic dyes, and its indiscriminate discharge through industrial wastewater. Atmospheric pressure non-thermal plasma is as an emerging technology for efficient removal of contaminants from wastewater. In this work, microplasma discharge method is employed to degrade Methyl red dye (10 and 20 ppm) in aqueous solution. Complete degradation was achieved within 17 min microplasma treatment, using air and nitrogen as plasma forming gases. First order kinetic model was fitted and rate constant values were found to be 0.3074 and 0.2908 for air and nitrogen plasma, respectively. As the applied voltage increases from 6.5 to 7.8 kV, the degradation percentage increases (10-15%) significantly. Chemical parameters such as pH, conductivity, total dissolved solids and salinity of the treated samples were measured. Efficiency of microplasma treatment was compared with UV light and direct sunlight photodegradation. The degradation percentage of Methyl red under UV light degradation was 26%, for 10 ppm at 20 hours of irradiation; for direct sunlight irradiation it was 2% only after 5 hours irradiation. When the plasma treated Methyl red, (6 and 9 min) was exposed to direct sunlight, complete degradation was obtained within 45 and 15 mins, respectively. This reveals that, even though the plasma source is cut-off, the reactive species in the solution continuously reacts with the dye molecules promoting complete degradation. The results depict that the microplasma treatment can be an effective method to degrade organic pollutants, which could be applicable for industrial wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on improving the functionalities of milk protein concentrate (MPC) using a nonthermal plasma jet and plasma‐activated water (PAW) with atmospheric air and nitrogen as source gases. The 5% and 10% MPC dispersions were directly treated with a plasma jet, and PAW was used to make the MPC dispersions. The dispersions were analyzed for changes in protein structure and functional properties. The treatment altered the secondary structure of MPC protein structure by increasing β‐components and changing the order of random coils. The solubility of the PAW‐treated 5% protein dispersions doubled due to plasma‐induced modification of hydrophilic and covalent bonds of the protein, but this increase was not significant for the 10% dispersions due to less hydration. Emulsifying capacity increases by around 7% for plasma jet and PAW with air, owing to hydrophobicity on the particle surface. The gelation capacity and heat coagulation time rise by almost twice; however, foaming capacity decreases, indicating protein structural modifications and aggregations caused by plasma exposure. The viscosity of the 5% dispersions decreased due to high solubility, while that of the 10% dispersions increased due to less hydration. Principle component analysis was used to correlate the change in functionality with different operating parameters. In conclusion, this study illustrates that the functional properties of MPC can be significantly modified through plasma treatment. The observed changes depend on several factors, including the mode of plasma exposure, the source gas used to generate the plasma, and the concentration of the protein solution. Practical applications: Milk protein concentrate (MPC) is a promising ingredient in food products such as cheese, cultured dairy items, nutritional goods, infant milk formulas, ice cream, dairy‐based drinks, sports beverages, and a variety of health‐focused products. However, the application is profoundly hindered due to its poor solubility and solubility‐related functional properties. MPC powders lose functionalities during manufacturing and gradually lose them again during processing and storage. This study explores the potential of non‐thermal plasma to improve the functional properties of proteins. This study explores the potential of two different discharges: plasma jet and plasma‐activated water (PAW), using atmospheric air and nitrogen as source gases. The findings of this study would also help to understand the types of plasma discharge (jet vs PAW) and types of sources of gases that can be used in industrial applications. Some optimization parameters of this study can be used for scaling up the plasma processing of milk or dairy products. In addition, PAW is being very well studied to improve food safety, and this study would provide information on the physicochemical properties of MPC. Therefore, it would also help to understand how to apply non‐thermal plasma to achieve both microbial and physical effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-thermal plasma (NTP) conversion applications have become an emerging technology of increasing global interest due to their particular ability to perform at atmospheric pressure and ambient temperature. This study focuses on a specific case of a dielectric barrier discharge NTP reactor for carbon dioxide conversion with the usage of argon as diluent gas. The plasma computations in COMSOL® Multiphysics are compared to experimental results and coupled with previous thermodynamic characterization of argon species and fluid dynamic calculations. The model is defined as a time-dependent study with a 2D-Geometry of pure argon, with both fluid flow and plasma phenomena. Firstly, the model showcases an accurate understanding of the plasma physics involved, in the form of electron density, excited argon, argon ions, and mean electron energy. It also allows a direct comparison of the velocity, vorticity, pressure, and dynamic viscosity results with fluid flow computations. Secondly, the impact of several variables is studied, notably the inlet volumetric rate, dielectric barrier thickness and material, and reactor length. Limitations in the plasma characterization can occur by not including packed material or all relevant species in experimental CO2 conversion and their respective reactions, which should be aimed at in future contributions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work provides an in-depth analysis of the effects of different operating parameters on the non-thermal plasmabased dye removal from aqueous solutions at the laboratory scale. The non-thermal plasma treatment of dye solutions by electrical discharge, which involves the addition or removal of catalysts or feed gas, has made tremendous progress in the last 20 years. The majority of these studies aimed to shorten the duration of therapy and improve dye removal efficiency. It is now appropriate to combine the results of these studies to help current researchers understand the effects of different operational parameters related to dye removal and plasma generation. The purpose of this review is to advance the implementation of Non Thermal Plasma (NTP) for the removal of dye from aqueous solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Specialized chemicals are used for intensifying food production, including boosting meat and crop yields. Among the applied formulations, antibiotics and pesticides pose a severe threat to the natural balance of the ecosystem, as they either contribute to the development of multidrug resistance among pathogens or exhibit ecotoxic and mutagenic actions of a persistent character. Recently, cold atmospheric pressure plasmas (CAPPs) have emerged as promising technologies for degradation of these organic pollutants. CAPP-based technologies show eco-friendliness and potency for the removal of organic pollutants of diverse chemical formulas and different modes of action. For this reason, various types of CAPP-based systems are presented in this review and assessed in terms of their constructions, types of discharges, operating parameters, and efficiencies in the degradation of antibiotics and persistent organic pollutants. Additionally, the key role of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) is highlighted. Moreover, optimization of the CAPP operating parameters seems crucial to effectively remove contaminants. Finally, the CAPP-related paths and technologies are further considered in terms of biological and environmental effects associated with the treatments, including changes in antibacterial properties and toxicity of the exposed solutions, as well as the potential of the CAPP-based strategies for limiting the spread of multidrug resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-phase gliding arc discharge reactors are devices in which it is difficult to maintain stable plasma parameters, be it electrically, physically, or chemically. The main cause of plasma instability is the source, which is freely burning arcs in a three-phase system. In addition, these arcs burn at low currents and are intensively cooled, further increasing their instability. These instabilities translate into the electrical characteristics of the plasma reactor. The analysis for the four gases nitrogen, argon, helium, and air shows that the type of plasma-generating gas and its physical parameters have a strong influence on the operational characteristics of the plasma reactor. Current–voltage, power and frequency characteristics of the plasma reactor were plotted experimentally. Characteristics obtained in this way make it possible to determine the areas of effective operation of the plasma reactor, and to estimate the quality of the generated plasma. Based on the characteristics obtained, a method of controlling the plasma parameters can be developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, MOF-74 catalysts with various Co/Ni ratios obtained by hydrothermal method were prepared, and the degradation performance of various catalysts with synergistic non-thermal plasma for toluene was investigated. The addition of catalysts to NTP shown notable effects in toluene degradation and energy usage efficiency when compared to NTP alone. Notably, CoxNiy-MOF outperformed Co-MOF and Ni-MOF in terms of toluene catalytic activity. In comparison to the single plasma condition, Co2Ni3-MOF showed the maximum toluene degradation rate of 78% at the NTP discharge power of 11.66 W. SEM, BET, XRD, XPS, and FTIR were used to examine the impact of various Co/Ni ratios on the structure and redox characteristics of the samples. The interaction of Co and Ni results in many flaws and oxygen vacancies, increasing the amount of oxygen adsorbed on the surface and the reducibility of the catalyst, which is thought to be the cause of the rise in catalytic activity. Finally, based on the discovered organic compounds, the process of toluene breakdown in the plasma co-catalytic system was deduced. This work provides a novel concept for improving catalysts for the non-thermal plasma-catalyzed decomposition of toluene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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As a new type of aftertreatment technology, non-thermal plasma (NTP) can effectively decompose the particulate matter (PM) deposited in diesel particulate filters (DPFs). In this paper, a regeneration test of a DPF loaded with carbon black was carried out using an NTP injection system, and the changes of oxidative activity, elemental content, and occurrence state, microstructure and graphitization degree of carbon black were analyzed to reveal the evolution of the physicochemical properties of carbon black at different regeneration stages of the DPF regenerated by NTP. As the regeneration stage of the DPF advanced, Ti, Tmax, and Te of the carbon black at the bottom of the DPF decreased, which were higher than those at the regeneration interface. After the NTP reaction, the proportion of C element decreased to less than 80%, while the proportion of O element increased to more than 20%; C-O was converted to C=O and the relative content of C=O increased. The average microcrystalline length and average spacing decreased, while the average microcrystalline curvature increased. The ID1/IG (relative peak intensities) of carbon black samples decreased from 3.31 to 3.10, and the R3 (relative peak intensities, R3 = ID3/(IG + ID2 + ID3)) increased from 0.41 to 0.58. The content of carbon clusters had a great influence on the disorder of the microcrystalline structure, so the graphitization degree of carbon black decreased and the oxidation activity increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Iraqi Journal of Chemical & Petroleum Engineering is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

IntroductionPeriodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the periodontium that can lead to the loss of affected teeth if left untreated. It is induced by a multifactorial process centered on microbial pathogens such as Fusobacterium nucleatum (F.n.). Non-invasive physical plasma (NIPP), a highly reactive gas, has become a focus of research, not only for its hemostatic, proliferation-enhancing and apoptotic properties, but also for its antimicrobial potential. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of NIPP on human periodontal ligament (PDL) cells that had been induced into a state of periodontal infection in vitro.MethodsInitially, the solitary effect of NIPP was evaluated by measuring temperature and pH and analyzing reactive oxygen species (ROS). Additionally, DAPI and phalloidin staining were employed to investigate possible cytotoxic effects. The cells were pre-incubated with F.n. and treated with NIPP after 24 hours. Interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 were analyzed at mRNA and protein levels, respectively, by real-time PCR and ELISA.ResultsNIPP alone had no significant effect on PDL cells. However, the F.n.-induced upregulation of IL-6 and IL-8 was counteracted by NIPP.DiscussionThus, the utilization of NIPP may be regarded as a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of periodontal diseases.

The global population and economic development surge has substantially increased water demand, resulting in heightened sewage and pollutant generation, posing environmental hazards. Addressing this challenge necessitates the implementation of efficient and cost-effective water reclamation methods. Non-thermal plasma technology (NTP) has emerged as a promising solution, garnering attention for its superior efficiency compared to alternatives. While existing studies have predominantly focused on energy efficiency and pollutant removal, limited research has delved into the biological removal aspect, particularly concerning algae. This study utilized a dielectric barrier plasma diffuser to eliminate Spirulina microalgae (Spirulina platensis) from wastewater solutions, demonstrating higher algae removal and superior mass transfer compared to alternative plasma methods. The effect of sample volume, input voltage and power, flow rate, and initial solution concentration on the algae removal was investigated. Investigation of operational parameters revealed the best condition resulting in a 98 % removal rate and 20 g/kWh energy efficiency. The best conditions for the removal of Spirulina microalgae were considered in a sample volume of 50 mL, a voltage of 7.6 kV, a flow rate of 700 mL/min, and an initial solution concentration of 1280 mg/liter. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images illustrated the impact of active species on cell structure, leading to the destruction of spiral form and loss of reproductive ability. The study underscores the potential of NTP for efficient algae removal and identifies key active species involved in the process. The removal of Spirulina microalgae was attributed to a combination of singlet oxygen (1O2), hydroxyl radicals, and ozone.

Non-thermal plasma (NTP) shows promise as a potent anti-cancer therapy with both cytotoxic and immunomodulatory effects. In this study, we investigate the chemical and biological effects of NTP-induced oxidation on several key, determinant immune checkpoints of natural killer (NK) cell function. We used molecular dynamics (MD) and umbrella sampling simulations to investigate the effect of NTP-induced oxidative changes on the MHC-I complexes HLA-Cw4 and HLA-E. Our simulations indicate that these chemical alterations do not significantly affect the binding affinity of these markers to their corresponding NK cell receptor, which is supported with experimental read-outs of ligand expression on human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells after NTP application. Broadening our scope to other key ligands for NK cell reactivity, we demonstrate rapid reduction in CD155 and CD112, target ligands of the inhibitory TIGIT axis, and in immune checkpoint CD73 immediately after treatment. Besides these transient chemical alterations, the reactive species in NTP cause a cascade of downstream cellular reactions. This is underlined by the upregulation of the stress proteins MICA/B, potent ligands for NK cell activation, 24 h post treatment. Taken together, this work corroborates the immunomodulatory potential of NTP, and sheds light on the interaction mechanisms between NTP and cancer cells.

Contamination of the environment with toxic metals such as cadmium or lead is a worldwide issue. The accumulator of metals Cannabis sativa L. has potential to be utilized in phytoremediation, which is an environmentally friendly way of soil decontamination. Novel non-thermal plasma-based technologies may be a helpful tool in this process. Plasma activated water (PAW), prepared by contact of gaseous plasma with water, contains reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, which enhance the growth of plants. In this study, C. sativa was grown in a short-term toxicity test in a medium which consisted of plasma activated water prepared by dielectric barrier discharge with liquid electrode and different concentrations of cadmium or lead. Application of PAW on heavy metal contaminated C. sativa resulted in increased growth under Pb contamination as was determined by ecotoxicology tests. Furthermore, the PAW influence on the bioaccumulation of these metals as well as the influence on the nutrient composition of plants was studied primarily by applying Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). The LIBS elemental maps show that C. sativa accumulates heavy metals mainly in the roots. The results present a new proof-of-concept in which PAW could be used to improve the growth of plants in heavy metal contaminated environment, while LIBS can be implemented to study the phytoremediation efficiency.

Electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) have demonstrated promise in reducing particulate matter (PM) emissions, but their potential for simultaneously reducing NOx in small-scale combustion systems remains largely unexplored. This study examines the potential of ESP with DC corona discharge of negative polarity to reduce both PM and NOx emissions from small-scale combustion. A chemical kinetic model is first developed to predict NOx removal in the ESP. The model accounts for the non-uniform electric field distribution and inhomogeneity of non-thermal plasma in chemical kinetic while remaining simple enough for practical engineering applications. This allows for the optimisation of ESP parameters during the initial design phase. Using this model, the ESP was developed and applied with different energisation regimes to control emissions from a 15 kW pellet combustion heating unit. The initial concentrations for PM and NOx were 48 mg/m3 and 305 mg/m3, respectively (0 °C, 101.3 kPa; at reference O2 = 10 %vol.). The efficiency of the ESP was both theoretically and experimentally determined for various operational regimes at voltages ranging from 6.8 to 11 kV. At 11 kV, the ESP demonstrated a PM removal efficiency of 99.99 % and a NOx removal efficiency of 38 %, achieving compliance with Ecodesign Directive limits. The model's predictions showed reasonable agreement with experimental data, with a slight miscalculation for both particle precipitation and NOx removal. These findings have significant implications for the design and operation of ESPs in small-scale biomass combustion systems, offering a foundation for optimising these devices for combined NOx and particulate matter control.