Plasma emitter to destroy bacteria
2005/12/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria
American physicists have manufactured an easy-to-use tool that emits plasma. This plasma emitter is small and, according to researchers, suitable for medical use, as they have demonstrated in the laboratory that it destroys E.coli bacteria without damaging the surrounding tissues. Therefore, they believe it may be appropriate to remove bacterial plaque from the mouth if it equally affects other bacteria.
Plasma is a loaded particle and electron soup. Plasma is generated by removing electrons instantly from atoms, for example in rays or solar jets. The loss of electrons is so strong that the plasma temperature is very high.
However, the device invented by researchers generates plasma at room temperature, so it is appropriate for use with patients without risk. To achieve this, they pass the helium between two high-voltage copper electrodes. Helium is not easily ionizable, but the gas used by researchers contains traces of oxygen that break oxygen molecules and oxygen atoms that form destroy the bacteria.
In addition to cleaning bacteria, researchers believe that it can be used to kill cancer cells. However, prior to their use in medicine, they should conduct deeper research. Among other things, it is about studying how plasma destroys bacteria at the biochemical level and how to modulate the plasma emitter to destroy specific cell types.
