Activation of deionized water and saline solution by jet of plasma generated in surfatron reactor

Abstract

The project will explore the generation of Plasma Activated Liquid (PAL) for applications related to dentistry. Cold plasma is an emerging non-thermal disinfection and surface modification technology that is free of aggressive chemicals and therefore environmentally friendly. Plasma treatment of liquids creates an acidic environment that results in changes in redox potential, conductivity and the formation of reactive oxygen (ROS) and nitrogen (RNS) species. As a result, PAL has different chemical composition and can serve as an alternative method for microbial disinfection. This scientific initiation project focuses on: (i) characterizing a surfatron system for generating a non-thermal plasma jet at atmospheric pressure and (ii) treating different liquids (deionized water and saline solution) in order to obtain PALs with interesting properties for use in dentistry. For this, in-situ plasma characterization techniques will be used, such as mass spectrometry and optical emission spectroscopy, as well as ex-situ analysis of the PAL process, such as the measurement of physical chemical parameters of PALs and chemical analysis through UV- Vis. The designated fellow will work at the Laboratory of Plasmas and Processes of the Instituto Tecnológico de Aeronáutica in cooperation with the Genome Laboratory of the Institute of Science and Technology of São José dos Campos/UNESP alongside engineers, physicists and microbiologists, providing an excellent opportunity to acquire new knowledge and skills in a multidisciplinary environment.