Cold Atmospheric Plasma-Aerosol (CAP-A) offers a promising contactless method for skin and wound treatment. This study evaluated its microbiocidal efficacy using the device PLASMO®HEAL, which generates CAP-A. In vitro tests (DIN spec. 91315) against five pathogens showed reductions of 3.4–4.5 log levels (average 4.28). In vivo tests (EN 1500) on human skin using E. coli K12 demonstrated reductions between 4.06 and 5.15 log levels (average 4.82), meeting German VAH standards and matching alcohol-based reference disinfection (average 4.68). CAP-A proved effective, safe, and residue-free, providing a viable non-contact alternative to conventional antiseptics with strong potential for clinical and outpatient wound care. Cold Atmospheric Plasma-Aerosol (CAP-A) was regarded at least as equivalent regarding the microbiocidal effect of direct Cold Atmospheric Plasma (CAP) methods within the framework of metrological traceability. This study was among the first to provide standardized in vitro and in vivo data on the microbiocidal efficacy of CAP-A, using DIN and EN test protocols. Taken together, the results show that the CAP-A method tested can be used in a forward-looking manner in wound care, particularly in the case of microbiological colonization.

This journal article takes into consideration the ongoing risk of infection associated with ultrasound probes and other delicate diagnostic instruments. This study investigated whether an indirect Cold Atmospheric Plasma-Aerosol (CAP-A) method can meet all requirements for effective and safe disinfection of thermolabile medical devices. The disinfection of thermolabile medical devices was carried out in a container saturated with indirect CAP-A. A transvaginal ultrasound probe was used as a reference product. The study involved six test organisms, with five measurements taken at six different measurement points. The study showed that Enterococcus hirae (mean logarithmic reduction factor (LRF) > 6.23), Staphylococcus aureus (mean LRF > 6.51), and Enterococcus faecium (mean LRF > 6.16) demonstrated a germ reduction of > 99.9999%. For Pseudomonas aeruginosa (mean LRF > 5.40) and Escherichia coli (mean LRF > 5.29), a germ reduction of > 99.999% was achieved, and for Candida albicans (mean LRF > 4.95) and Clostridioides difficile (mean LRF > 4.62), a germ reduction of > 99.99% was demonstrated. The log reduction demonstrated a complete inactivation of the six tested microorganisms. Regarding highly tenacious microorganisms, such as Clostridioides difficile, the method of CAP-A proved effective, superior to alcohol-based methods, and with no resistance development observed. The initial requirements for an effective and innovative disinfection process for thermolabile medical products (effectiveness, application safety, material compatibility, environmental friendliness) were met by the examined indirect method of CAP-A. In conclusion, a medical product based on CAP-A might be implemented in practice to enhance solving a globally existing problem for the hygienic treatment of thermolabile medical devices.

This scientific work puts emphasis on alternatives to alcohol-based sanitizers, as these measures are often overlooked in nursing facilities, resulting in low staff compliance rates and increased cross-infection rates. Cold Atmospheric Plasma-Aerosol (CAP-A) presents a promising alternative due to minimal skin damage and economic benefits. This study compared the disinfectant efficacy of Cold Atmospheric Plasma-Aerosol (CAP-A) under practical application conditions using PLASMO®HAND with an alcoholic hand disinfectant listed by the Association for Applied Hygiene (VAH). The microbial count on participants’ hands was measured. Statistical analysis revealed that the mean log colony-forming unit (CFU) values were significantly lower in the test cohort using only the CAP-A method for hand disinfection compared to the cohort using conventional alcohol-based hand disinfection. Also, it was demonstrated that, unlike alcohol-based hand disinfection, CAP-A ensures the effective elimination of Staphylococcus aureus. The findings indicate that staff utilizing plasma disinfection have an average bacterial count that is 0.65 log units lower than those who regularly use alcohol-based hand disinfection. The plasma disinfection method under investigation has been shown to be superior to the alcohol-based disinfection method as per the VAH list. With the refillable water tank of PLASMO®HAND, approximately 2000 disinfection cycles can be carried out, which theoretically corresponds to more than 15 plastic bottles with 500 ml of hand sanitizer each. In addition, the cold plasma disinfection process enables a time saving of eight seconds compared to 30 s for alcohol-based hand disinfection.

This study focusses on the demand for thorough disinfection within ambulances, given the in-vehicle medical procedures and the potential high risk of infections due to patients’ open wounds. This study was done on an ambulance that was contaminated in eight places. The surfaces were deliberately contaminated by applying an Enterococcus faecium suspension, followed by the disinfection procedure Cold Atmospheric Plasma (CAP), that was initiated with the PLASMO®CAR device. A reduction of 3.73 log levels in initial bacteria was accomplished within the rescue vehicle, equivalent to a 10–fourfold reduction in bacteria, eliminating up to 99.99% of the initial microorganisms. This success makes the process well-suited and convenient as an ongoing "background" procedure to enhance the established disinfection procedures. The field test has shown that the direct application and the continuous application of the device PLASMO®CAR achieves a microbial count reduction on complex surfaces inside an ambulance showing that the device and the process used in it (atmospheric low-temperature plasma with the reaction partners oxygen and water vapor in the gas phase of the air) creates the state of asepsis on surfaces in the near field of the device, or on surfaces inside a room.

This case study looks at Dermatophytosis, a common fungal skin infection in horses, particularly affecting young and immunocompromised animals. Traditional treatments often involve antifungal medications with potential side effects. Here, the authors present a case report that evaluates the efficacy of Cold Atmospheric Plasma-Aerosol (CAP-A) as a standalone treatment for equine dermatophytosis. Initial microbiological examination identified Trichophyton ssp. (Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton benhamiae, Trichphyton erinacei, Trichophyton tonsurans, Trichophyton equinum, Trichophyton verrucosum, or Trichophyton rubrum) as the definitive aetiology. Post-treatment samples were negative for all of the tested dermatophytes including Trichophyton spp., Microsporum canis, and Nannizzia ssp. Clinical progression was documented through photographic evidence. The horse showed no signs of discomfort during or after the treatment sessions. The therapy of CAP-A demonstrated promising results as a non-pharmacological treatment option for equine dermatophytosis, achieving both clinical and microbiological resolution without adverse effects.

In the experimental part of this study, the natural microbial contamination of both so-called “factory-sterile” new glass wine bottles and cleaned reusable wine bottles was recorded under real storage and operational conditions. The results showed that even brand-new glass, especially when the packaging was damaged or storage was prolonged, exhibited significant microbial counts and contaminants such as dust (10 CFU). For the reusable bottles, a clear difference was observed between professionally cleaned bottles with short storage times (2 CFU) and manually cleaned bottles with long storage times (>300 CFU). These initial values highlight the necessity of additional hygiene measures for both new and reusable wine bottles prior to filling. The study supports the practicality of Cold Atmospheric Plasma-Aerosol (CAP-A) treatment under optimized conditions.

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Available upon request: robert.fuchs[at]wk-medtec.de

The aim of the study was a comparative efficacy test of Cold Atmospheric Plasma-Aerosol (CAP-A) and SO₂ under laboratory and practical conditions, focusing on antimicrobial effects and possible residual effects in terms of the preservation of wooden barrels. In the laboratory, four strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae were examined, while in the practical experiment, new oak barrels were specifically contaminated with Brettanomyces bruxellensis and then treated. The study provides initial practical insights into the suitability of Cold Atmospheric Plasma-Aerosol (CAP-A) in winemaking. It demonstrates the potential of a chemical-free, low-residue alternative to SO₂.

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Available upon request: robert.fuchs[at]wk-medtec.de