Antibacterial effects of ozone generated in corona air plasma

Abstract

Recently microbial resistance to antibiotics is worryingly increasing due to the overuse and misuse of antibiotics. Therefore, it seems to be crucial to identify novel antimicrobial agents. Ozone, an unstable and energetic form of oxygen, can be considered as an effective biocide. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the antimicrobial effects of ozone resulting from corona plasma on some pathogenic bacteria. In the present study, three opportunistic pathogenic ubiquitous bacteria; Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus were obtained from the Collection Center of Industrial Fungi and Bacteria of Iran. Different concentrations of the bacteria were cultured on the Muller Hinton agar medium, and left at room temperature for 5 minutes. Then, they received ozone produced by corona plasma-generating device for 0, 5, 10, and 15 minutes. Finally, they were incubated at 37°C for 24 hours to compare the colony counts. Our study revealed that ozone was able to inhibit the growth of all examined bacteria as the number of colony forming units (CFUs) were significantly decreased. In conclusion, according to the findings of the present study, ozone can be considered a beneficial and comprehensive antimicrobial agent against pathogenic bacteria.