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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #140130
Title: AN ELECTROSTATIC SPACE CHARGE SYSTEM TO CONTROL BACTERIA AND SPORES ON SURFACES

Author
item Arnold, Judy
item Mitchell, Bailey

Submitted to: American Society for Microbiology
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/4/2002
Publication Date: 11/8/2002
Citation: ARNOLD, J.W., MITCHELL, B.W. AN ELECTROSTATIC SPACE CHARGE SYSTEM TO CONTROL BACTERIAL AND SPORES ON SURFACES. AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MICROBIOLOGY. 2002.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The use of chemicals in food plant sanitation for removing and killing microorganisms could be reduced by the use alternative non-chemical interventions. Negative air ionization is a new technology that has shown potential to effectively reduce airborne and surface microorganisms. Current studies have shown reduction of mixed populations from environmental samples, bacterial pathogens, and bacterial spores. In our preliminary work, a small chamber with an electrostatic space charge system (ESCS) was used to transfer a strong negative charge to bacteria on stainless steel coupons. Ion density was varied by adjustment of the ionizer power supply voltage and/or moving the ground plane closer or further from the electrode points to achieve ion densities from 103 to 106 negative ions/cm2. Relative humidity was maintained at 85%. The system decreased the levels of biofilm bacteria on stainless steel surfaces, with a 99.8% reduction efficiency in 3 hr. Treatment of bacterial pathogens, e.g., Escherichia coli, achieved a 96% reduction efficiency in 3 hr. Treatment of spores of Bacillus stearothermophilus achieved 96% reduction in 6 hr. Counts of microorganisms were significantly less from ionized surfaces than from non-ionized surfaces. These data indicate that the ESCS could have an impact on the microbial load in a facility by direct killing of bacteria and spores on surfaces.