Cold atmospheric plasma, the removal of blood from steel and its effect on staphylococcal biofilm formation. A pilot study

Background: Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has antimicrobial properties and may have a role in decontamination. However, CAP can coagulate blood, which could lead to the fixing of blood or proteins and make surface decontamination challenging after blood spillages. Methods: In vitro assays were performed to assess whether CAP treatment of a surface impaired removal of a blood soil from steel through visual inspection and bicinchoninic acid assays. To assess if remaining blood proteins promoted biofilm formation, crystal violet biomass analysis was performed. Results: In an in vitro study, CAP treatment did not hinder the removal of blood and pre-treatment decreased protein remaining on the surface. CAP inhibited Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation on blood-soiled surfaces. Conclusions: CAP does not enhance the persistence of blood and protein on steel surfaces. Biofilm formation after CAP treatment of blood soiled steel was decreased possibly due to changes in electrostatic charge on surfaces. CAP should be further evaluated as an alternative surface decontaminant.