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International Journal of Bioprinting 3D-printed plasma devices for decontamination

Figure 1. Schematic representation of 3D-printed cold atmospheric plasma (CAP)-generating devices: (A) Device 1: Original version with an opening for
fresh air supply and ventilation; (B) Device 2: Optimized version enclosed in a chamber with a double discharge; (C) Device 3: Optimized version enclosed
in a chamber with a single discharge. Abbreviations: PET: polyethylene terephthalate; U : input voltage; Φ: diameter.
in

SARS-CoV-2, frequently emerge globally because of their challenging bacterium (P. aeruginosa). The selected
rapid evolution characterized by high rates of nucleotide model microorganisms were included to encompass
substitution and recombination, as documented by the significant and widely encountered pathogens, each
recent pandemic. IAV infects a variety of species and displaying distinct biological features that could affect
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mutates frequently, resulting in antigenic drift and shift. the efficiency of decontamination. Our 3D-printed
These processes contribute to repeated seasonal outbreaks CAP devices are based on direct current (DC) corona
and epidemics. HAdV and HRV are highly contagious discharge, which uses HV sources with low current
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pathogens linked to a variety of respiratory diseases. 49,50 outputs that are inherently safe (i.e., no risk of electric
Although respiratory diseases caused by HAdV and HRV shock), and the devices are very cheap. Two optimized
typically have moderate effects, they can cause substantial 3D-printed portable CAP-generating devices were also
morbidity and economic impacts. P. aeruginosa is created, and their performance was compared to that
a frequently observed opportunistic pathogen that of the original version used in previous investigations
mainly infects the respiratory tract, with potentially (Figure 1). The detection of RONS produced by individual
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severe disease, particularly in immunocompromised devices displayed obvious differences, which translated
patients. 51,52 Owing to the potential role of fomites, such into enhanced virucidal and bactericidal effects. Unlike
as doorknobs, utensils, and other commonly touched previous studies, we used a panel of human respiratory
surfaces, in the transmission of these pathogens, the pathogens with epidemic potential and comprehensively
development of efficient surface disinfection strategies is investigated CAP efficiency, linking enhanced production
crucial for infection control. of RONS species to improved efficiency. The flexibility
In the present study, we aimed to optimize the CAP and easy application of CAP decontamination via
technology generated by 3D-printed devices for the 3D-printed devices highlights the significant potential
biological inactivation of respiratory pathogens. These of this technology for pathogen inactivation, and the
were represented by four viruses with diverse features presented data pave the way for its further development
(SARS-CoV-2, IAV, HAdV, and HRV) and a clinically and implementation in various applications.

Volume 10 Issue 5 (2024) 446 doi: 10.36922/ijb.3679