Bactericidal effects of low temperature atmospheric pressure plasma on Porphyromonas gingivalis

Summary form only given. The biomedical application of low temperature atmospheric pressure plasma (LTAPP) is a collaborative interest for engineering, medical, dental and biological researchers. This laboratory study tested whether LTAPP can limit growth of Porphyromonas gingivalis, a periodontal pathogen strongly associated with periodontal disease, disease progression, and refractory periodontitis. Methods: After extensive pilot trials, the study consisted of 24 agar plate samples of P. gingivalis- 20 samples were exposed to LTAPP at 5, 7, 9 and 10 minutes and 4 control samples were exposed to helium gas only. Immediately after exposures, the samples were incubated anaerobically for 72 hour at 37°C. After 72 hours, zones of inhibition were measured. Results: After 5, 7, 9, and 11 minutes of exposure times, results reveal a statistically significant difference in the bactericidal effect of the LTAPP on P. gingivalis compared to control bacteria not exposed, as measured by zone of inhibition (cm) (p<;0.0001). Differences in the bactericidal effects were significant for each pair of consecutive time points: 5 minutes verses 7 minutes, 7 minutes verses 9 minutes, and 9 minutes verses 11 minutes (p= 0.0360, p= 0.0009, and p<;0.0001, respectively).Conclusions: LTAPP has a significant dose related bactericidal effect on P. gingivalis, as measured by zone of inhibition.