Objective

To explore the morphological and chemical modification of the cell structure of aerosolized Escherichia coli (E. coli) treated with a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD).

Summary of Results

The bacteria underwent physical distortion to varying degrees, resulting in deformation of the bacterial structure. The electromagnetic field around the DBD coil caused severe damage to the cell structure, possibly resulting in leakage of vital cellular materials. The bacterial reculture experiments confirm inactivation of airborne E. coli upon treating with DBD.