Friday, April 7, 2006
Biofilms: How can we use plasma
to get rid of these guys?
Graciela Brelles-Mariño—Biology, Cal Poly Pomona
Nina Abramzon—Physics, Cal Poly Pomona
Biofilms are bacterial communities embedded in a glue-like matrix consisting mostly of exopolysaccharides and a small amount of proteins and nucleic acids. Biofilms can colonize almost any type of surface in which some moisture is present. These communities are thus ubiquitous in industrial and household environments as well as medically implanted devices. They play a particularly important role in human infections since 65% of all nosocomial infections involve biofilms. Conventional disinfection and sterilization methods are often ineffective against biofilms since microorganisms within the biofilm show different properties from those in free, planktonic life. Thus, biofilm control has become an area of intense study. The use of gas discharge plasmas is a novel alternative since plasmas contain a mixture of charged particles, chemically reactive species, and UV radiation, individually known as effective killing agents. We will show results that suggest the potential of using plasma as an alternative way to quite literally "blast those slime-bags" and get rid of those guys.
Refreshments at 4:00 PM. Seminar begins at 4:10 PM.
Building 8 (Science Bldg.) - Room 241
For further information, please call (909) 869-4014