You probably hear the term “plasma technology” a lot these days. More often than not, you probably hear it used in conjunction with television sets. But there are many applications for plasma technology, and the latest may be one that surprises you, as it could not be further removed from televisions and other high-end products. A hospital in Dublin is using it to kill “superbugs.”
Of course, these “superbugs’ are not insects. The term refers instead to super-powerful bacteria that have gained strength through adaptation. These bacteria have become resistant to traditional means of eliminating them, and in doing so have forced scientists to look for new and innovative ways to address them.
One such potential solution is the use of plasma technology. There are three phases of the plasma effort that work to destroy the bacteria. First, ultraviolet radiation kills some of the microbes. Next, highly reactive chemicals extract a toll on the bacteria. Finally, the plasma gives off highly energetic particles to eliminate the superbugs.
This innovative solution allows doctors a new way to address an increasingly common and serious problem. Where traditional methods like decontamination cannot be applied, this plan provides an intriguing alternative. If left unaddressed, these bacteria could be quite harmful, but with this breakthrough, a solution could be at hand.
