Efficient inactivation effect of plasma-activated water on oral pathogens Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis

Oral diseases stemming from oral pathogenic bacteria pose a significant global health concern, and current methods for managing these pathogens have limitations. Plasma-activated water (PAW), containing various reactive species, emerges as a promising disinfectant with impressive inactivation capabilities. In this study, PAW prepared by mixed-mode plasma-activated gases was applied to inactivate oral pathogenic bacteria, including Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis. The PAW could reduce more than 6.1-log₁₀ planktonic bacteria and 4.1-log₁₀ bacteria within biofilm, respectively, and PAW treatment of planktonic bacteria effectively inhibited biofilm formation. Compared to chlorhexidine, PAW exhibited superior inactivation effects in both planktonic bacteria and biofilm. This study presented a potent strategy for bacteria eradication to reduce the incidence of oral diseases.