Abstract: A method for disinfecting water and other dense fluid media containing microorganisms is carried out in a dense media plasma reactor. The plasma reaction in the reactor produces reactive species, such as electrons, ions, and free radicals that promote the inactivation of the microorganisms. In various embodiments, the plasma reaction also sputters off minute antimicrobial particles of the electrically conducting material from which the electrodes are made.

Abstract: A method for disinfecting water and other dense fluid media containing microorganisms is carried out in a dense media plasma reactor. The plasma reaction in the reactor produces reactive species, such as electrons, ions, and free radicals that promote the inactivation of the microorganisms. In various embodiments, the plasma reaction also sputters off minute antimicrobial particles of the electrically conducting material from which the electrodes are made.

Abstract: Passivation of bacterial biofilm exposed surfaces is carried out utilizing cold-plasma treatments. Exposure of a substrate with biological contamination thereon to an oxygen plasma sterilizes and cross-links the biological contamination into a form which is resistant to further adhesion of bacteria and other biomaterials while cleansing and sterilizing areas of the substrate that are not covered by the biofilm. A second step may be carried out to plasma mediate the deposit of an anti-fouling film using components that will provide macromolecular networks on the substrate with a desired structure which is resistant to bacterial adhesion.

Abstract: The characterization of the protein structure of an enterotoxin to Bacillus cereus, designated hemolysin BL, is described herein. A high-yield purification scheme which allows quantitative characterization of the hemolysin BL activity is also described.

Abstract: The isolation and characterization of a novel staphylococcal enterotoxin designated SEH is described. A process for high-yield generation of substantially pure SEH and antibodies specific thereto is described, as is construction of an immunoassay for detection and quantification of SEH within a sample.