Abstract: Systems and methods for plasma sterilization are described. The sterilization method includes placing a substance to be sterilized into a rotating chamber and irradiating the substance with plasma. An RF generator is used to produce the plasma from a gas. The gas has a concentration of at least 85% N2 and less than 15% O2. The plasma includes a NOx species that is effective in killing microbial organisms in the substance.

Abstract: Systems and methods for plasma sterilization are described. The sterilization method includes placing a substance to be sterilized in a rotating chamber (e.g., drum) and exposing the substance to a radio frequency (RF) plasma. The mixing of the substance and plasma is further promoted by generating a magnetic field that produces a force on the substance in a direction opposite to the rotational direction of the chamber. In other aspects, the chamber may have a gas permeable wall. In addition, the substance may be exposed to acoustic shock waves produced by a modulating RF generator.