Abstract: Methods for producing plasma-treated, functionalized inorganic oxide surfaces are provided. The methods include the steps of subjecting an oxide surface to a plasma to create hydroxyl functionalities on the surface and reacting the hydroxyl functionalities with epoxy group-containing molecules in situ in the absence of plasma. Biomolecules may be immobilized on the resulting functionalized surfaces. The methods may be used to treat a variety of oxide surfaces, including glass, quartz, silica and metal oxides.

Abstract: Methods for producing plasma-treated, functionalized inorganic oxide surfaces are provided. The methods include the steps of subjecting an oxide surface to a plasma to create hydroxyl functionalities on the surface and reacting the hydroxyl functionalities with epoxy group-containing molecules in situ in the absence of plasma. Biomolecules may be immobilized on the resulting functionalized surfaces. The methods may be used to treat a variety of oxide surfaces, including glass, quartz, silica and metal oxides.

Abstract: In a milking machine teat cup wherein an animal to be milked has its teat inserted into a teat cup liner during milking, a first electrode extends about or within at least a portion of the teat cup liner. To clean and/or disinfect the liner, a second electrode is inserted into the liner and the two electrodes are charged so as to generate plasma in any free space between the inserted second electrode and the interior surface of the liner. The generated plasma species destroy organisms that cause mastitis, and can additionally kill other unwanted organisms and/or perform cleaning of the liner's interior.