Document Type : Research Article
Authors
- Everton Diniz dos Santos 1, 2, 3
- Victória Colasso Coutinho da SIlva 1
- Letícia Helena Merce de Albuquerque Ornellas de Mello 1
- Giulia Mendonça Ferreira da Silva 1
- Elisa Esposito 2
- Rogério Pinto Mota 3
1 Univeridade Estácio de Sá - R. Zenaide Viléla, s/n - Jardim Brasilia, Resende - RJ, 27515-010, Brazil
2 Universidade Federal de São Paulo Campus São José dos Campos, Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia. - Rua Talim, Jardim Aeroporto, 12231-280 - São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil
3 Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Faculdade de Engenharia de Guaratinguetá, Departamento de Física e Química - Av. Ariberto Pereira da Cunha, 333, Pedregulho, 12516-410 - Guaratinguetá, SP, Brazil
Abstract
The search for effective methods of sterilizing materials in hospital environments is crucial for preventing infections. Oxygen plasma has emerged as a promising alternative to autoclaving due to its potential to reduce sterilization time and improve the efficacy of the process. The present study aimed to assess the effects of exposing cotton tissues to oxygen plasma on inhibiting the growth of Candida albicans, aiming to contribute to a broader understanding of the applicability of this sterilization technique. Cotton tissues were exposed to oxygen plasma for varying periods of time. Morphological analysis and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were conducted to assess potential changes in the structure and chemical composition of the fibers after plasma treatment. The results showed a significant reduction in the growth of Candida albicans colonies on tissues exposed to plasma, with greater efficacy observed in samples exposed for 10 minutes. EDX analysis indicated that plasma did not cause changes in the chemical composition of cotton fibers. However, morphological analysis by scanning electron microscopy revealed a direct relationship between the exposure time to plasma and the degree of destruction of the waxy cuticle of the cotton. Exposure to plasma resulted in a significant reduction in fungal growth without causing changes in the chemical composition of cotton fibers.
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