The biomedical application of low-temperature atmospheric pressure plasma (LTAPP) is a collaborative interest for engineering, medical, dental, and biological researchers. This laboratory study tested whether LTAPP can limit the growth of Porphyromonas gingivalis, a periodontal pathogen strongly associated with periodontal disease, disease progression, and refractory periodontitis. This proof of principle laboratory study of LTAPP's effects on P. gingivalis is an initial step in the development of a new nonsurgical periodontal therapy that could be used by dentists and dental hygienists. After pilot trials, the study consisted of 24 agar plate samples of P. gingivalis; 20 samples were exposed to LTAPP at 5, 7, 9, and 11 minutes and 4 control samples were exposed to helium gas only. Immediately after exposures, the samples were incubated anaerobically for 72 hours at 37°C. After 72 hours, zones of inhibition were measured. After 5, 7, 9, and 11 minutes of exposure times, results revealed a statistically significant difference in the inactivation effect of the LTAPP on P. gingivalis compared with control bacteria that was not exposed, as measured by zone of inhibition (cm) (P < 0.0001). Differences in the inactivation effects were significant for each pair of consecutive time points: 5 minutes versus 7 minutes, 7 minutes versus 9 minutes, and 9 minutes versus 11 minutes (P = 0.0360, 0.0009, and <0.0001, respectively). LTAPP has a significant dose-related inactivation effect on P. gingivalis, as measured by zone of inhibition. These findings advance the national dental hygiene research agenda by validating emerging strategies and technologies that might improve the effectiveness of the dental hygienist in periodontal disease management and by applying emerging science to the nonsurgical treatment and control of periodontal disease. © 2011 by Begell House, Inc.
