Plasma Device Gets Rid Of Bacteria Without Harming Skin

November 27, 2009 7:23 a.m. EST

London, England (AHN) - Researchers have developed a prototype of a device that creates low-temperature plasma that kills bacteria or heals wounds fast without harming humans.

The device is touted as a solution to body odors and gum disease as well as wounds, according to the researchers' study published on Friday in the New Journal of Physics.

The device can also have industrial applications such as production of plastic bags, streetlamps, and semiconductor circuits according to Gregor Morfill, of the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics. He led the research and said the device can be fitted with a battery to make it portable

However, the use of the plasma as disinfectant requires no fluid or containers.