Oxygen plasma as a microbicidal technology in electric hand dryers

Plasma de oxigênio como uma tecnologia microbicida em secadores de mãos elétricos

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17765/2176-9206.2025v18e13354

Keywords:

Plasma gases, Hand Sanitizers, Heterotrophic Bacteria

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the microbicidal efficacy of different models of hand dryers installed on a university campus in terms of the microbicidal efficacy of different filters and technologies. Method: Three models of dryers manufactured with different technologies were tested, such as HEPA filter, UV-C light and oxygen plasma. Analysis of environmental heterotrophic bacteria and tests with standard strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were conducted. Results: Dryers without microbicidal technology can disperse bacteria and models with oxygen plasma had a superior bactericidal effect, especially when used for 30 seconds. Conclusion: The implementation of microbicidal technologies in dryers, such as oxygen plasma, can significantly reduce bacterial contamination, making these equipment safer for public use.

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Author Biographies

Marie Klais Maciel, Integrated University Center

Medical Student at the Integrated University Center - Campo Mourão, Paraná. Currently in the 10th period of graduation. Effective member of the Academic Leagues of Chronic Conditions and Sexually Transmitted Infections/HIV (2020-21), Scientific Methodology (2020-21). Member and secretary of the Academic League of Clinical Medicine of the Integrated University Center (2021-22). Local Director of Research, Publication and Extension of the Local Committee IFMSA Brazil Integrated University Center (2022-23). ​​Regional Director of the Scientific Research Center of IFMSA Brazil Integrated University Center (2023). Scientific Initiation Project Supervisor (2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024).

Maria Luiza Rodrigues Miguel, Integrated University Center

He has completed elementary school at Colégio Estadual Polivalente (2013) and high school at Colégio Estadual Polivalente (2016).

Caio Oliveira Rocha, Integrated University Center

Undergraduate in medicine at the Integrated University Center of Campo Mourão. Graduated from high school integrated with the technical course in occupational safety, from the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of the state of Rondônia.

Anne Caroline Montenegro de Oliveira, Integrated University Center

Student in the 7th semester of the Medicine Course at the Integrated University Center of Campo Mourão.

Taísa Rocha Navasconi Berbert, Integrated University Center

Bachelor's degree in Biomedicine from the Integrated University Center of Campo Mourão-PR (2012). Master's in Health Sciences from the Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences at the State University of Maringá-PR (2015). PhD in Health Sciences from the State University of Maringá-PR (2019). Specialization in Active Methodologies in Higher Education. MBA in Leadership and Educational Strategy. Works at the Integrated University Center as coordinator of the Medicine course, and research member of the Center for Entrepreneurship, Research and Extension.

Lais de Souza Braga, Integrated University Center

Graduated in Biomedicine from the University Center of Campo Mourão (2012). Master in Health Sciences from the State University of Maringá (2015). Postgraduate in Active Methodologies and Innovation in Higher Education (2022), Active Learning and Educational Technologies (2023). Postgraduate in Aesthetics: Invasive Procedures (2023). Postgraduate in Trichology and Hair Therapies (2024).

Mariana Felgueira Pavanelli, Integrated University Center

Extension Supervisor, professor of Pharmacy, Biomedicine, and Medicine courses at the Integrated University Center. She has a degree in Pharmacy. Specialization in Clinical Pharmacology and Teaching in Higher Education in Health. She has a Master's in Health Sciences and a PhD in Biosciences and Pathophysiology from the State University of Maringá (UEM). Member of the Center for Entrepreneurship, Research and Extension (NEPE/Integrado) and of the NEPE Research Group. Member of the editorial board of Sabios - a health and biology magazine, of the Institutional Committee for Scientific Initiation, and reviewer of several journals. She has experience in active methodologies, scientific work methodology, and Clinical Analysis, with an emphasis on Parasitology, Microbiology, Hematology, and intestinal Histopathology.

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Published

2025-11-23

How to Cite

Maciel, M. K., Miguel, M. L. R., Rocha, C. O., Oliveira, A. C. M. de, Berbert, T. R. N., Braga, L. de S., & Pavanelli, M. F. (2025). Oxygen plasma as a microbicidal technology in electric hand dryers: Plasma de oxigênio como uma tecnologia microbicida em secadores de mãos elétricos . Saúde E Pesquisa, 18, e13354. https://doi.org/10.17765/2176-9206.2025v18e13354

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Vol. 18 (2025)

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