Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is widely used in domains such as disinfection, surface treatment and food preservation. When generated in air, CAP is rich in reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), such as ozone (O3). A dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) is a reliable method to create CAP. We developed a double-sided (twin) surface DBD with novel ‘interfractal’ electrode geometries. This fractal configuration creates stronger electric fields than the customary interdigital line geometry. So, CAP is produced more effectively, resulting in higher RONS concentrations. The performance of interfractal electrodes was compared to that of interdigital electrodes (IDE) in atmospheric air. Nanopulsed powering was used, since it is the most efficient for powering DBDs. Electrical and chemical characteristics (such as ozone level) were assessed. The results show that interfractal electrodes enhance the electric field, conduction current and ozone yield.

This study demonstrates a breakdown analysis of the dynamics of a liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) including quality check, geometric measurement, thermal characterization, and comparison of heat- and light-induced contractions. A blue light-responsive acrylate side chain LCE with 1% azobenzene dye was characterized. From a classical viewpoint, photo-thermal contraction is considered a dominating effect, while direct photo-mechanical deformation can be neglected due to a low dye percentage. However, the findings of this research suggest that a low percentage of azobenzene dye does not necessarily lead to heat-dominating dynamics of LCE. This phenomenon has not yet been quantitatively studied before. The approach reported in this Letter can potentially be used to extract the data to improve the dynamics models of light-driven LCEs.

Micro-devices that use electric fields to trap, analyze and inactivate micro-organisms vary in concept, design and application. The application of electric fields to manipulate and inactivate bacteria and single-celled organisms has been described extensively in the literature. By contrast, the effect of such fields on viruses is not well understood. This review explores the possibility of using existing methods for manipulating and inactivating larger viruses and bacteria, for smaller viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2. It also provides an overview of the theoretical background. The findings may be used to implement new ideas and frame experimental parameters that optimize the manipulation, sampling and inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 electrically.