Fig. 7: Proposed mechanism of interaction of PAW with biofilms relying on active species to disrupt the matrix leading to effective biofilm dispersal.

Under non-plasma conditions an oxygen gradient will form in a microcolony (a). Interaction of PAW with microbial biofilms will generate a range of active RONS that can penetrate into the interior of microcolonies and kill biofilm cells. RONS will also lead to the disruption of the biofilm matrix and thus releasing cells from the biofilm interior (b).