Impact of DBD Air Plasma‐Driven Lipid Peroxidation on the Escherichia coli Cell Membrane Fatty Acids

ABSTRACT This study investigates the impact of pulsed nanosecond dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) air plasma on the integrity of E. coli cell membranes in a liquid environment, focusing on the mechanisms underlying plasma‐induced membrane damage. Membrane lipid analysis by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry revealed significant degradation of unsaturated fatty acids (C18:2, C18:1, C16:1), along with a considerable loss of saturated ones. Lipid peroxidation was confirmed by the detection of lipid hydroperoxides and TBARS products, including free malondialdehyde. These effects were correlated with peroxynitrite‐mediated chemistry induced in the plasma‐treated medium by air DBD. A highly oxidative environment generated under these conditions was capable of causing extensive oxidative damage to the membrane lipid structure, thereby contributing to bacterial inactivation.