What happens when a “biofilm guy” and a “plasma guy” team up? At Boise State, the answer is an innovative technology with potential applications in health care, agriculture and food safety.
Electrical engineering research professor Jim Browning and biochemist Ken Cornell have spent a decade developing a cold atmospheric plasma technology that can break down bacterial biofilms without relying on harsh chemicals. Their work could help improve wound healing, sanitize food-processing equipment and treat agricultural products such as seeds.
The project demonstrates the power of interdisciplinary research and the kinds of solutions that can emerge when researchers bring different areas of expertise together.