FIG 8.

Proposed mechanism of action of HVACP with Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. (a to c) Proposed inactivation mechanism of Gram-negative bacteria. (a) Structure of Gram-negative bacteria before treatment, in which the cell envelope consists of a thin layer of peptidoglycan and lipopolysaccharide; (b) ACP-generated ROS attacking both cell envelope and intracellular components, in which the cell envelope is the major target; (c) inactivation mainly caused by cell leakage, with some DNA damage possible. (d to f) Proposed inactivation mechanism of Gram-positive bacteria. (d) Structure of Gram-positive bacteria before treatment, in which the cell envelope consists of a thick rigid layer of peptidoglycan; (e) ACP-generated ROS attacking both cell envelope and intracellular components, in which intracellular materials are the major targets; (f) inactivation mainly caused by intracellular damage (e.g., DNA breakage) but not leakage.