Low-temperature plasma is an emerging disinfection technology that generates multiple reactive species at the gas-liquid interface

forming plasma-activated water. Atomizing this water into a mist enhances the coverage and penetration of reactive species

offering potential for highly efficient sterilization and disinfection. We established a diagnostic platform for microbubble-assisted liquid-phase discharge plasma characteristics

and investigated the electrical and optical properties alongside physicochemical parameters (pH

temperature

NOx− concentration) of such plasmas. We further examined the bactericidal efficacy

biosafety

and metal corrosion potential of plasma-activated water and mist(PAWM). The results show that microbubble-assisted liquid-phase nanosecond pulse discharge enables the stable production of plasma-activated water

with a significant decrease in pH during the activation process

NOx− concentrations accumulate continuously

and NO3− remains more stable. The inactivation efficacy of plasma-activated water mist increases with higher disinfection doses

achieving the killing rates of 99.8% for Staphylococcus aureus and 99.99% for H1N1 at the maximum dose. This inactivation is achieved by disrupting cell membrane integrity

leading to the leakage of intracellular substances. In terms of safety

stainless steel exhibits corrosion resistance

whereas carbon steel shows more pronounced corrosion. Overall

evaluations of cellular

skin

and ocular irritation

along with acute inhalation toxicity

indicate favourable biological safety. This study provides a reference for the application and safety assessment of plasma-activated water and mist sterilization and disinfection.