Radio-frequency atmospheric pressure glow discharge (RF APGD) plasmas have outstanding features of no need of expensive and complicated vacuum system

low gas temperatures

high concentrations of reactive species

good discharge uniformity

strong controllability and diverse interactions with various biomolecules

which have attracted more and more attentions for their applications in biotechnology. Our research group introduced the RF APGD plasma jet into the mutation breeding field. Based on the study on the physical characteristics of RF APGD plasmas and their interaction mechanisms with bio-macromolecules and whole cells

a novel mutation breeding system

named as atmospheric and room temperature plasma (ARTP) mutation breeding machine was invented. The ARTP mutation breeding system has the features of high safety for the operators and environment

easy operation

rapid mutation capability

high mutation rate and genetic stability of targeted mutants

as demonstrated by successful mutation for more than 40 different microbes including bacteria

fungi and algae. This paper reviews the recent research progress of ARTP mutation breeding technology

hopefully contributing to the development of the life evolution study and the industrial strain modification as a powerful mutation tool.