A fast detection method for airborne bio-particles (BPs) using electrostatic precipitation (ESP) to enhance trapping and dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) to break the cell wall is demonstrated using Bacillus subtilis as model bacteria. Experimental result shows that 50 times more BPs can be trapped using ESP than without it. Effect of DBD on the B. subtilis under dry and wet conditions was investigated at atmospheric pressure. In wet condition 25 kV(p-p) DBD successfully broke the B. subtilis cell wall in 40 s. Using electro-blotting the lambda DNA (lambda DNA) and E. coli genomic DNA were transferred to a nylon membrane, this technique will enhance identification of BPs. These experimental results clearly indicate that discharge plasma can be used to enhance a quasi-real-time detection of airborne BPs. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.