PLASMA HEALTH CARE

Plasma Biology

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In plasma biology the basic interactions of plasmas with eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells are studied, as well as with biofluids, viruses, fungi and spores. The aim is to identify new medically active substances (e.g. ions), combinations of such substances (atoms, ions, molecules), to evaluate their effect(s) on different cell types and to research pathways towards application (e.g. permeabilisation of cell walls) at the molecular level. In the distant future this could lead to ''Plasma Pharmacology''.

Differential Effects of Reactive Species

Bacteria

Human Cells

A design criterion for in vivo plasmas:

• Control the production of NO and H₂O₂ and the overall dose so that:
  
  • toxicity for bacteria is increased
  • H₂O₂ apoptosis of cells is inhibited
  
  
• This can be done quantitatively for any given CAP plasma device by adjusting the plasma power and the plasma dose.
  
  
• In principle it is possible to adjust this to the specifics of each patient.
  

For more details see: Nosenko et al, NJP, 2009.


Read more on Plasma Biology:

1. Bactericidal and antiviral effects of plasma irradiation
2. Effects of plasma irradiation on human cells