Comprehensive biomedical applications of low temperature plasmas

Abstract

The main component of plasma medicine is the use of low-temperature plasma (LTP) as a powerful tool for biomedical applications. LTP generates high reactivity at low temperatures and can be activated with noble gases with molecular mixtures or compressed air. LTP reactive species are quickly produced, and are a remarkably good source of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species including singlet oxygen (O 2), ozone (O 3), hydroxyl radicals (OH), nitrous oxide (NO), and nitrogen dioxide (NO 2). Its low gas temperature and highly reactive nonequilibrium chemistry make it appropriate for the alteration of inorganic surfaces and delicate biological systems. Treatment of oral biofilm-related infections, treatment of wounds and skin diseases, assistance in cancer treatment, treatment of viruses' infections (e.g. herpes simplex), and optimization of implants surfaces are included among the extensive plasma medicine applications. Each of these applications will be discussed in this review article.

Low-Temperature Plasma as an Approach for Inhibiting a Multi-Species Cariogenic Biofilm

“…Dental treatments with LTP are painless and drill-less, thus making them patient-friendly. These findings indicate that LTP is potentially a good candidate for future clinical treatments [65].…”

“…Plasmas produce electromagnetic radiation, such as ultra-violet radiation and light in the visible spectrum, and comprise excited gas particles, charged ions, free electrons, free radicals, neutral reactive oxygen (ROS) and nitrogen species (RNS), and molecule fragments. LTP-reactive species are rapidly produced and are good sources of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species including singlet oxygen, ozone, hydroxyl radicals, nitrous oxide, and nitrogen dioxide [65]. The antibacterial effects of LTP mediated by ROS have not been demonstrated to increase bacterial resistance when bacteria are continuously exposed to it.…”

“…The energetic electrons collide with the background gas, producing higher dissociation, excitation, and ionization levels. Since ions and neutrals continue to be quite cold, as there is no contact thermal damage caused by the plasma [65]. The unique characteristics of LTP have opened a new era in dental care.…”

Low-Temperature Gas Plasma Combined with Antibiotics for the Reduction of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Biofilm Both In Vitro and In Vivo

“…Low-temperature gas plasma (LTGP) contains various reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), such as H 2 O 2 , 1 O 2 , • OH, and • NO as well as electrons, ions, and photons. The temperature of LTGP is near room temperature and therefore it treats cells and tissues without thermal damage, reflecting its attractiveness for a range of biomedical applications, such as bacteria inactivation and cancer treatment [ 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 ]. The FDA has authorized the use of at least three plasma-based products using “plasma biomedicine” technology, and more biomedical applications, such as ulcer treatments, are currently in preclinical and clinical studies [ 25 , 26 , 27 ].…”

Deposition of Cell Culture Coatings Using a Cold Plasma Deposition Method

“…Cold atmospheric plasma systems offer a number of advantages including in line manufacturing capability, rapid treatment, flexible scaling, and low maintenance requirements and these systems are compatible with a range of different polymer substrates [5,6]. In biological applications, the use of a nonthermal plasma can also allow the disinfection of surfaces without chemical additives or high temperatures [7][8][9]. The use of low temperature vacuum plasma devices to deposit carbonyl, carboxyl, and amine functionalities onto nonreactive hydrophobic surfaces is now a well-established industrial practice and underpins the biocompatibility of disposable plastic plates, flasks, and bottles of the cell culture market [1,10].…”