Cold atmospheric plasmas (CAPs) can affect live cells and organisms due to the production of different reactive species. In this paper, the effects of various parameters of the CAP such as the treatment time, gas mixture, gas flow rate, applied voltage, and distance from the nozzle on the LL/2 lung cancer cell line have been studied. The probable effect of UV radiation has also been investigated using an MgF2 filter. Besides the cancerous cells, the 3T3 fibroblast cell line as a normal cell has been treated with the CAP. The Methylthiazol Tetrazolium assay showed that all parameters except the gas flow rate could impress effectively on the cancer cell viability. The cell proliferation seemed to be stopped after plasma treatment. The flow cytometry assay revealed that apoptosis and necrosis were appreciable. It was also found that treating time up to 2 min will not exert any effect on the normal cells.

Background: Many studies have focused on the potent anti-cancer activity of Arteether (ARE). However, the hydrophobic property of this drug limits its application. To increase the bioavailability of ARE, we formulated a Nanosystem (NS) of Folic Acid (FA), Chitosan (CS), and Fe 3 O 4 for delivery of ARE into breast cancer. Materials and Methods:The CS-coated Fe 3 O 4 was synthesized by co-precipitation of Fe 2+ and Fe 3+ in CS gel-like solution. Then, it was conjugated with FA and ARE. The properties of ARE loaded Nanoparticles (NPs) were characterized by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Fourier Transform-Infrared (FTIR) spectra, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), drug loading efficiency, and drug release. The bioactivity of this complex was evaluated in vitro and in vivo settings. Tumor volume was measured, and the cytokines of Interferon-gamma IFN-γ and interleukin 4 (IL-4) were assessed in mice splenocytes.Results: DLS showed an average size of 198nm and the charge of about -7mV. FTIR confirmed the formation of ARE loaded NPs and SEM indicated its solid, dense structure. The drug exhibited a loading capacity of (20%) and significant release in citrate buffer with pH 5.4 compared with phosphate-buffered saline with pH 7.4. The NS showed significant inhibitory effect on the growth of 4T1 cell line and tumor volume. It also augmented IFN-γ and IL-4 production in breast cancer-bearing mice. ARE in FA-CS-Fe 3 O 4 composite NPs may significantly suppress tumor growth. Conclusion:This NS can be utilized in the nano-based drug delivery system for the treatment of breast cancer.