On the design and characterization of a new cold atmospheric pressure plasma jet and its applications on cancer cells treatment

Abstract

In this paper, a new configuration of a cold atmospheric pressure plasma jet has been designed and constructed. Poly-methyl-methacrylate was used as a new dielectric in this configuration which in comparison to other dielectrics is inexpensive, more resistant against break, and also more shapeable. Then, the plasma jet parameters such as plume temperature, rotational and vibrational temperatures, power, electrical behavior (voltage and current profile), electron density, and the produced reactive species were characterized. In order to determine the jet temperature and the amount of reactive species, effects of applied voltage, gas flow rate, and distance from the nozzle were studied. The power of the jet was specified using Lissajous curve approach. The plume temperature of the plasma jet was about the room temperature. Optical emission spectroscopy determined the type of reactive species, and also electron density and its corresponding plasma frequency (~6.4 × 10(13) cm(-3) and 4.52 × 10(11) Hz). Because of producing different reactive species, the device can be used in different applications, especially in plasma medicine. Thus, 4T1 cancer cells were treated using this plasma jet. The results showed that this plasma jet has a great potential to kill one of the most aggressive and resistant cancerous cell lines.

Safeguarding against Inactivation Temperatures during Plasma Treatment of Skin: Multiphysics Model and Phase Field Method

“…In the present work, the developed theoretical model has been exhaustively benchmarked with a previously performed experiment [21]. Moreover, two sets of results are used to accomplish the benchmarking of our theory, which are (1) the temperature variation of the plasma plume versus axial distance away from the outlet and (2) the temperature variation with respect to the gas flow rate out of the tube that is measured at 15 mm distance away from the outlet.…”

“…Moreover, two sets of results are used to accomplish the benchmarking of our theory, which are (1) the temperature variation of the plasma plume versus axial distance away from the outlet and (2) the temperature variation with respect to the gas flow rate out of the tube that is measured at 15 mm distance away from the outlet. Furthermore, a similar experimental setup of Akhlaghi et al [21] has been modelled. Our benchmarking needed experimental data on temperature variations associated with mixing between the discharged plume and the ambient air.…”

“…The studies for 50 °C and 70 °C will provide information on the reliance on the plasma temperature of the flow and efficiency of heat transfer to the skin and the surrounding environment. In the current study, a tube section with a length of 15 to 20 mm is simulated, in which the temperature variations are lesser [21]. …”

“…In addition, the initial temperature of the system has been set to be 23 • C, while the temperature of the gas flowing out of the nozzle is in turn set to be 30 • C, 50 • C and 70 • C. For a tube with a total length of 20 mm and for an operating voltage of 5 kV for the plasma reactor, the temperature of the plasma being transferred into the tube will be 30 • C. The studies for 50 • C and 70 • C will provide information on the reliance on the plasma temperature of the flow and efficiency of heat transfer to the skin and the surrounding environment. In the current study, a tube section with a length of 15 to 20 mm is simulated, in which the temperature variations are lesser [21].…”

“…We consider that the carrier gas of the cold plasma is helium. Helium is a commonly employed carrier gas thanks to its low breakdown voltage and the uniformity of its generated plasmas [21]. The phase field method will be used to capture the moving gas in air, which will enable us to compute fluid dynamics parameters for each phase individually.…”