Plasma applications in medicine with a special focus on dermatology

Abstract

The recent tremendous progress in understanding physical plasma phenomenon, together with the development of new plasma sources has put growing focus on the application of plasmas in health care. Active plasma components, such as molecules, atoms, ions, electrons and photons, reactive species, ultraviolet radiation, optical and infrared emission and heat have the ability of activating, controlling and catalysing reactions and complex biochemical procedures. Thermal and non-thermal (i.e. cold) plasmas - both already widely established in medicine - are used for various therapeutic applications. Particularly in dermatology, plasma applications hold big potential, for example, in wound healing, such as efficient disinfection or sterilization, therapy of various skin infections or tissue regeneration. This review gives an overview on potential plasma applications in medicine - including the recent research on skin diseases - and summarizes possible interactions between plasmas and living tissue.

In-situ UV Absorption Spectroscopy for Monitoring Transport of Plasma Reactive Species through Agarose as Surrogate for Tissue

“…treatment of chronic wounds, [1] bacterial infections [2] dental decay [3] and cancer [4]. The non-thermal nature of the APPJ source enables it to deliver therapeutic doses of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) to the biological target without inducing thermal damage.…”

Characterization, Properties and Applications of Nonthermal Plasma: A Novel Pulsed-Based Option

“…), as well as inter-and intra-cellular biochemical reactions. Data demonstrating positive effects on human cells, such as cytolysis of cancer cells, enhanced wound healing, angiogenesis, etc., in the absence of toxic effects, would certainly promote additional applications [8][9][10][11][12]. Here, we review the present understanding of plasma science, including a newer periodic discharge nonthermal plasma device.…”

Plasma application in aesthetic medicine: Clinical and physical aspects

“…Almost the entire universe comprises this matter [4] . When sufficient energy is delivered to gas atoms, ionization occurs and the atoms acquire a positive charge after the electrons escape [1,3] .…”

“…In terms of pressure, plasma can be categorized into low-pressure, atmospheric-pressure, and high-pressure plasma. Furthermore, in terms of relative temperatures, it can be classified into thermal and non-thermal plasma [4] . Plasma can also be produced artificially.…”

“…PSR technology helps in the treatment of facial rhytides, solar keratosis, seborrhoeic keratosis, and warts [4] . Some studies have considered the clinical effects of PSR technology on periorbital rejuvenation [9,10] .…”