Plasma–liquid interactions in the presence of organic matter—A perspective

Abstract

As investigations in the biomedical applications of plasma advance, a demand for describing safe and efficacious delivery of plasma is emerging. It is quite clear that not all plasmas are “equal” for all applications. This Perspective discusses limitations of the existing parameters used to define plasma in context of the need for the “right plasma” at the “right dose” for each “disease system.” The validity of results extrapolated from in vitro studies to preclinical and clinical applications is discussed. We make a case for studying the whole system as a single unit, in situ. Furthermore, we argue that while plasma-generated chemical species are the proposed key effectors in biological systems, the contribution of physical effectors (electric fields, surface charging, dielectric properties of target, changes in gap electric fields, etc.) must not be ignored.

Plasma Control: A Review of Developments and Applications of Plasma Medicine Control Mechanisms

“…Several of these control challenges become increasingly apparent in experimental practice due to the changing cocktail of reactive species produced upon the introduction of varying substrates. This is evident in the actively changing interactions that can occur chemically through enzymic or antioxidant reactions, when plasma interacts with living cells [4].…”

“…For example, generation of reactive species by plasma is tied to the electrical circuit that is created between the plasma and the substrate involved. Power delivered to the substrate depends on the overall circuit impedance, which, in turn, is affected by the electrical properties of the target being treated [4]. The transport of generated reactive species can also be impacted, retroactively, due to plasma chemistry changes in the gas phase by more or less deposited power [5].…”