Tracking the Penetration of Plasma Reactive Species in Tissue Models

Trends Biotechnol. 2018 Jun;36(6):594-602. doi: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2017.07.012. Epub 2017 Aug 23.

Abstract

Electrically generated cold atmospheric plasma is being intensively researched for novel applications in biology and medicine. Significant attention is being given to reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), initially generated upon plasma-air interactions, and subsequently delivered to biological systems. Effects of plasma exposure are observed to millimeter depths within tissue. However, the exact nature of the initial plasma-tissue interactions remains unknown, including RONS speciation and delivery depth, or how plasma-derived RONS intervene in biological processes. Herein, we focus on current research using tissue and cell models to learn more about the plasma delivery of RONS into biological environments. We argue that this research is vital in underpinning the knowledge required to realize the full potential of plasma in biology and medicine.

Keywords: cancer; cell membrane; cold atmospheric plasma; reactive oxygen and nitrogen species; tissue model.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Transport / drug effects
  • Cell Differentiation / drug effects
  • Cell Membrane Permeability / drug effects*
  • Computer Simulation
  • Disinfection / instrumentation
  • Disinfection / methods
  • Guided Tissue Regeneration / instrumentation
  • Guided Tissue Regeneration / methods
  • Humans
  • Lipid Peroxidation / drug effects
  • Models, Biological*
  • Plasma Gases / pharmacology*
  • Reactive Nitrogen Species / agonists
  • Reactive Nitrogen Species / metabolism*
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / agonists
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism*
  • Stem Cells / cytology
  • Stem Cells / drug effects
  • Wound Healing / drug effects*

Substances

  • Plasma Gases
  • Reactive Nitrogen Species
  • Reactive Oxygen Species