Search Results (489)

This study investigated the inactivation effect and influencing factors of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) treatment with Salmonella typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus populations on three food contact materials (FCMs)—kraft paper, 304 stainless steel, and glass. The CAP was generated as an atmospheric helium plasma jet (15 kV, 10.24 kHz, He 4 L/m), and the experimental results indicated that its inactivation effects on two bacterial species gradually increased as the plasma treatment duration increased (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 min). Three classical sterilization kinetic models (Log-linear, Weibull, and Log-linear + Shoulder + Tail) were employed to evaluate the inactivation efficiency of plasma against bacteria FCMs. Combined with the coefficient of determination (R²), accuracy factor (A_f), and bias factor (B_f), together with the root mean square error (RMSE), it can be concluded that the Log-linear + Shoulder + Tail model had the highest fitting degree among the three sterilization kinetics models. Salmonella typhimurium exhibited weaker resistance than Staphylococcus aureus to the same CAP treatment. Under the same conditions, CAP had the strongest bactericidal effect on the bacteria on the glass surface, followed by those on the 304 stainless steel, and had the weakest bactericidal effect on the bacteria on the kraft paper surface, which might be related to the surface hydrophilicity and roughness of the FCMs. The above results indicated that CAP’s inactivation effect may be influenced by the microbial species as well as the surface characteristics of FCMs. This study provides useful information for future applications of CAP in enhancing food safety. Full article

Plasma surface modification has emerged as a powerful, versatile tool for tailoring the surface properties of biomedical devices and implants without altering the material characteristics in the bulk. This comprehensive review critically examines the current state-of-the-art in plasma-based surface engineering techniques, with a focus on enhancing biocompatibility, bio-functionality, and long-term performance of medical implants. The article systematically explores various plasma processes and their roles in modifying surface chemistry, topography, energy, and wettability. These alterations directly influence protein adsorption, cell adhesion, antibacterial activity, and corrosion resistance, all of which are crucial for successful clinical integration. Special emphasis is placed on the plasma treatment of metallic (e.g., titanium, stainless steel), polymeric (e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene, polyetheretherketone), and composite substrates commonly used in dental, orthopedic, and cardiovascular applications. This review also highlights synergistic strategies, such as plasma-assisted grafting of bioactive molecules and nanostructuring, that enable multifunctional surfaces capable of promoting osseointegration, mitigating inflammation, and preventing biofilm formation. Emerging trends such as atmospheric cold plasmas and the integration of plasma technology with additive manufacturing are outlined as promising future directions. By synthesizing insights from surface science, materials engineering, and biomedical research, this review provides a foundational framework to guide future innovations in plasma-treated biomaterials. It aims to inform both academic researchers and medical device developers seeking to optimize implant–tissue interactions and achieve improved clinical outcomes. Full article

Background: Physical plasma, the fourth state of matter formed through gas ionization, has shown promise in various clinical applications, including wound healing and antimicrobial therapy. Recently, Non-invasive physical plasma (NIPP) selectively disrupts tumor cell proliferation and metabolism without inducing cytoprotective stress responses, positioning it as a promising adjunct in oncological therapies, though its underlying mechanisms remain insufficiently understood. Methods: In this study, we investigated the effects of NIPP (Plasma Care device) on six tumor cell lines, ovarian (SKOV-3, OVCAR-3), prostate (LNCaP, PC-3), and breast (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231). Cell proliferation and migration were assessed using CASY analysis and scratch assays, while cytoskeletal integrity, heat shock protein (HSP) expression, and key metabolic indicators were evaluated through immunofluorescence, Western blotting, and biochemical assays. Results: NIPP treatment significantly inhibited tumor cell proliferation and migration, disrupted cytoskeletal organization, and altered metabolic activity in a time-dependent manner. These effects were associated with increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), enhanced glycolysis, and elevated lactate production. Notably, despite cellular stress, neither HSP expression nor superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity showed significant changes, suggesting a lack of classical stress-response activation. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that NIPP selectively impairs tumor cell function by inducing oxidative stress and metabolic disruption, without triggering protective HSP-mediated resistance pathways commonly seen in radiotherapy and chemotherapy. These results highlight the therapeutic potential of NIPP, particularly via the Plasma Care device, as a novel anticancer strategy. Full article

The atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) is a popular type of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP). APPJs based on a pulsed atmospheric arc (PAA) are widely spread in industrial processing. A plasma jet of this type, PlasmaBrush PB3 (PB3), is a subject of diverse research activities. The characteristic feature of PB3 is the generation of a low-current (300 mA), high-voltage (1500 V) pulsed (54 kHz) atmospheric arc. A gas flow vortex is used to stabilize the arc and to sustain the circular motion of the cathodic arc foot. During long periods of operation, nozzles acting as arc discharge cathodes erode. Part of the eroded material is emitted as nanoparticles (NPs). These NPs are not wanted in many processing applications. Knowledge of the number, type, and size distribution of emitted NPs is essential to minimize their emissions. In this study, NPs in the size range of 6 to 220 nm, emitted from four different nozzles operated with PB3, are investigated. The differences between the nozzles are in the eroded surface material (copper, tungsten, and nickel), the diameter of the nozzle orifice, the length of the discharge channel, and the position of the cathodic arc foot. Significant differences in the particle size distribution (PSD) and particle mass distribution (PMD) of emitted NPs are observed depending on the type and condition of the nozzle and their operating time. Monomodal and bimodal PMD models are used to approximate emissions from the nozzles with tungsten and copper cores, respectively. The skew-normal distribution function is deemed suitable. The results of this study can be used to control NP emissions, both to avoid them and to utilize them intentionally. Full article

This review presents recent advancements in cold atmospheric pressure (AP) plasma (CAP) processes for the synthesis and surface treatment of polymer films and metal nanoparticles (NPs) in biomedical applications. We discuss the properties and applications of atmospheric pressure plasma (APP) processes, including dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) and plasma jet methods, highlighting their effectiveness in controlling surface characteristics such as wettability and functionalization. Full article

Background: Neuroblastoma (NB) presents significant challenges in pediatric oncology, particularly in high-risk cases where local recurrence occurs in ~35% of patients. Cold Atmospheric Plasma (CAP) has emerged as a promising treatment due to its selective cytotoxicity toward cancer cells while sparing normal cells. Methods: This study assessed CAP efficacy using in vitro NB cell lines (SK-N-AS and LAN-5) and in vivo xenograft murine models. In vitro, CAP was applied via a helium jet, and cellular responses were evaluated for viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, and cell cycle, while apoptosis was measured by Annexin V/PI flow cytometry. In vivo, CAP was applied to unresected tumors and residual tumors after incomplete resection. Tumor regrowth was monitored, and histological analysis was performed. Results: CAP reduced NB cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner by increasing intracellular ROS and lipid peroxidation. CAP-treated NB cells showed a 50% rise in oxidative DNA damage, a two-fold increase in apoptosis, and alterations in cell-cycle progression, while normal fibroblasts showed modest effects. CAP predominantly induced apoptosis, though secondary necrosis appeared with prolonged exposures, consistent with caspase-3 and PARP pathways. In xenografts, CAP reduced tumor diameter by 60% and increased caspase-3-positive cells, with minimal effects on normal tissue. Conclusions: CAP demonstrates strong therapeutic potential as a targeted, non-invasive NB treatment, particularly for residual tumors near vascular structures with consistent exposure times (60–300 s). Full article

Background: Inguinal wound healing disorders have been a relevant problem in the surgical treatment of peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAD) for decades with reported rates of up to 30%. Despite the otherwise diverse innovations in vascular surgery, there are hardly any improvements in this area, on the contrary, comorbidities such as obesity, as relevant risk factors, continue to increase. The application of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has in turn shown promise in approaches for the treatment of chronic wounds, we therefore evaluated the potential reduction in inguinal wound healing disorders through the intraoperative application of CAP. Methods: We carried out a pilot study including 50 patients with a high risk for inguinal wound healing disorders that underwent a peripheral arterial reconstruction with inguinal access. Alternately, these patients were treated once intraoperatively with CAP (n = 25) or served as the control group (n = 25). The wound condition was then evaluated for the next fourteen days, with a follow up of three months. Results: The two groups showed no differences regarding risk factors such as smoking, obesity, PAD stage or surgery-related aspects like incision length or duration of surgery. No differences were found regarding wound-related readmission. However, the patients who had been treated intraoperatively with CAP showed a significant reduction in the need for surgical revisions due to inguinal wound healing disorders (8% vs. 32%, p = 0.034). Conclusions: This pilot study shows that the intraoperative use of CAP could be a promising approach to reduce major inguinal wound healing disorders. Full article

Culinary herbs and spices are highly valued for their contribution to aroma, color, and overall flavor in traditional foods. Microbial inactivation in fresh herbs and spices is challenging due to their complex surface structures and dense natural microflora, which limit the effectiveness of conventional methods. Atmospheric cold plasma (ACP) is an innovative non-thermal technology with potential applications in the fresh spice industry. This study investigates the efficacy of ACP, generated using a practical, simple, and original system that allows uniform treatment without complex equipment, on microbial inactivation and quality attributes of fresh spices. Treatments of 1 and 3 min were applied, and their effects on natural microflora, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas syringae spp. were evaluated on the first day and after 7 days of storage. Results showed that 3 min treatments achieved higher reductions in natural microflora (2.91 log CFU g⁻¹), E. coli (2.76 log CFU g⁻¹), and P. syringae spp. (2.24 log CFU g⁻¹) compared to 1 min treatments (1.87, 1.93, and 1.65 log CFU g⁻¹, respectively). Different herbs exhibited varying responses to ACP, reflecting differences in leaf structure and chemical composition, which highlights the need for tailored treatment strategies. ACP treatment did not significantly affect water activity, color, or moisture content (except for rosemary, bay leaf, and thyme), nor total anthocyanin content (TAA), total phenolic content (TPC), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), or total flavonoid content (TFC). However, total chlorophyll content (TCC) and pH increased significantly in most samples (except rosemary and dill). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the tissue integrity of rosemary and mint was affected by ACP, although more than 50% of carvone in mint was preserved, and its concentration increased. The observed microbial reductions and 3–8-day shelf-life extension suggest meaningful improvements in safety and storage stability for industrial applications. Overall, ACP demonstrates promise as a safe, efficient, and scalable alternative to conventional decontamination methods, with broad potential for enhancing the quality and shelf life of fresh spices. Full article

This study aimed to determine the optimal application sequence of cold atmospheric helium plasma (CAP) with fluoride varnish to enhance enamel protection and fluoride uptake. A total of 91 bovine incisor teeth were randomly assigned into seven groups (n = 13 each): negative control (C, no treatment), comparative controls [helium gas (He, gas only)], helium plasma (P, plasma only)], positive control [fluoride varnish (V)], and three experimental groups: plasma followed by varnish (PV), varnish followed by plasma (VP), and plasma before and after varnish (PVP). Specimens were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and microhardness testing at 0, 24, and 48 h post-treatment. SEM revealed that helium plasma treatment enhanced the even dispersion of fluoride and reduced imperfections on the enamel surface. EDX analysis indicated significant alterations in the elemental composition, particularly with respect to the amount of fluoride (F) and the calcium-to-phosphorus (Ca/P) ratios. In the PVP group (CAP before and after varnish), the fluoride atomic percentage increased notably from 1.21% (varnish group) to 7.31% at 48h. Concurrently, the Ca/P ratio increased from 1.95 to 2.39 corresponding with a statistically significant 24% improvement in enamel hardness (repeated-measures ANOVA with Bonferroni correction, p < 0.05). The timing of CAP application critically affects fluoride absorption and enamel hardening. This study clearly demonstrates how sequential CAP treatment maximizes fluoride effectiveness, offering a promising route for non-invasive caries prevention. Full article

Background/Objectives: Osseointegration of titanium dental implants is essential for the long-term success of prosthetic treatments. Cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAP) has recently emerged as a promising surface modification technique aimed at enhancing early osseointegration by improving implant surface properties and exerting antimicrobial effects. This systematic review aims to critically evaluate the in vivo preclinical evidence on the effects of CAP or similar cold plasma treatments on titanium dental implant surfaces with regard to osseointegration outcomes. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus databases for preclinical in vivo studies published between 2005 and 2025 investigating the effects of cold plasma on titanium dental implant surfaces. The primary outcome assessed was the bone-to-implant contact (BIC), followed by secondary outcomes including implant stability quotient (ISQ), removal torque, bone area fraction occupancy (BAFO), peri-implant bone density (PIBD), interfacial bone density (IBD), bone-implant direct weight (BDWT) and bone loss measurements via histology and micro-CT. Risk of bias was evaluated using the SYRCLE Risk of Bias tool. Results: Nine eligible studies involving 310 titanium implants in 71 animal models (dogs, pigs and mice) were included. CAP-treated implants consistently demonstrated significant improvements in early osseointegration parameters compared to controls, with statistically significant increases in BIC (up to +20%), BAFO and biomechanical fixation metrics (removal torque and ISQ). Micro-CT analyses revealed enhanced peri-implant bone density and architecture. No adverse biological events or implant failures related to plasma treatment were reported. However, heterogeneity in plasma protocols, animal species and short follow-up durations (2–12 weeks) limited comparability and long-term interpretation. Conclusions: Preclinical evidence seems to support CAP as a safe and potentially effective surface treatment for enhancing early osseointegration of titanium dental implants. Further standardized long-term studies involving functional loading and clinical trials in humans are needed to confirm clinical efficacy and optimize treatment protocols. Full article

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) devices produce reactive oxygen and reactive nitrogen species, which have antimicrobial and antiviral effects, while also affecting the molecular and cellular processes in eukaryotic cells. This study investigates the effects of CAP treatment on immune responses and long-term organism health in the upper respiratory tract (URT). Using a surface-microdischarge-based plasma intensive care (PIC) device from terraplasma medical GmbH, 129Sv/Ev wildtype mice were exposed to short (single 10 min session), long (five 10 min sessions), and recovery-phase treatments (five 10 min sessions; 7 days of recovery). Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was examined by cytospin, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, and mRNA expression analysis. Lung tissue was analyzed for morphological changes (H&E), DNA damage (γH2AX), apoptosis (TUNEL), immune cell marker alterations (CD45, Ly-6G, CD68, CD3, MCC), and fibrosis (NE). Results showed that PIC treatment increased the number of apoptotic cells and activated immune markers, such as IFN-γ, IL-6, and TNF-α, in the lungs, especially after multiple treatments. These effects largely reversed after a 7-day regeneration period. Importantly, no DNA damage or morphological lung alterations were observed across groups. The findings suggest that PIC treatment in the URT induces transient immune activation without causing tissue damage, but caution is advised for patients with cytokine release syndrome or macrophage activation syndrome due to potential cytokine surges. Full article

The aim of this study was to determine the possibilities of using cold-plasma technology in counteracting the development of denture stomatitis (DS) in patients using different kinds of prosthetic restorations. The study focused mainly on the effect of cold atmospheric plasma on prosthetic materials, such as acryl (AR), acetal (AT), and a prosthetic metal alloy (MA). The materials were tested in terms of the effect of the plasma exposure time (5, 10, and 20 min) on changes in the chemical composition, morphology, and surface topography (FT-IR, SEM-EDS, optical profilometer) as well as changes in the color and contact angle (spectrophotometer, goniometer) after the plasma process. Furthermore, the ability of reference fungi (C. albicans and C. glabrata) to adhere to non-modified and cold atmospheric plasma (CAP)-modified dental materials was examined to evaluate the susceptibility of dental material surfaces to 12 h fungal contamination. The obtained results demonstrate that CAP appears viable for the surface modification of the acetal resin and the metal alloy, not compromising their structural integrity while variably limiting fungal overgrowth involved in the development of DS, whereas its application to the acrylic resin may be inadvisable due to morphological and optical alterations. Full article

Objective: To evaluate the effects of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) on adhesive bonding in Class II composite restorations in vitro. Methods: Forty-eight standardized Class II cavities were assigned to six groups (n = 8), varying in phosphoric acid conditioning, CAP treatment (1.5 W or 3 W), composite filling, and thermo-mechanical loading (TML). Evaluations included dye penetration, adhesive layer morphology, resin tag length, and hybrid layer thickness. Results: CAP combined with phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄) significantly increased hybrid layer thickness and resin tag length (p < 0.006). The lowest dye penetration was observed in Groups 1 and 4. Conclusions: CAP in combination with phosphoric acid improved the adhesive interface in Class II cavities. CAP alone showed limited benefits, and higher power levels may negatively affect bonding. Full article

Growing global concerns over pesticide residues and microbial contamination in plant-derived foods have intensified the demand for sustainable decontamination solutions. Conventional physical, chemical, and biological methods are hampered by inherent limitations, including operational inefficiency, secondary pollution risks, and nutritional degradation. Atmospheric cold plasma (ACP) has emerged as a promising non-thermal technology to address these challenges at near-ambient temperatures, leveraging the generation of highly reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (RONS), ultraviolet radiation, and ozone. This review comprehensively examines fundamental ACP mechanisms, discharge configurations, and their applications within plant-based food safety systems. It critically evaluates recent advancements in inactivating microorganisms, degrading mycotoxins and pesticides, and modulating enzymatic activity, while also exploring emerging applications in bioactive compound extraction, drying enhancement, and seed germination promotion. Crucially, the impact of ACP on the quality attributes of plant-based foods is summarized. Treatment parameters can alter physicochemical properties covering color, texture, flavor, acidity, and water activity as well as nutritional constituents such as antioxidants, proteins, lipids, and carbohydrate content. As an environmentally friendly, low-energy-consumption technology with high reactivity, ACP offers transformative potential for enhancing food safety, preserving quality, and fostering sustainable agricultural systems. Full article

Development of sustainable agriculture on Mars is a critical step towards its colonisation. However, Martian regolith is coarse-grained, and its mineral profile differs significantly from that of terrestrial arable soil, resulting in poor seed germination success and stunted plant development. This study investigates whether germination success and plant growth can be improved by exposing seeds and plants to water enriched with either i) biochemically active reactive oxygen and nitrogen species generated by atmospheric pressure plasma (PAW) or (ii) nano-/micro-bubbles and minerals such as potassium and calcium extracted from Aquapulse^® feldspar (APW), a type of rock that is readily available on Mars, at different stages of the crop lifecycle. As a crop model, microgreen crops of B. oleracea and M. sativa are chosen for their short growth cycle, low resource requirements, and high nutritional value. For B. oleracea crops, soaking of seeds in PAW followed by irrigation with APW led to an increase in germination by ~566.7%, in biomass by 412.4%, and in chlorophyll content by 17.7% compared to crops grown using normal water for seed soaking and irrigation. For M. sativa crops, the use of APW for soaking and irrigation yielded an increase of 41.7% in seed germination and 45.2% in crop biomass, whereas the use of PAW for both soaking and irrigation resulted in the greatest improvement in seed germination, 41.7%, when compared to control. These results suggest that, with further optimisation, a regiment of treatment with PAW and APW in place of normal water can be used to address stage-specific challenges of the crop lifecycle in Martian regolith. As amending Martian regolith with a minimum of 1% organic matter is required to promote healthy plant development, further studies should investigate the use of plasma-mediated reforming of biowaste for in situ production of e.g., biochar. Full article