Plasma (Jun 2024)

The Promising Potential of Cold Atmospheric Plasma Therapies

  • Beata Stańczyk,
  • Marek Wiśniewski

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/plasma7020025
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 7, no. 2
pp. 465 – 497

Abstract

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The outstanding properties and chemistry of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) are not sufficiently understood due to their relatively complex systems and transient properties. In this paper, we tried to present a detailed review of the applications of CAP in modern medicine, highlighting the biochemistry of this phenomenon. Due to its unique characteristics, CAP has emerged as a promising tool in various medical applications. CAP, as a partially—or fully ionized—gas-retaining state of quasi-neutrality, contains many particles, such as electrons, charged atoms, and molecules displaying collective behaviour caused by Coulomb interactions. CAP can be generated at atmospheric pressure, making it suitable for medical settings. Cold plasma’s anti-microbial properties create an alternative method to antibiotics when treating infections. It also enhances cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation, leading to accelerated tissue regeneration. CAP can also be a powerful tool in anti-tumour therapies, stem cell proliferation, dental applications, and disease treatment, e.g., neurology. It is our belief that this article contributes to the deeper understanding of cold plasma therapy and its potential in medicine. The objective of this study is to demonstrate the potential of this relatively novel approach as a promising treatment modality. By covering a range of various biomedical fields, we hope to provide a comprehensive overview of CAP applications for multiple medical conditions. In order to gain further insight into the subject, we attempted to gather crucial research and evidence from various studies, hopefully creating a compelling argument in favour of CAP therapy. Our aim is to highlight the innovative aspects of CAP therapy where traditional methods may have limitations. Through this article, we intend to provide a convenient reference source for readers engaged in the examination of CAP’s potential in medicine.

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