How to control the plasma jet production of reactive species for medical therapy? A topical review
Sushil Kumar KC, Bhagirath Ghimire, Sung‐Ha Hong, Jun‐Seok Oh, Endre J. Szili
Abstract
Abstract Atmospheric pressure plasma jets operated in an ambient environment are known to generate a rich mixture of reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species, collectively referred to as RONS. At the cellular level, RONS have been linked to well-established signaling pathways that are important in tackling disease. However, there are still major gaps in our knowledge of which RONS (speciation, dose, and depth) are delivered by plasma into tissue; and following on from this, how we can control the plasma to deliver RONS effectively and safely into tissue. The purpose of this topical review is to highlight the research achievements that have helped improve our understanding of the physical and chemical mechanisms underpinning the plasma jet production of RONS and how to control their delivery into biological systems. The review also identifies new research ideas to address gaps in our knowledge (of RONS generation and delivery) to tailor the next generation of plasma jets to deliver RONS into human tissue with the precision needed to realize the full clinical potential of the technology. Completing these gaps in our knowledge is vital for the future development of medical plasma technologies; and will improve the possibility of developing optimal plasma technologies and protocols tailored specifically for the requirements of each patient.