A novel atmospheric-pressure air plasma jet for wound healing

Abstract

Current low-temperature plasma (LTP) devices essentially use a rare gas source with a short working distance (8 to 20 mm), low gas flow rate (0.12 to 0.3 m3/h), and small effective treatment area (1-5 cm2), limiting the applications for which LTP can be utilised in clinical therapy. In the present study, a novel type of LTP equipment was developed, having the advantages of a free gas source (surrounding air), long working distance (8 cm), high gas flow rate (10 m3/h), large effective treatment area (20 cm2), and producing an abundance of active substances (NOγ, OH, N2, and O), effectively addressing the shortcomings of current LTP devices. Furthermore, it has been verified that the novel LTP device displays therapeutic efficacy in terms of acceleration of wound healing in normal and Type I diabetic rats, with enhanced wound kinetics, rate of condensation of wound area, and recovery ratio. Cellular and molecular analysis indicated that LTP treatment significantly reduced inflammation and enhanced re-epithelialization, fibroblast proliferation, deposition of collagen, neovascularization, and expression of TGF-β, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase in Type I diabetic rats. In conclusion, the novel LTP device provides a convenient and efficient tool for the treatment of clinical wounds.