Selective toxicity on canine blood cells by using atmospheric-pressure plasma jets

Abstract

Atmospheric pressure plasma jets have received increasing attention due to their non-thermal effects on biological samples. Their noticeable sterilization on tissues, selective apoptosis of cancer cells and effective regeneration of damaged tissues have successfully demonstrated their medical applicability. However, the side effects or toxic effects on normal cells should be investigated fully before real applications. In this study, we report the selective toxicity of atmospheric pressure plasma jets (APPJ) on blood cells in vitro for the first time. A complete blood cell count is used to count and size the blood cells statistically. We found gas- and time-dependent effects of APPJ exposure on the number ratios and the size distributions of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. © 2012 The Korean Physical Society.