Potential Use of Non-thermal Plasma in Oncotherapy

Abstract

In addition to solids, liquids and gases there is the fourth fundamental state of matter, the plasma which is a partially ionized medium, consisting of electrons, ions, neutral atoms and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Application of the non-thermal plasma has a large potential in various areas including medicine. A significant acceleration of wound healing can be achieved through the non-thermal plasma due to its antimicrobial effects, stimulation of proliferation, as well as migration of cells and its influence on cellular adhesive receptors. The non-thermal plasma is able to selectively eliminate cancer cells through reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and it can be used in anticancer therapy.