Physical and biological mechanisms of direct plasma interaction with living tissue

TLDR

Plasma–tissue interaction mechanisms are complex, and unifying them under a single framework is unlikely. The authors aim to initiate a unified understanding by analyzing FE‑DBD interaction with living tissues and cells, discussing both biological and physical mechanisms. The study proposes that charged species drive the physical interaction and offers a hypothesis for plasma selectivity in biological mechanisms.

Abstract

Mechanisms of plasma interaction with living tissues and cells can be quite complex, owing to the complexity of both the plasma and the tissue. Thus, unification of all the mechanisms under one umbrella might not be possible. However, the authors are attempting to make first steps in this direction. In this paper, analysis of interaction of floating electrode dielectric barrier discharge (FE-DBD) with living tissues and cells is presented and biological and physical mechanisms are discussed. In physical mechanisms, charged species are identified as the major contributors to the desired effect and a mechanism of this interaction is proposed. Biological mechanisms are also addressed and a hypothesis of plasma selectivity and its effects is offered.