Events

Cell-based In Vitro Models as Useful Tools for Physical Plasma Source Characterization

Applied Physics
Lecture / Panel
 
For NYU Community

Thomas von Woedtke

Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP Greifswald)
Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489 Greifswald, Germany

Abstract

Plasma medicine is emerging worldwide and some promising therapeutic applications seem to be imminent.  However, much basic research is needed to assess potential risks and provide a scientific underpinning for medical therapies. Above all, an effective, comprehensive and early-stage characterization of biological effects of atmospheric-pressure plasma sources is required to support in-vivo experiments as well as clinical studies. Cell-based in-vitro models are relatively simple (compared to semi-in-vivo as well as in-vivo models) and, therefore, can be applied easily for plasma source characterization to estimate different bio-relevant plasma effects in vitro:

  1. Treatment of (physiological) liquids: analysis of reactive species generation, estimation of potential changes of the vital environment of cells and tissue
  2. Characterization of basic cellular parameters: morphology, vitality, growth, proliferation, apoptosis, cell detachment, intracellular generation of reactive species
  3. Characterization of special cellular responses: DNA damage, mutagenicity, surface proteins, intracellular proteins, metabolites
  4. Estimation of complex plasma effects as well as cellular responses like selective antisepsis, tissue regeneration, etc., using 3D cell cultures (epidermis model)