Cell-based In Vitro Models as Useful Tools for Physical Plasma Source Characterization
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:
- Treatment of (physiological) liquids: analysis of reactive species generation, estimation of potential changes of the vital environment of cells and tissue
- Characterization of basic cellular parameters: morphology, vitality, growth, proliferation, apoptosis, cell detachment, intracellular generation of reactive species
- Characterization of special cellular responses: DNA damage, mutagenicity, surface proteins, intracellular proteins, metabolites
- Estimation of complex plasma effects as well as cellular responses like selective antisepsis, tissue regeneration, etc., using 3D cell cultures (epidermis model)