Abstract
Non-invasive physical plasma (NIPP) achieves biomedical effects primarily through the formation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. In clinical use, these species interact with cells of the treated tissue, affecting the cytoplasmic membrane first. The present study investigated the permeability of the cytoplasmic membrane of breast cancer cells with different fluorescent dyes after NIPP treatment and determined the subsequent effects on cell viability. After NIPP treatment and the associated formation of reactive oxygen species, low molecular weight compounds were able to pass through the cytoplasmic membrane in both directions to a higher extent. Consequently, a loss of cellular ATP into the extracellular space was induced. Due to these limitations in cell physiology, apoptosis was induced in the cancer cells and the entire cell population exhibited decreased cell growth. It can be concluded that NIPP treatment disturbs the biochemical functionality of the cytoplasmic membrane of cancer cells, which massively impairs their viability. This observation opens a vast application horizon of NIPP therapy to treat precancerous and malignant diseases beyond breast cancer therapy.
Highlights
This non-invasive physical plasma (NIPP) primarily exerts its activity via reactive oxygen and nitrogen species formed at the interface between NIPP and the ambient atmosphere
In the medical application of NIPP, no thermal effects occur on the tissue, but reactive oxygen species (ROS) are formed
The present study revealed that low molecular weight compounds (≤10 kDa) could pass unimpaired through the cytoplasmic membrane of breast cancer cells after NIPP treatment
Summary
Medical physical plasma, which only reaches temperatures slightly above human body temperature, is used in therapy. A comparatively new field of application is plasma oncology. Devitalizing effects combined with simultaneous preservation of the surrounding tissue are used to treat solid tumors. This non-invasive physical plasma (NIPP) primarily exerts its activity via reactive oxygen and nitrogen species formed at the interface between NIPP and the ambient atmosphere. These reactive species exhibit antiproliferative, antimetastatic, and proapoptotic effects on cells and tissues [4,5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
