On the design and characterization of a new cold atmospheric pressure plasma jet and its applications on cancer cells treatment

Abstract

In this paper, a new configuration of a cold atmospheric pressure plasma jet has been designed and constructed. Poly-methyl-methacrylate was used as a new dielectric in this configuration which in comparison to other dielectrics is inexpensive, more resistant against break, and also more shapeable. Then, the plasma jet parameters such as plume temperature, rotational and vibrational temperatures, power, electrical behavior (voltage and current profile), electron density, and the produced reactive species were characterized. In order to determine the jet temperature and the amount of reactive species, effects of applied voltage, gas flow rate, and distance from the nozzle were studied. The power of the jet was specified using Lissajous curve approach. The plume temperature of the plasma jet was about the room temperature. Optical emission spectroscopy determined the type of reactive species, and also electron density and its corresponding plasma frequency (~6.4 × 10(13) cm(-3) and 4.52 × 10(11) Hz). Because of producing different reactive species, the device can be used in different applications, especially in plasma medicine. Thus, 4T1 cancer cells were treated using this plasma jet. The results showed that this plasma jet has a great potential to kill one of the most aggressive and resistant cancerous cell lines.