Tuning cold plasma can either promote or inhibit bone formation
Cold plasma looks like the glow from the “Star Wars” blue light saber but this beam of energy, made of electrons that change polarity at micro-second or nanosecond speeds, could help bones heal faster, according to a study published August 11th in the Journal of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine.
Most people interact with plasma every day. It’s in our TVs, fluorescent lights, lightning, the aurora borealis, and the sun. However, these are all examples of hot or “thermal” plasmas. Since the discovery of cold plasma, about 20 years ago, it has been used in agriculture to sterilize the surface of fruit without damaging the delicate edibles. More recently, scientists have been performing experiments treating living animal cells and tissues with cold plasma to learn more about its potential applications in medicine.
“We’ve previously studied how different applications of cold plasma can either directly kill cells, such as in skin cancer, or help them grow, as in developing bones. In this study, we asked how cold plasma would affect the area surrounding cells, known as the extracellular matrix,” says lead author Theresa Freeman, Ph.D., Associate Professor in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery in the Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University. The extracellular matrix around cells is made of collagen and other proteins that interact with the cells and can influence their growth and behavior. For example, the extracellular matrix can either promote or inhibit bone formation or cancer cell growth and metastasis.
“We showed that matrix treated with cold plasma generated using microsecond pulsing can promote differentiation of cells into cartilage and increase bone formation,” says Dr. Freeman. “Conversely, we showed matrix treated with nanosecond-pulsed cold plasma inhibited cell differentiation and bone formation.”
The study demonstrates that cold plasma may be “tuned” to either promote or inhibit cell/matrix interactions by chemically altering the matrix.
The researchers started their experiments by exposing a commercially available extracellular matrix, (Matrigel) to either nanosecond or microsecond pulsed cold plasma at different frequencies. When microsecond cold plasma-treated Matrigel was inserted into a mouse, cells entered the gel and began the process of bone formation. However, far fewer cells entered the nanosecond plasma-treated Matrigel, and bone formation was stunted. Using an in vitro assay, Dr. Freeman and colleagues showed that cells grown on microsecond plasma-treated collagen had higher levels of focal adhesion kinase activation, indicating better cell/matrix attachments which helps initiate bone formation. There were also higher levels of anti-apoptotic proteins, suggesting better cell viability than in nanosecond-cold plasma treated collagen.
“As research into medical applications of cold plasma expands, it will be important to study various plasma types and conditions in tissue models, rather than isolated cells,” says Dr. Freeman, “Because cold plasma affects each cell type and matrix protein to produce variable physiological effects,” says Dr. Freeman, “it’s important to study not just how each cell behaves when exposed, but how they react together within the tissue and organismal environment.”
Learn more: The fourth state of matter, plasma: A technology to improve bone healing?
The Latest on: Cold plasma
[google_news title=”” keyword=”Cold plasma” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
via Google News
The Latest on: Cold plasma
- Seed treatment, without compromise? Cold plasma is ready for prime time, says Clean Crop Technologieson May 7, 2024 at 11:00 am
Clean Crop Technologies has launched a commercial cold plasma seed treatment facility, and signed $3.4m in purchase orders, says the startup ...
- US Medical Innovations Secures FDA Clearance for Canady Helios Cold Plasma™ Ablation Systemon May 7, 2024 at 9:35 am
US Medical Innovations, LLC (USMI) announced today it has received FDA 510k Clearance (K240297) for the Canady Helios Cold Plasma™ (CHCP) Ablation System for the ablation of soft tissue during surgery ...
- Tungsten-lined tokamak sets fusion record, sustains plasma for 6 minson May 7, 2024 at 1:09 am
The fusion reaction plasma carried 15 percent more energy and had twice the density than before, the researchers said.
- Cold and Flu Newson May 6, 2024 at 4:59 pm
Mar. 26, 2024 — Simply asking patients to get the flu vaccine, and combining it with helpful video and print messages, is enough to persuade many who visit emergency departments to roll up their ...
- Spacecraft captures absolutely incredible video of plasma swirling on the sunon May 6, 2024 at 1:10 pm
The Solar Orbiter spacecraft captured outbursts, jets and rivers of plasma beneath the arch of a glowing coronal loop.
- Global Cold Plasma Market is poised to reach a staggering US$ 9,380.9 million by the year 2033on May 2, 2024 at 8:44 pm
Future Market Insights (FMI), a renowned market intelligence and consulting firm, unveils promising projections for the global cold plasma market, signaling a lucrative trajectory in the coming years.
- 11 Best Cold Plunge Tubs in 2024on April 29, 2024 at 5:00 pm
Here’s our process. Our best overall cold plunge tub honor goes to the aptly named Plunge, while your wallet might love the G Ganen tub. Take a dip into the best tubs that provide physical and ...
- The Best Cold Plunge Tubs for Every Type of Athlete and Wellness Loveron April 29, 2024 at 7:56 am
Dip into Hollywood-loved cryotherapy at home with these ice bath options for every size of space and budget. By Danielle Directo-Meston E-Commerce Writer If you purchase an independently reviewed ...
- Is it a cold or hay fever? How to tell the difference, according to an experton April 28, 2024 at 3:32 am
If this sounds familiar, it might be that you don't actually have a cold at all, but hay fever is causing your symptoms – especially now we're well into spring. Symptoms can overlap but it's ...
- No Antibiotics Needed – Revolutionary Chronic Wound Treatment Could Help Millionson April 28, 2024 at 1:29 am
An international team of scientists has developed a new treatment for chronic wounds that uses ionized gas to activate a wound dressing, without the need for antibiotics. The treatment involves the pl ...
via Bing News