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Updated: Jun 10, 2026
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Basic Research in Plasma Medicine - A Throughput Approach from Liquids to Cells
Published on: November 17, 2017
Plasma medicine: possible applications in dermatology
Julia Heinlin1, Gregor Morfill, Michael Landthaler
1Department of Dermatology, University of Regensburg, Germany.
Summary
Plasma medicine utilizes cold atmospheric plasmas (CAPs) for effective, painless disinfection and targeted treatment of skin conditions. Further research is needed to understand cellular mechanisms and integrate plasma into clinical practice.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Plasma Physics
- Dermatology
Background:
- Plasma medicine is an emerging field leveraging advancements in plasma phenomena and sources.
- Thermal plasmas have established medical uses, but current research emphasizes non-thermal plasmas.
- Cold atmospheric plasmas (CAPs) offer promising applications in various medical disciplines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential of plasma medicine, particularly cold atmospheric plasmas (CAPs).
- To highlight the applications of CAPs in dermatology, including wound healing and infection therapy.
- To discuss the challenges and future directions for plasma integration into clinical settings.
Main Methods:
- Review of current research on plasma medicine and its applications.
- Experimental evidence demonstrating the efficacy of CAPs for disinfection and tissue interaction.
- Analysis of preliminary clinical trial data for treating infected chronic wounds.
Main Results:
- CAPs provide efficient, contact-free, and painless disinfection without harming healthy tissue.
- Plasmas can influence biochemical processes, enabling selective delivery of active substances.
- Early clinical trials indicate plasma's efficacy and tolerability in managing infected chronic wounds.
Conclusions:
- Plasma medicine, especially using CAPs, presents innovative therapeutic possibilities in dermatology and beyond.
- Further investigation into plasma's cellular mechanisms of action is crucial.
- Successful clinical translation requires continued research and integration into medical practice.
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