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Updated: May 24, 2026
Basic Research in Plasma Medicine - A Throughput Approach from Liquids to Cells
Published on: November 17, 2017
Successful and safe use of 2 min cold atmospheric argon plasma in chronic wounds: results of a randomized controlled
G Isbary1, J Heinlin, T Shimizu
1Department of Dermatology, Allergology and Environmental Medicine, Hospital Munich Schwabing, Koelner Platz 1, D-80804 Munich, Germany. dr.isbary@googlemail.com
Background:
The development of antibiotic resistance by microorganisms is an increasing problem in medicine. In chronic wounds, bacterial colonization is associated with impaired healing. Cold atmospheric plasma is an innovative promising tool to deal with these problems.
Objectives:
The 5-min argon plasma treatment has already demonstrated efficacy in reducing bacterial numbers in chronic infected wounds in vivo. In this study we investigated a 2-min plasma treatment with the same device and the next-generation device, to assess safety and reduction in bacterial load, regardless of the kind of bacteria and their resistance level in chronic wounds.
Methods:
Twenty-four patients with chronic infected wounds were treated in a prospective randomized controlled phase II study with 2 min of cold atmospheric argon plasma every day: 14 with MicroPlaSter alpha device, 10 with MicroPlaSter beta device (next-generation device) in addition to standard wound care. The patient acted as his/her own control. Bacterial species were detected by standard bacterial swabs and bacterial load by semiquantitative count on nitrocellulose filters. The plasma settings were the same as in the previous phase II study in which wounds were exposed for 5 min to argon plasma.
Results:
Analysis of 70 treatments in 14 patients with the MicroPlaSter alpha device revealed a significant (40%, P<0.016) reduction in bacterial load in plasma-treated wounds, regardless of the species of bacteria. Analysis of 137 treatments in 10 patients with the MicroPlaSter beta device showed a highly significant reduction (23.5%, P<0.008) in bacterial load. No side-effects occurred and the treatment was well tolerated.
Conclusions:
A 2-min treatment with either of two cold atmospheric argon plasma devices is a safe, painless and effective technique to decrease the bacterial load in chronic wounds.
Insights
Cold atmospheric plasma offers a safe and effective solution for chronic wound infections. Short 2-minute treatments significantly reduce bacterial load, aiding in wound healing.
Area of Science:
- Medical devices
- Plasma medicine
- Wound care
Background:
- Antibiotic resistance is a growing medical challenge.
- Bacterial colonization in chronic wounds impedes healing.
- Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) presents a novel therapeutic approach.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a 2-minute CAP treatment for chronic infected wounds.
- To assess bacterial load reduction irrespective of bacterial species or resistance.
- To compare two CAP devices: MicroPlaSter alpha and the next-generation MicroPlaSter beta.
Main Methods:
- A prospective randomized controlled phase II study involving 24 patients with chronic infected wounds.
- Daily 2-minute CAP treatment using either MicroPlaSter alpha (14 patients) or MicroPlaSter beta (10 patients) alongside standard care.
- Bacterial load quantified using semiquantitative counts on nitrocellulose filters; patients served as their own controls.
Main Results:
- MicroPlaSter alpha demonstrated a significant 40% reduction in bacterial load (P<0.016).
- MicroPlaSter beta showed a highly significant 23.5% reduction in bacterial load (P<0.008).
- No adverse side effects were reported; treatments were well-tolerated by all patients.
Conclusions:
- A 2-minute cold atmospheric argon plasma treatment is safe, painless, and effective.
- Both tested CAP devices successfully decrease bacterial load in chronic wounds.
- CAP therapy offers a promising alternative for managing chronic wound infections.
