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Updated: Dec 28, 2025
Surface-enhanced Resonance Raman Scattering Nanoprobe Ratiometry for Detecting Microscopic Ovarian Cancer via Folate Receptor Targeting
Published on: March 25, 2019
Plasma-activated Ringer's Lactate Solution Displays a Selective Cytotoxic Effect on Ovarian Cancer Cells
Alina Bisag1,2, Cristiana Bucci1,2,3,4, Sara Coluccelli1,2,3,5,6
1Department of Industrial Engineering, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, 40136 Bologna, Italy.
Abstract:
Epithelial Ovarian Cancer (EOC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women and is characterized by the diffusion of nodules or plaques from the ovary to the peritoneal surfaces. Conventional therapeutic options cannot eradicate the disease and show low efficacy against resistant tumor subclones. The treatment of liquids via cold atmospheric pressure plasma enables the production of plasma-activated liquids (PALs) containing reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) with selective anticancer activity. Thus, the delivery of RONS to cancer tissues by intraperitoneal washing with PALs might be an innovative strategy for the treatment of EOC. In this work, plasma-activated Ringer's Lactate solution (PA-RL) was produced by exposing a liquid substrate to a multiwire plasma source. Subsequently, PA-RL dilutions are used for the treatment of EOC, non-cancer and fibroblast cell lines, revealing a selectivity of PA-RL, which induces a significantly higher cytotoxic effect in EOC with respect to non-cancer cells.
Insights
Plasma-activated liquids selectively kill epithelial ovarian cancer cells. This innovative cold atmospheric plasma approach offers a promising new strategy for treating ovarian cancer by targeting cancer cells while sparing healthy ones.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biophysics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is a leading cause of cancer death in women, often spreading to peritoneal surfaces.
- Conventional treatments are ineffective against resistant EOC and cannot fully eradicate the disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of plasma-activated liquids (PALs) as an innovative treatment for EOC.
- To evaluate the selective anticancer activity of PALs containing reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS).
Main Methods:
- Produced plasma-activated Ringer's Lactate solution (PA-RL) using a multiwire plasma source.
- Treated EOC, non-cancer, and fibroblast cell lines with PA-RL dilutions.
Main Results:
- PA-RL demonstrated selective cytotoxicity against EOC cells.
- EOC cells exhibited a significantly higher cytotoxic effect from PA-RL compared to non-cancer cells.
Conclusions:
- Intraperitoneal washing with PA-RL is a potential innovative strategy for EOC treatment.
- PA-RL shows selective anticancer activity, offering a promising therapeutic approach for ovarian cancer.
