Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 5, 2025

An Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Setup to Investigate the Reactive Species Formation
Published on: November 3, 2016
Cold atmospheric pressure He-plasma jet and plasma ball interactions with the Venus flytrap: Electrophysiology and
1Department of Chemistry, Oakwood University, 7000 Adventist Blvd., Huntsville, AL 35896, USA.
Abstract:
Cold atmospheric pressure radio frequency plasma (CAPP) can play an important role in agriculture, medicine, biophysical and bioelectrochemical applications, disinfection and sterilization, synthesis of different compounds, nitrogen fixation, and treatment of surfaces. Here we found that reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, UV-Vis photons, and high-frequency strong electromagnetic fields with an amplitude of a few kV produced by a cold plasma jet can interact with bio-tissue and damage it if the plasma treatment is long enough. The electrophysiological effects of CAPP treatment of bio-tissue and electrical signals transmission were measured in the Venus flytrap. The plasma ball does not produce any visible side effects on the Venus flytrap, but induces electrical signals in bio-tissue with very high amplitude. Plasma (Kirlian) photography shows the existence of a blue aura around the plasma ball due to a corona discharge. Understanding the mechanisms of interactions between CAPP and bio-tissue and preventing side effects can contribute to the application of plasma technology in medicine and agriculture. The use of cold plasma in medicine and agriculture should be monitored for side effects from strong high-frequency electro-magnetic fields, UV photons, and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species to protect against undesirable consequences.
Related Concept Videos
Epiphytes, Parasites, and Carnivores
Inductively Coupled Plasma–Mass Spectrometry (ICP–MS): Overview
Momentum And Radiation Pressure
Responses to Heat and Cold Stress
Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS): Interferences
Requirements for Human Life
Oxygen
Atmospheric air is only about 20 percent oxygen, but that oxygen is a key component of the chemical reactions that keep the body alive, including the reactions that produce ATP. Brain cells are susceptible to a lack of oxygen because they require a...

