Microwave plasma-induced effects on human immune lymphocytes

Microwave plasma generates reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, making it popular in biomedical research. These species affect human cell shape, viability, and function. Plasma-induced biochemical changes affect lymphocytes, which regulate immunological responses.

This study aims to investigate the effects of microwave plasma on lymphocyte cells to estimate how different exposure times affect their biological responses. Lymphocytes were exposed to microwave plasma for different time intervals.

Healthy men aged 25-30 years provided 5 mL venous blood samples in sterile heparinized tubes. After stimulation with phytohemagglutinin (PHA), lymphocytes were grown in RPMI-1640 medium at 37°C for 72 h. After incubation, cells were centrifuged, red blood cells were lysed with a hypotonic solution, and fixed with methanol:acetic acid (3:1). The fixed cell suspension was air-dried and Giemsa-stained on glass slides.

Studies have indicated that exposure to plasma alters the morphology and behavior of lymphocytes. Reactive species that interact with cell membranes and intracellular components may cause these alterations. Plasma has potential in biomedical applications, but exposure parameters must be carefully controlled. Short-term plasma exposure appears to boost cell proliferation in healthy lymphocytes, bolstering the immune response. In contrast, extended plasma exposure (≥25 min) may reduce pathological cell proliferation in diseased cells.

Short-duration plasma treatment promotes normal cell function, while extended exposure times target diseased cells. Microwave plasma has 2 effects depending on exposure time. Plasma exerts different biological effects depending on exposure time. Short exposure boosts normal lymphocyte activity and proliferation, but long exposure suppresses aberrant cells. Thus, microwave plasma is attractive for biomedical applications when exposure parameters are well controlled.