In the realm of modern medicine, breakthrough technologies continuously redefine the boundaries of what is possible. One innovation that holds immense promise, particularly in the context of healing wounds for military veterans, is nonthermal plasma. While the concept of plasma may conjure images of futuristic sci-fi scenarios, its application in healthcare, specifically wound care, is very real and profoundly impactful.

Nonthermal plasma, often referred to as cold plasma or simply plasma, is a lesser‑known fourth state of matter, distinct from solids, liquids, and gases. Nonthermal plasma is typically generated by applying energy to a gas, causing ionization and the creation of highly reactive species. It is characterized by its non-equilibrium state, allowing for unique chemical reactions and applications in various sectors such as medicine, agriculture and industry. Nonthermal plasma is only partially ionized, so it maintains a relatively low gas temperature (~25°C to ~100°C), unlike thermal plasma that reaches much higher temperatures (~3,000°C to >100,000°C). This allows nonthermal plasma to achieve desired effects without causing thermal damage to surrounding materials or tissues.

How Nonthermal Plasma Heals Wounds: Nonthermal plasma produces a combination of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), UV radiation, and electric fields. These components work synergistically to eradicate pathogens, promote tissue regeneration, and stimulate the immune response.

Benefits for Military Veterans: For military veterans, especially those who have sustained combat-related injuries or undergone surgical procedures, wound care is often a prolonged and challenging process. Nonthermal plasma presents several benefits tailored to address their specific needs:

  1. Rapid Healing: Military operations demand swift recovery times to ensure personnel can return to duty or civilian life promptly. Nonthermal plasma accelerates wound healing by stimulating cell proliferation and angiogenesis, reducing the risk of complications and long-term disabilities.
  2. Combatting Drug-Resistant Pathogens: Veterans, particularly those who have been deployed in regions with limited medical resources, may encounter drug-resistant bacteria that pose a significant threat to wound healing. Nonthermal plasma’s broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties offer a promising solution to combat these resilient pathogens effectively.
  3. Minimizing Scarring: Visible scars not only serve as reminders of traumatic experiences but can also impact veterans’ self-esteem and reintegration into society. Nonthermal plasma has shown potential in minimizing scar formation by promoting more organized collagen deposition and reducing inflammation, leading to improved aesthetic outcomes.
  4. Portable and Cost-Effective: In military settings, where access to advanced medical facilities may be limited, portable and cost-effective solutions are invaluable. Nonthermal plasma devices are compact, lightweight, and relatively inexpensive compared to traditional wound care modalities, making them well-suited for deployment in field hospitals or remote areas.

Nonthermal plasma represents a transformative approach to wound healing that offers immense benefits for military veterans. By addressing current challenges and exploring future directions, we can unlock the full potential of plasma-based therapies and provide our veterans with the compassionate care they deserve.

 

References:

Bolgeo, T., Maconi, A., Gardalini, M., Gatti, D., Di Matteo, R., Lapidari, M., Longhitano, Y.,      Savioli, G., Piccioni, A., & Zanza, C. (2023, April 26). The role of cold atmospheric    plasma in wound healing processes in critically ill patients. Journal of personalized medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10219374/

Fridman, A. (2008). Plasma Chemistry. Cambridge University Press.

Kushner, M. J. (2007). Handbook of Plasma Processing Technology: Fundamental, Etching,        Deposition, and Surface Interactions (2nd ed.). William Andrew Publishing.