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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is nonthermal plasma?

Nonthermal plasma refers to a partially ionized gas that is not in thermal equilibrium. It contains a mix of charged particles, such as ions and electrons, but the gas temperature remains relatively low, unlike traditional thermal plasmas.

How is nonthermal plasma generated?

Nonthermal plasma can be generated through various methods including dielectric barrier discharge, atmospheric pressure glow discharge, corona discharge, and microwave or radio frequency excitation. These techniques create an electric field that ionizes the gas without significantly increasing its temperature.

Is nonthermal plasma safe?

Nonthermal plasma is generally considered safe when used properly. However, it is important to follow prescribed safety measures and guidelines when working with nonthermal plasma systems. When used for medical treatment it is especially important that parameters, such as gas composition, power level, and treatment duration, be carefully controlled to ensure the desired effects while minimizing potential risks.

How does nonthermal plasma treatment work?

Nonthermal plasma treatment works by generating a partially ionized gas that contains reactive species such as ions, electrons, and radicals. These reactive species can interact with biological or chemical targets, leading to various effects such as sterilization, disinfection, surface modification, and pollutant degradation.

Can nonthermal plasma treatment replace traditional treatments?

Nonthermal plasma treatment is a complementary approach that can be used in conjunction with traditional treatments. It offers unique advantages in certain applications but may not entirely replace established therapeutic methods. The suitability of nonthermal plasma treatment depends on the specific condition and should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

What is nitric oxide (NO)?

Nitric oxide (NO) is a colorless gas composed of one nitrogen atom (N) and one oxygen atom (O). It is a highly reactive molecule and plays crucial roles in various biological processes.

What are the functions of nitric oxide in the body?

Nitric oxide serves as a signaling molecule in the body, regulating various physiological processes, including vasodilation, neurotransmission, immune response and cell signaling.

What conditions are treated with nitric oxide?

Nitric oxide is commonly used as a treatment for neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and pulmonary hypertension.

Can anyone receive nitric oxide treatment?

Nitric oxide treatment is prescribed and administered under the supervision of healthcare professionals. The eligibility for treatment depends on the specific medical condition and its suitability for nitric oxide therapy. Only a qualified medical practitioner can determine whether nitric oxide treatment is appropriate for an individual.

Further Reading

The Science Behind Nonthermal (Cold) Plasma and Wound Healing

The Science Behind Nonthermal (Cold) Plasma and Wound Healing

Mar 1, 2024

Wound healing has come a long way, with innovations in medical technology continuously pushing the boundaries of traditional treatment methods. Nonthermal plasma One such that has gained significant attention as a breakthrough therapy. In this blog post, we delve into...

Plasma-Treated Solutions (PTS) in Cancer Therapy

Plasma-Treated Solutions (PTS) in Cancer Therapy

Jan 7, 2022

Hiromasa Tanaka, Sander Bekeschus, Dayun Yan, Masaru Hori, Michael Keidar, Mounir Laroussi Cold physical plasma is a partially ionized gas generating various reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) simultaneously. ROS/RNS have therapeutic effects when applied...