Cold Plasma Cloud Makes Wounds Heal Faster

An innovative device uses plasma gas for local treatment of microbial contaminated and infected skin and wounds.

The PlasmaDerm device creates a cool, tissue-compatible plasma cloud aimed at the wound site. The treatment involves placing the electrode of the device close to the skin, with the skin itself acting as the second electrode. A high frequency, high voltage alternating current is then applied across the gap, and the resulting electric fields convert the ambient air in the area between the electrode and the skin into non-thermal plasma, visible as a faint purple mist at the device’s tip. The device is gently moved in small circles to increase treatment area.

The cold plasma acts through the combination of a therapeutic electrical field, low irradiation in the beneficial ultraviolet (UV) UV-A and UV-B wave length range, and the activated gas particles from ambient air. The result is a deep stimulation of the treated skin and wound surfaces, inducing sustainably increased blood microcirculation in the area which resulting in an increased supply of oxygen and nutrients. To achieve optimal results, the therapy should be repeated twice to three times weekly over a period of two to three weeks.

Developed by the researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Surface Engineering and Thin Films (IST; Braunschweig, Germany), in collaboration with Cinogy (Duderstadt, Germany), the PlasmaDerm device has been found to be effective even against multi-resistant problem germs, such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

“Non-thermal plasma actually combines the mechanisms of different therapies. UV, ozone, and electrotherapy are already available, but plasma achieves a better effect in a shorter period of time,” said Prof. Steffen Emmert, MD, of University Medical Center Göttingen (Germany). “Plasma reduces the bacteria count on the skin’s surface, while the electric field simultaneously boosts the skin’s microcirculation by allowing more oxygen to be delivered. These are both decisive factors in improving wound healing.”

Related Links:
Fraunhofer Institute for Surface Engineering and Thin Films
Cinogy
University Medical Center Göttingen