ID: 2267

• Title:
  Real-Time Effects of Cold Atmospheric Plasma on Mammalian Cells
  
  Authors:
  

  Horkowitz, Alexander P - George Washington University
  Keidar, Michael - George Washington University
  

  
  
  Abstract:
  In recent years cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has demonstrated selective cancer killing capacity in vitro and in vivo. This selective anti-cancer capacity has primarily been attributed to the delivery of CAP generated reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) when samples are treated with CAP jets and dielectric barrier discharge based devices. However, physical emissions such as UV to visible light photons, electromagnetic waves, acoustic waves, and thermal heating are also generated by CAP devices making it challenging to determine the primary effective components and mechanisms of action involved in anti-cancer selectivity. Our recent work in developing contained plasma devices, termed “discharge-tubes”, allows one to separate the effects of chemical products, mainly RONS, from the physical emissions of the device by blocking the delivery of exogenous RONS generated by the plasma. Plasma medicine research in the cancer field has primarily focused on reduced cell viability, tumor ablation, and animal model survival 24 hours to multiple days and weeks following CAP treatment. By demonstrating the efficacy of CAP treatments of various cancers, this research has provided the foundation for which to pursue CAP treatments for human cancers in the near future. However, real-time and short-term effects occurring in less than 24 hours in vitro and in vivo from chemical or physical emissions remain elusive. The use of real-time imaging and short-term biochemical assays has allowed for deeper investigation into these real-time and near term cellular effects from CAP treatment. In this study, we investigate cellular effects from physical emissions generated by the discharge tube CAP device, in real-time and less than 24 hours post treatment. Effects on mitochondrial membrane potential, calcium signaling, cell morphology, proliferation and stemness markers, and cell viability are of primary focus in this study. Herein we compare the differential effects of treatment parameters on multiple cancerous of normal cell lines.
  
  Keywords:
  Cold atmospheric plasma, non-thermal plasma, cancer, RONS, mitochondria
  
  Refs:
  
  
  Topic 1:
  1. Biological responses (molecular, subcellular, cellular and intercellular)
  
  Topic 2:
  6. Cancer treatment and tumor ablation