by Yijiao Wu, Shiyu Yu, Xiyin Zhang, Xianzhong Wang ve Jiaojiao Zhang
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
This review discusses the regulatory mechanism of cold plasma on cell activity and its applications in both biomedical fields and animal husbandry. The technology’s effects are primarily driven by reactive oxygen species (ROS), which influence cells in a manner dependent on the treatment’s intensity and duration.
Key Applications and Mechanisms:
Biomedical Applications (Wound Healing & Tissue Regeneration):
- Low-intensity cold plasma treatment for a short duration can promote the proliferation of skin-related cells, including endothelial cells, keratinocytes, and fibroblasts, which accelerates wound healing.
- This promotion is achieved by inducing the release of growth factors like FGF-2 and activating signaling pathways such as MAPK/ERK and NF-κB.
- Conversely, high-intensity or long-duration treatment inhibits the proliferation of these same cells and can induce apoptosis, an effect that could be beneficial for reducing scar formation.
Stem Cell Regulation:
Cold plasma can promote the proliferation of stem cells while maintaining their essential properties (“stemness”).
It can act indirectly by modifying the surface of materials to make them more hydrophilic, thus improving stem cell adhesion and growth.
It also acts directly, with the plasma-produced nitric oxide (NO) activating pathways like PI3K/AKT and NF-κB to stimulate proliferation.
Cancer Therapy:
Cold plasma shows significant potential in cancer therapy because it can selectively kill a variety of malignant cancer cells while causing little or no harm to normal cells under the same conditions.
The mechanism relies on the fact that cancer cells naturally have higher levels of ROS and are more sensitive to oxidative stress.
The additional ROS from cold plasma treatment induces DNA damage and activates apoptosis pathways (such as the p53 and TNF pathways), leading to cancer cell death.
Animal Husbandry Applications:
Environment and Health: Cold plasma is effective at purifying animal breeding environments by inactivating pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella, and reducing harmful odors. It is also used to create inactivated vaccines that induce a stronger immune response than traditional ones.
Growth and Reproduction: In chickens, appropriate cold plasma treatment has been shown to improve embryonic development, growth rate, and the reproductive performance of roosters. These effects are linked to improved energy metabolism and ROS homeostasis.
Food Processing and Preservation: The technology can extend the shelf life of animal foods like meat, milk, and eggs by inactivating surface microorganisms such as Listeria, E. coli, and Salmonella without damaging the food’s quality.
In conclusion, cold plasma is a versatile technology with wide-ranging applications. Its dual ability to either promote cell proliferation or induce apoptosis, depending on the dosage, makes it a valuable tool for wound healing, cancer therapy, and various practices in animal husbandry. However, further research is needed to optimize treatment conditions and fully understand its mechanisms for clinical and practical use