Dose Dependent Selectivity and Response of Different Types of Mammalian Cells to Surface Dielectric Barrier Discharge (SDBD) Plasma

Cold Atmospheric plasma has been studied extensively over the last decade with applications ranging from bacterial decontamination to wound healing. Although numerous designs of plasma applicators have been developed for direct exposure, prolonged exposure required for decontamination of tissues and skin may be detrimental to mammalian cells. In this study, we evaluate the effect of plasma generated by surface dielectric barrier discharge (SDBD) on mammalian cells, including HUVEC, Neuroblastoma, and HepG2. SDBD actuator induces flow and can transport plasma‐generated species to the surface being treated. Cell morphology, viability, and functionality are evaluated by incubating cells after exposure to SDBD for 1, 4 and 8 min. All cell types demonstrate retention of viability without any necrotic response, although, with an increase in the number of injured cells, with increase in exposure time. Cell‐specific responses are observed with HUVEC demonstrating highest resilience as compared to neuroblastoma and HepG2 (lowest). Migration assay using HUVEC shows no effect on viability and functionality with 4 min exposure. The 8 min tests demonstrated no additional change in morphology, so we conclude that SDBD does not affect the cell morphology at longer exposure durations as compared to other plasma sources and can be applied safely in medical applications. Surface dielectric barrier discharge (SDBD) is used to demonstrate the viability mammalian of cells after long plasma exposure durations. The effects on cell morphology, viability, and functionality are studied after exposing the cells to different doses (time) of plasma. Retention of viability and effects on cell functionality are demonstrated after plasma exposure.