Plasma Technology for Biomedical Applications

There is growing interest in the use of physical plasmas (ionized gases) for biomedical applications especially in the framework of so-called plasma medicine which exploits the action of low-power atmospheric pressure plasmas for therapeutic purposes. Such plasmas are cold plasmas in the sense that only electrons have a high temperature whereas ions and the neutral gas particles are at or near room temperature. As a consequence the plasma flame can be directly applied to living matter without appreciable thermal load. Reactive chemical species charged particles visible and UV radiation and electric fields are interaction channels of the plasma with pathogens cells and tissues which can trigger a variety of different responses. Possible applications include disinfection wound healing cancer treatment non-thermal blood coagulation just to mention some. The understanding of the mechanisms of plasma action on living matter requires a strongly interdisciplinary approach with competencies ranging from plasma physics and technology to chemistry to biology and finally to medicine. This book is a collection of work that explores recent advances in this field.