Chances and perspectives of the plasma medicine by use of Tissue Tolerable Plasma (TTP)

Abstract

On the basis of our current knowledge about the physical properties and biological effects of low temperature plasmas the possibilities and prospects of plasma medicine are discussed in an interdisciplinary dialogue in order to generate hypotheses for further basic and applied research.The following possibilities are seemed feasible for the medical application of low-temperature plasmas: * Prevention and treatment of diseases (chronic wounds, skin and mucosal infectious diseases, localized tumors, keloid formation, promotion of angiogenesis, tissue ablation, hemostasis) * Inhibition of biofilm formation by surface treatment and by direct action on biofilms * Promotion of incorporation of implants into viable tissue by changing the surface (hydrophobicity, plasma steered application of antimicrobial active layers with drug delivery function) * Promotion of improved penetration of topically applied drugs with therapeutic outcome * Employment for veterinary indications * Improved cleaning performance in the treatment process of medical devices by surface modification.