Application of low temperature plasmas in biomedicine, environmental protection and nanotechnologies

Application of plasmas in medicine and biology has opened new possibilities on both sides. The goal of this project is to combine already considerable achievements in field of low temperature plasmas with equally considerable and much more diversified existing experience in medicine and biology (and certain aspects of nanotechnologies and science of materials). Plasma physics related goals would be to develop single sources and their arrays for localized and large area treatment, while satisfying the ultimate criteria for application on humans- operation at atmospheric pressure while maintaining the room gas-temperature. The long term goal of this proposal is to generate the basis for a future plasma medicine center so we plan to disseminate the information on plasma medical options as one of the main goals of the project. In the realm of medical applications we plan to study sterilization of different types of bacteria, effect of plasma on different types of living cells and human tissues, treatment of bacteria originated from periodontal pockets, localized treatment of wounds, cancer tissues and control of cells. Studies will expand to cover plant cells and plant organs having in mind possible biotechnology applications. Part of the project is to use proton transfer mass spectroscopy for breath analysis and diagnostics of plant conditions, to study transport of positrons in living tissues and some aspects rf plasma assisted materials functionalization and nanotechnologies.