Analysis of the effects of plasma-generated active species on cells cultured in a microperfusion system.

Abstract

Promoting cell growth is required in life science and medical applications. Thus far, microdevice researchers have been developing microperfusion systems for simulating <i>in vivo</i> conditions that are suited for cell growth. For advancing cell growth technology further, we applied plasma technology. Plasma is the fourth state of matter after solid, liquid, and gas. When plasma is generated under atmospheric conditions, it reacts with ambient air, producing reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), which affect cells. These RONS can be used as triggers for promoting cell growth. In this study, we achieved the delivery of RONS to the cells in a microperfusion system using simple methods. We evaluated plasma effects on cell growth and analyzed RONS propagation in a liquid medium for cells under microperfusion.