Non-thermal plasma treated solution with potential as a novel therapeutic agent for nasal mucosa regeneration

Adequate and rapid mucosal regeneration is one of the most important factors in the healing process of nasal mucosa after surgery or trauma. In particular, delayed mucosal regeneration after surgery is an important cause of surgical failure. However, no effective treatment is available yet. Non-thermal plasma (NTP) has several medical effects, but the existing probe type is limited to local direct treatment. Therefore, we investigated the various effects using liquid type plasma to overcome this limitation. In addition, the therapeutic effects of non-thermal plasma treated solution (NTS) on nasal mucosa have yet to be determined. Experiments were carried out using BEAS-2B, a human bronchial epithelial cell line similar to nasal mucosa epithelium. NTS had no cytotoxicity to the BEAS-2B cells and enhanced cell proliferation. NTS also promoted migration of BEAS-2B cells. NTS increased cell proliferation and migration via epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activities and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) signaling. Furthermore, NTS enhanced wound healing of nasal mucosa in an animal model. Accordingly, NTS promotes nasal mucosa wound healing by increasing cell proliferation and migration. These findings suggest the therapeutic potential of NTS in nasal mucosa wound healing.