Oxy-nitroso shielding burst model of cold atmospheric plasma therapeutics

It is postulated that cold atmospheric plasma( CAP) can trigger a therapeutic shielding response in tissue by creating a time- and space- localized, burst-like form of oxy-nitrosative stress on near-surface exposed cells through the flux of plasma-generated reactive oxygen and nitrogen species( RONS). RONS-exposed surface layers of cells communicate to the deeper levels of tissue via a form of the `bystandereffect,' similar to responses to other forms of cell stress. In this proposed model of CAP therapeutics, the plasma stimulates a cellular survival mechanism through which aerobic organisms shield themselves from infection and other challenges. (C) 2014 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.