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Despite the promise of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) for cancer treatment, challenges associated with this therapy still exist, including low response rates and severe side effects in patients. Here, we report a hydrogel-mediated combination therapy for enhanced ICB therapy. Specifically, cold atmospheric plasma (CAP), an ionized gas consisting of therapeutically effective reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), can effectively induce cancer immunogenic cell death, releasing tumor-associated antigens in situ and initiating anti-tumor immune responses, which, therefore, can synergistically augment the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors. To minimize the systemic toxicity of immune checkpoint inhibitors and improve the tissue penetration of CAP, an injectable Pluronic hydrogel was employed as a delivery method. Our results show that major long-lived ROS and RNS in CAP can be effectively persevered in Pluronic hydrogel and remain efficacious in inducing cancer immunogenic cell death after intratumoral injection. Our findings suggest that local hydrogel-mediated combination of CAP and ICB treatment can evoke both strong innate and adaptive, local and systemic anti-tumor immune responses, thereby inhibiting both tumor growth and potential metastatic spread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Correction: I Head Face Med i B 18 b , 21 (2022) https://doi.org/10.1186/s13005-022-00322-5 Following publication of the original article [[1]], the author reported that the published version is falsely labelled as a "review". References 1 Brunner TF, Probst FA, Troeltzsch M. Primary cold atmospheric plasma combined with low dose cisplatin as a possible adjuvant combination therapy for HNSCC cells - an in-vitro study. Correction: Primary cold atmospheric plasma combined with low dose cisplatin as a possible adjuvant combination therapy for HNSCC cells - an in-vitro study. [Extracted from the article]

Although immunotherapy has recently emerged as a promising anti-tumor approach, it remains limited by the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Cold atmospheric plasma irradiation can generate reactive oxygen species and trigger the presentation of tumor-associated antigens. Here, we exploited cold atmospheric plasma for on-site hydrogel application in the tumor environment, aiming to facilitate the sustainable uptake of tumor-associated antigens and nanoadjuvants by dendritic cells. Hyaluronic acid-tyramine conjugate was intratumorally injected as a liquid and formed an on-site hydrogel under irradiation with cold atmospheric plasma. Intratumoral delivery of hyaluronic acid-tyramine conjugate with transforming growth factor β-blocking nanoadjuvant (TLN) followed by cold atmospheric plasma irradiation yielded a micro-network of TLN-loaded hydrogel (TLN@CHG). In vivo intratumoral injection of TLN@CHG promoted the activation of dendritic cells and more effectively increased the proportion of CD4 T cells and CD8 T cells in the tumor microenvironment, compared to the groups receiving TLN or hydrogel alone. Moreover, in CT26 tumor model mice, cold atmospheric plasma-induced TLN@CHG therapy ablated the primary tumor and provided 100% survival among mice rechallenged with CT26 cells. Taken together, our findings suggest that an on-site hydrogel-based micro-network of TLN has the potential to remodel the tumor immune microenvironment. Although we used TLN in this study, the concept could be extended to support the sustained action of other nanoadjuvants in a hydrogel micro-network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extensive abuse and inadvertent discharge of various antibiotics into the environment has become a serious problem for posing a big threat to human health. In order to deal with this problem, we utilized cold atmospheric plasma jet (CAPJ) to treat two different antibiotics, namely, norfloxacin and chloramphenicol, and investigated the efficiencies and corresponding mechanisms for removing the mixed antibiotics. In the application of the CAPJ technique, we made use of not only the direct plasma processing, but also the indirect plasma-activated water (PAW) treatment. The efficiency for mixed antibiotics treatment was considerably enhanced as compared to the efficiency for treatment of single antibiotics. The contributions from the CAPJ-induced reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (RONS) were examined, showing that ·OH and 1O 2 played a major role in the degradation of norfloxacin and chloramphenicol in the direct plasma treatment, while 1O 2 played a major role in the PAW treatment. The bio-toxicity evaluation was also provided to verify the ecological safety of the CAPJ treatment. As such, this work has not only showed the effectiveness of CAPJ treatment of mixed antibiotics, but also elucidated the mechanisms for the enhanced treatment efficiency, which may provide a new solution for treatment of antibiotics in the environment. [Display omitted] • Cold atmospheric plasma jet (CAPJ) was applied in the treatment of mixed antibiotics in water. • Enhanced efficiency for removing norfloxacin and chloramphenicol was achieved. • The contribution from the indirect plasma-activated water (PAW) was explored. • The roles of RONS such as·OH, 1O 2 , O 3 and ONOO- were scrutinized, respectively. • The biotoxicity evaluation confirmed the safety of the CAPJ treatment of mixed antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preservation of fruit juices requires the inactivation of natural endogenous enzymes, such as pectinmethylesterase (PME). Within this work, cold atmospheric plasma (CAP), and in particular a dielectric barrier plasma jet fed with helium gas, was demonstrated to effectively inactivate PME of freshly squeezed orange juice in short treatment times (2–30 min). By a combination of temperature measurements and a multidimensional heat transfer model, the temperature profile of the whole sample during plasma treatment was extracted. It was found that the thermal phenomena were not a driving factor for PME inactivation. Plasma treatment of orange juices resulted in inactivation of 55–80% of PME with <5.0% of PME inactivation caused by the temperature increase from 20 to 90 °C. The Weibull distribution model compared to the first-order fractional, the sigmoidal logistic and the Hulsheger's kinetic models was found to better describe mathematically (R2 > 0.99; A f = 1.002–1.052) the effect of CAP processing on residual PME activity. Multi-parameter equation fits allowed the prediction of residual PME activity as a function of the applied voltage, helium flow, and treatment time. Generally, higher voltages and lower helium flows applied led to higher PME inactivation rates in fresh orange juice. [Display omitted] • Cold plasma jet could inactivate up to 80% orange juice Pectinmethylesterase (PME). • Higher than 5.5 kV and lower than 1.0 SLM flow led to 5-fold increase in PME inactivation rate. • <5% of PME inactivation was attributed to temperature increase during plasma treatment. • Weibull distribution model successfully predicted PME inactivation by cold plasma jet. • A multi-parameter equation was developed for PME inactivation by cold plasma jet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, translational plasma medicine (TPM), as a novel application area of plasmas, has attracted much attention of experts from both academic and clinical fields. State-of-the-art of the lab-scale research and clinical trials of the cold atmospheric plasmas (CAPs) in the stomatology are reviewed in detail from the direct and indirect applications of the CAPs. Based on the discussions concerning the relationship between the plasma stomatology and the plasma medicine, it is indicated that it would be an important reference for promoting the TPM starting from the fundamental and application studies in the field of dentistry, which is also one of the most three promising application fields of plasma medicine.

Cold atmospheric plasmas (CAPs) are being used in applications related to dentistry. Potential benefits include tooth whitening/bleaching, the sterilization of dental cavities, and root canal disinfection. Generated reactive species, such as hydroxyl (OH) radicals, play a critical role in the effectiveness of CAPs in dentistry. In the present work, the mandibular jaw and teeth were modeled. The propagation of CAP plume in ambient air was dynamically tracked using the level set method. The transport and dispersion OH radicals away from the nozzle and towards the teeth under treatment were also tracked. The distributions of concentration of OH radicals over the teeth were obtained for nozzle to tooth distances of 2 and 4 mm. The discharge of the OH radicals out of the nozzle was found to be asymmetrical. Interestingly, depending on the type of tooth treated, the dispersion of OH radicals out of the nozzle could be altered. The present model and obtained results could be useful for advancements towards a fear-free dentistry using CAPs.

• Cold atmospheric plasma inhibits endogenous crude enzymes in golden pomfret. • Cold atmospheric plasma has been shown to cause oxidative damage to crude protease extracts. • Both the structure and conformation of the crude protease extracts were changed. • Cold atmospheric plasma increased muscle protein color. • Treatment at adequate strength may improve muscle protein properties. In this study, we investigated the effects of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) technology on endogenous enzyme characteristics and muscle protein properties of the golden pomfret (Trachinotus ovatus) under different treatment power and time conditions. Results showed that the enzymatic activity of cathepsin B, L, and calpain in crude protease extracts (CPE) decreased significantly as the treatment power and treatment time of CAP increased (p < 0.05). Oxidative degradation of the CPE after exposure to CAP resulted in significant changes in the structure, total sulfhydryl, and carbonyl content of the CPE (p < 0.05). CAP of an appropriate intensity resulted in significant improvements in the color parameters, hydration properties, and textural property parameters of muscle proteins (p < 0.05). These results suggest that CAP, as a non-thermophysical modification technique, can inhibit the activity of endogenous enzymes as well as alter the protein function in food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite important advances in left ventricular assist device (VAD) therapy, driveline infections (DLI) remain a major unsolved drawback with negative impact on quality of life, morbidity and overall outcomes. It is conspicuous that prevention in the early phase of therapy might currently be the best treatment option for driveline infections. In this context, variation of the driveline velour position and preventive treatment with cold argon plasma (CAP) at the exit site, seem to be promising positive influencing factors. Therefore, our aim was to conduct a randomized prospective study to verify their potential utility. Eighty consecutive VAD patients were enrolled at our center and randomized to one of four groups. Group I had their driveline diverted reaching the velour, whereas in Group II the driveline was diverted at "full length", without intracorporal loop and extensive external velour course. Both groups were divided into subgroups A and B, with subgroup B receiving additional preventive CAP therapy during 30 days after VAD implantation. Primary endpoint was defined as first positive germ proof or clinical DLI according to DESTINE stage 2 criteria. Further endpoints include mortality, heart transplantation, as well as VAD weaning. Follow-up concluded at 365 days. Preventive ACP treatment was found to be superior over optimal standard of care after 180 days, reducing DLI occurrence (92 % freedom from DLI vs 65 %). Driveline divert did not have a statistically significant impact on infection during one year follow-up. Subgroup IA (non CAP, non diverted driveline) illustrated an increased mortality compared to the other groups (75 % survival in Group I versus 90 % in Group II (p=0.009)). Preventive ACP treatment after VAD implantation significantly reduced the incidence of DLI in the first 180 days. Driveline placement with fully covered velour did not influence the occurrence of DLI, but was associated with increased mortality. Further trials are needed to abrogate confounding factors and to further improve freedom from DLI, but also survival in VAD patients in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improved lithium electrochromic (EC) performance of flexible organo-tungsten-iron-tantalum oxynitride (WFe x Ta y O z1 C z2 N z3) films by rapidly deposited onto flexible (60 Ω/□ polyethylene terephthalate/indium tin oxide) substrates at a short exposure duration of 54 s, with O 2 gases added to precursor vapors, and injected into air plasma jet, was undertaken. O 2 gases addition for synthesis of WFe x Ta y O z1 C z2 N z3 films by cold atmospheric pressure plasmas polymerization was proven to significantly enhance optical modulation at a wavelength of 850 nm from 59.7% without addition of O 2 gases to 70.0% with addition of O 2 gases at a flow rate of 0.5 sccm. WFe x Ta y O z1 C z2 N z3 films synthesized with O 2 gas addition at a flow rate of 0.5 sccm exhibit fast coloration and bleaching responses as the short coloration time up to 5.1 s and the short bleaching time up to 3.7 s were obtained. Surface morphology and surface compositions of WFe x Ta y O z1 C z2 N z3 films were analyzed by FESEM and XPS to investigate how the O 2 gas addition enhanced the lithium EC properties. • Electrochromic WFe x Ta y O z1 C z2 C z3 films synthesized rapidly by cold atmospheric pressure plasma polymerization. • O 2 gas addition improves electrochromic performance of WFe x Ta y O z1 C z2 C z3 films. • Organic-inorganic hybrid WFe x Ta y O z1 C z2 C z3 films polymerized. • Flexible and electrochromic WFe x Ta y O z1 C z2 C z3 films deposited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cold atmospheric plasma activated water (PAW) was produced at various Reactive Nitrogen Oxygen Species (RONS) concentrations. PAW was characterized and in vivo toxicological studies were conducted, using the zebrafish embryo acute toxicity test (OECD 236). Danio rerio (zebrafish), were raised in standard egg PAW of various RONS concentrations and their lethality was monitored. The thresholds for no lethality and simultaneously no obvious morphological phenotypes were determined as approximately 30 mg/L H 2 O 2 concentration, while for NO 3 − concentration, the values were also correlated to the pH of the solution used. The pH-value of 3.85 was also a measurable threshold for the lethality of the embryos. Toxic and non-toxic PAW were used as medium to assess their inhibitory potential for Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecium. The results indicated that PAW delayed the recovery time or even resulted in no growth of these microorganisms compared to control samples. • Zebrafish were raised in various concentrations of reactive oxygen species of PAW. • Threshold for zebrafish lethality was determined as 30 mg/L H 2 O 2 concentration. • Threshold for NO 3 − was 7–15 mg/L, depending on pH value of the solution. • A pH-value equal to 3.85 was defined as threshold for zebrafish lethality. • Non-toxic PAW efficiently delayed growth of pathogens or even totally inactivated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inactivation efficacy of a cold atmospheric pressure plasma jet against Escherichia coli DH5α adherent cells and biofilms on two conveyor belt materials was evaluated. A 120 s treatment time with a 3 cm treatment distance from the surface reduced both adherent cells (initial 5.6 ± 0.2 log CFU/coupon) and 24 h biofilms (initial 5.8 ± 0.4 log CFU/coupon) on stainless steel (SS) by >4.6 log CFU. While the same treatment reduced adherent cells (initial 5.7 ± 0.5 log CFU/coupon) and 24 h biofilms (initial 6.9 ± 0.5 log CFU/coupon) on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) by 3.8 ± 0.9 and 3.5 ± 0.5 log CFU, respectively. Mature biofilms (72 h grown) were more resistant than 24 h grown biofilms. Lower microbial reductions were observed on scratched surfaces compared to intact ones. No changes were observed in SS and PVC surfaces in terms of chemical properties and visual topography. CAPP is a promising waterless technique for the sanitation of metallic and polymeric conveyor belt surfaces. Cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAPP) has the potential as waterless technology to inactivate bacteria and their biofilms on food contact surfaces without affecting the material properties and the visual topography. CAPP can be integrated for industrial operation by mounting a CAPP jet on a robotic arm or moving a conveyor belt under a stationary CAPP jet for surface sanitation. This environmental-friendly and residue-free nature technology can be useful in the food industry. • Cold plasma reduced Escherichia coli and biofilm on stainless steel by >4.6 log. • Cold plasma reduced E. coli and its biofilm on PVC by 3.8 and 3.5 log, respectively. • Biofilms of 72 h age were more resistant than those of 24 h. • More bacteria survived on scratched surfaces compared to intact ones. • SS/PVC did not change surface chemistry or visual topography after sanitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contamination of sun-dried tomatoes during processing can have a decisive impact on the quality of the finished product. In this study we investigated how Cold Atmospheric Plasma (CAP) under high surface power density (SPD) values can reduce fungal contamination in sun-dried tomatoes. In the application of this innovative processing method, the established "regime" for air plasma chemistry was the transition regime or NOx regime. First, we isolated and identified the mycobiota present on the tomatoes surfaces by mean of the analysis of the ITS region. The analysis revealed 32 different species, with Aspergillus niger , Aspergillus tubingensis, Aspergillus chevalieri , Aspergillus flavus, and Alternaria alternata being the most abundant. Then, to reduce the fungal population, CAP-NOx was applied for 5, 10, 20 and 30 min on the surface of dried tomatoes. After incubation for 10 days, we observed that the antifungal effect was species and dose-dependent. In vitro investigation on the most abundant species revealed that A. chevalieri PSJ144 was the most sensitive species (almost 90%) immediately after 5 min of CAP treatment. With the increase of the exposure time up to 30 min, a strong reduction (p ≤ 0.05) of spore germination of A. alternata PSJ77 and A. tubingensis PSJ100 was observed (98 and 92%, respectively). However, spores of A. niger PSJ38 and A. flavus PSJ30 showed the highest resistance to the treatment. Moreover, the reparameterized Weibull function allowed to obtain useful information about germination kinetics as a function of time of CAP-NOx treatment, revealing that the resistance of the spores was: A. chevalieri < A. alternata < A. tubingensis < A. flavus < A. niger. In situ analyses confirmed a significant effect on natural fungal contamination by CAP-NOx treatment (76.5% of reduction), likely due to cell membrane rupture and cell death caused by plasma radicals. In addition, Pearson correlation analysis showed that spore resistance was highly correlated (p = 0.98) with their hydrophobicity. In a nutshell, our results clearly indicate that CAP-NOx treatment is an effective technique to reduce fungal contamination in sun-dried tomatoes. Among non-thermal processing methods, CAP shows promising perspectives of application in the tomato industry, to mitigate the effects of energy price rises. • A. niger , A. tubingensis, were most abundant species in dried tomatoes. • CAP reduced the fungal contamination on the dried tomatoes by 76.5%. • A. niger and A. flavus spores were more resistant ones to CAP. • A. chevalieri spores were inactivated after 0.1 min of CAP-NOx. • Spore hydrophobicity was correlated with the spore resistant to CAP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat germ protein isolate (WGPI) was modified by atmospheric pressure cold plasma (ACP) at 25 kV for 5 (T2), 10 (T3), 20 (T4), and 40 (T5) min to investigate the effects on molecular weight (MW), microstructure, and functional attributes (T1 or non-treated WGPI). MW of WGPI showed slight alteration especially when 40 min ACP was exerted and microstructure evaluation confirmed it. The higher the processing time was applied; the higher solubility was obtained. Emulsifying activity and stability, foaming capacity, and stability were improved after 5 min ACP processing time especially when pH was at basic condition. Water holding capacity values were significantly increased by increasing processing time without significant difference among T4 and T5. Conversely, oil holding capacity was significantly reduced by increasing time and without a significant difference between T1 and T2. Consequently, using ACP treatment at 25 kV for 5 min could be suggested for plant-based protein modification. • Higher cold plasma processing time (CPPT), higher WGPI solubility. • Prolonging CPPT efficiently altered wheat germ protein isolate (WGPI) morphology. • CPPT at 25 kV for 5–40 min altered the molecular weight & microstructure of WGPI. • Emulsifying and foaming characterization of WGPI improved after 5 min CPPT. • Water holding capacity increased and oil holding capacity decreased by rising CPPT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent tremendous progress in understanding physical plasma phenomenon, together with the development of new plasma sources has put growing focus on the application of plasmas in health care. Active plasma components, such as molecules, atoms, ions, electrons and photons, reactive species, ultraviolet radiation, optical and infrared emission and heat have the ability of activating, controlling and catalysing reactions and complex biochemical procedures. Thermal and non-thermal (i.e. cold) plasmas - both already widely established in medicine - are used for various therapeutic applications. Particularly in dermatology, plasma applications hold big potential, for example, in wound healing, such as efficient disinfection or sterilization, therapy of various skin infections or tissue regeneration. This review gives an overview on potential plasma applications in medicine - including the recent research on skin diseases - and summarizes possible interactions between plasmas and living tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new type of the cold atmospheric plasma source for catalytic plasma treatment of gas is presented. The fused hollow cathode (FHC) source is based on simultaneous radio frequency (rf) generation of hollow cathode discharges in an integrated, open structure, with flowing gas. The resulting FHC discharge is very stable, homogeneous, luminous, volume filling, without streamers. The power consumption is very low, of the order of tenths of Watt per cm2 of the electrode structure area. Experiments for the hollow electrode integrated open structure up to 20 cm2 were performed. The concept of the source is extremely suitable for scaling up for different gas throughputs. The FHC source represents a new non-equilibrium atmospheric plasma source suitable for transformation of gas. Moreover, its design offers both catalytic reactions in the bulk of plasma and at solid surfaces composing the open structure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]