ECR discharge sustained by millimeter waves as a source of dense plasma flux

The results of the investigation of the dense ECR discharge hydrogen plasma flux formation in the single solenoid magnetic field are presented in this work. The transversal flux profile obtained at the optimal system parameters is shown. The possibility of the formation of homogeneous plasma fluxes with density of 750 mA/cm2 and total current of 5 A is demonstrated. The results of the first experiments of the hydrogen ion beam extraction from the ECR discharge plasma in the single magnetic coil are presented. The record values of the ion current density higher than 1.5 A/cm2 were obtained. The results of the research presented in this paper show the prospects of the proposed system for applications of the neutral beam injector development for the plasma heating in the controlled thermonuclear fusion installations.

Non-Thermal Atmospheric Pressure Argon-Sourced Plasma Flux Promotes Wound Healing of Burn Wounds and Burn Wounds with Infection in Mice through the Anti-Inflammatory Macrophages

Plasma medicine is the utilization of gas ionization that might be beneficial for the treatment of burn wounds, a healthcare problem with a significant mortality rate. Due to a lack of information on the impact of plasma flux in immune cells and a high prevalence of bacterial infection in burn wounds, non-thermal argon-based plasma flux was tested on macrophages (RAW246.7) and in mouse models of burn wounds with or without Staphylococcus aureus infection. Accordingly, plasma flux enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS), using dihydroethidium assay, and decreased abundance of NF-κB-p65 (Western blot analysis) in non-stimulating macrophages. In parallel, plasma flux upregulated IL-10 gene expression (an anti-inflammatory cytokine) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory macrophages, while downregulating the pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IL-6). Additionally, plasma flux improved the migratory function of fibroblasts (L929) (fibroblast scratch assay) but not fibroblast proliferation. Moreover, once daily plasma flux administration for 7 days promoted the healing process in burn wounds with or without infection (wound area and wound rank score). Additionally, plasma flux reduced tissue cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) in burn wounds with infection and promoted collagen in burn wounds without infection. In conclusion, plasma flux induced anti-inflammatory macrophages and promoted the burn-wound healing process partly through the decrease in macrophage NF-κB. Hence, plasma flux treatment should be tested in patients with burn wounds.