Plasma Transfer Processes in Medical and Agricultural Applications

Atmospheric pressure plasmas are being investigated for medical and agricultural applications. Examples include cancer treatment, inactivation of microbial organisms, stimulation of the immune system, treatment of chronic wounds to promote wound healing, and treatment of water to enhance plant growth. Plasma is considered a surface treatment; thus, it is a transport limited process when considering treatment through tissue or large volumes of liquid for the disinfection of produce. In this study, we examine physical, chemical and biochemical methods to enhance the transport of plasma effects for these applications. We consider plasma treatment of micron-sized droplets to enhance the diffusion of plasma-generated species into liquid when compared with bulk water treatment. Additionally, we investigate the stabilization of nitric oxide for the inactivation of microbes suspended in liquids with high chemical oxygen demand. Furthermore, we demonstrate how intercellular signaling enhances the depth of penetration of plasma effects. These results will provide insight on how to enhance transport of plasma-generated species and plasma-induced effects in biological systems.Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics -- Drexel University, 201