Technology.

Cold Atmospheric Plasma Aerosol.
A Dual Mechanism of Action.

Cold Atmospheric Plasma-Aerosol (CAP-A) combines the mechanisms of cold plasma and aerosol. The technology inactivates microorganisms on surfaces and creates a favorable wound environment.

How is CAP-A generated?

(1) Cold plasma products such as Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) are generated from electricity and ambient air at the cold plasma source. (2) An ultrasonic nebulizer produces an aerosol from irrigation solution. (3) The mixing chamber combines the two components to create Cold Atmospheric Plasma-Aerosol. (4) CAP-A is applied to the patient.

How CAP-A works.

Diagram showing wound treatment effects on skin layers with and without Cold Atmospheric Plasma-Aerosol (CAP-A). Left side shows no treatment with transient flora invading through epidermis layers into dermis, and resident flora present on intact skin. Right side shows treatment with CAP-A, where aerosol causes perforation of transient flora cell membranes, reducing invasion and preserving resident flora vitality. Skin layers labeled include epidermis (stratum corneum, lucidum, granulosum, spinosum, basale) and dermis (stratum papillare, reticulare). Arrows indicate invasion and vitality of skin cells.

CAP-A’s primary mode of action is based on its physical detachment and displacement effect, which reduces pathogenic microorganisms on surfaces. Additional mechanisms include osmotic effects, a decrease in pH, and ROS. ROS can cause oxidative damage to microbial structures.

CAP and CAP-A compared.

Diagram showing two processes of Cold Atmospheric Plasma (CAP) application: Direct CAP involves Step I producing CAP products in a gaseous environment like ambient air or argon, followed by Step II of direct skin contact with CAP products, possibly including device contact, with a permanent energy supply. Indirect CAP-Aerosol (CAP-A) process includes Step I producing CAP products in ambient air with energy supply only in Step I, Step II nebulizing sterile water, Step III activating nebulized water with CAP products, and Step IV involving skin contact with CAP-Aerosol.

In direct procedures, Cold Atmospheric Plasma (CAP) is brought into immediate contact with the application site, such as a wound, while energy is continuously applied. CAP-A as further development is an indirect approach. Cold plasma first conditions the aerosol inside the device. Plasma generation is therefore spatially and functionally separated from the subsequent application of CAP-A to the surface. No direct energy is applied to the tissue.