Characterization and Evaluation of Cold Atmospheric Argon Plasma Jet for Diabetic Wound Healing

The cold atmospheric pressure plasma jet (CAPPJ) has emerged as a promising tool for biomedical applications, particularly in wound healing and infection control. This study investigates an argon-based CAPPJ generated at an applied voltage of 3.5 kV and a frequency of 20 kHz, assessing its physical and chemical properties and its therapeutic effects on diabetic wound healing. The plasma jet was characterized using optical emission spectroscopy (OES) to determine electron excitation temperature (Te<sub>xc</sub>) while current-voltage waveform analysis provided insights into discharge dynamics. The plume temperature, measured using a laser infrared thermometer, ranged between 18.5°C and 30°C, ensuring suitability for biological applications. Diabetic wounds were induced in rat models through alloxan monohydrate administration, and CAPPJ treatment was applied at varying exposure times. Results demonstrated enhanced cellular proliferation, with multiple 2-min treatments showing optimal wound healing outcomes. The antibacterial effect of plasma, attributed to reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), played a key role in preventing wound progression to chronic stages. These findings highlight the potential of CAPPJ as an effective non-invasive therapeutic approach for managing diabetic wounds. Further investigations into optimized treatment parameters and long-term biological responses are warranted to enhance its clinical applicability.