Plasma sources for local or large-area treatment in biomedical applications: Basic physical characterization

Summary form only given. Atmospheric pressure plasmas are very promising tools for biomedical applications and are expected to bring new therapeutic options in surgery, dentistry and dermatology1,2. Each scope of application requires specific, adapted plasma sources. In most cases, basic geometric criteria can be met by choosing a proper discharge type. Locally active plasmas are easily realized with single corona, jet or micro hollow cathode setups whereas large-area treatments may require arrays of these or the use of dielectric barrier discharges. Although physical modes of action like electric current and field, temperature or non-ionizing radiation may have a specific share in the desired biomedical effect, the plasma should not be irritating, if living tissue has to be treated, especially in veterinary and human medicine.