There is growing interest in the use of physical plasmas (ionized gases) for biomedical applications, especially in the framework of so-called “plasma medicine”, which exploits the action of low-power, atmospheric pressure plasmas for therapeutic purposes. Such plasmas are “cold plasmas”, in the sense that only electrons have a high temperature, whereas ions and the neutral gas particles are at or near room temperature. As a consequence, the “plasma flame” can be directly applied to living matter without appreciable thermal load. Reactive chemical species, charged particles, visible and UV radiation, and electric fields are interaction channels of the plasma with pathogens, cells, and tissues, which can trigger a variety of different responses. Possible applications include disinfection, wound healing, cancer treatment, non-thermal blood coagulation, just to mention some. The understanding of the mechanisms of plasma action on living matter requires a strongly interdisciplinary approach, with competencies ranging from plasma physics and technology to chemistry, to biology and finally to medicine. This book is a collection of work that explores recent advances in this field.

Non-Thermal Plasma Technology for Polymeric Materials: Applications in Composites, Nanostructured Materials and Biomedical Fields provides both an introduction and practical guide to plasma synthesis, modification and processing of polymers, their composites, nancomposites, blends, IPNs and gels. It examines the current state-of-the-art and new challenges in the field, including the use of plasma treatment to enhance adhesion, characterization techniques, and the environmental aspects of the process. Particular attention is paid to the effects on the final properties of composites and the characterization of fiber/polymer surface interactions. This book helps demystify the process of plasma polymerization, providing a thorough grounding in the fundamentals of plasma technology as they relate to polymers. It is ideal for materials scientists, polymer chemists, and engineers, acting as a guide to further research into new applications of this technology in the real world. - Enables materials scientists and engineers to deploy plasma technology for surface treatment, characterization and analysis of polymeric materials - Reviews the state-of-the-art in plasma technology for polymer synthesis and processing - Presents detailed coverage of the most advanced applications for plasma polymerization, particularly in medicine and biomedical engineering, areas such as implants, biosensors and tissue engineering

The first book dedicated exclusively to plasma medicine for graduate students and researchers in physics, engineering, biology, medicine and biochemistry.

Clearly structured in five major sections on applications, this monograph covers such hot technologies as nanotechnology, solar cell technology, biomedical and clinical applications, and sustainability. Since the topic, applications and readers are highly interdisciplinary, the book bridges materials science, industrial chemistry, physics, and engineering -- making it a must-have for researchers in industry and academia, as well as those working in application-oriented plasma technology.

Plasma Medical Science describes the progress that has been made in the field over the past five years, illustrating what readers must know to be successful. As non-thermal, atmospheric pressure plasma has been applied for a wide variety of medical fields, including wound healing, blood coagulation, and cancer therapy, this book is a timely resource on the topics discussed. - Provides a dedicated reference for this emerging topic - Discusses the state-of-the-art developments in plasma technology - Introduces topics of plasma biophysics and biochemistry that are required to understand the application of the technology for plasma medicine - Brings together diverse experience in this field in one reference text - Provides a roadmap for future developments in the area

This book presents the state of the art in clinical plasma medicine and outlines translational research strategies. Written by an international group of authors, it is divided into four parts. Part I is a detailed introduction and includes basic and recent research information on plasma sciences, plasma devices and mechanisms of biological plasma effects. Parts II and III provide valuable clinical insights f.e. into the treatment of superficial contaminations, ulcerations, wounds, treatment of cells in cancer, special indications like in heart surgery, dentistry, palliative treatment in head and neck cancer or the use of plasma in hygiene. Part IV offers information on how and where to qualify in plasma medicine and which companies produce and supply medical devices and is thus of particular interest to medical practitioners. This comprehensive book offers a sciences based practical to the clinical use of plasma and includes an extended selection of scientific medical data and translational literature.

Written by a team of pioneering scientists from around the world, Low Temperature Plasma Technology: Methods and Applications brings together recent technological advances and research in the rapidly growing field of low temperature plasmas. The book provides a comprehensive overview of related phenomena such as plasma bullets, plasma penetration into biofilms, discharge-mode transition of atmospheric pressure plasmas, and self-organization of microdischarges. It describes relevant technology and diagnostics, including nanosecond pulsed discharge, cavity ringdown spectroscopy, and laser-induced fluorescence measurement, and explores the increasing research on atmospheric pressure nonequilibrium plasma jets. The authors also discuss how low temperature plasmas are used in the synthesis of nanomaterials, environmental applications, the treatment of biomaterials, and plasma medicine. This book provides a balanced and thorough treatment of the core principles, novel technology and diagnostics, and state-of-the-art applications of low temperature plasmas. It is accessible to scientists and graduate students in low-pressure plasma physics, nanotechnology, plasma medicine, and materials science. The book is also suitable as an advanced reference for senior undergraduate students.

Plasma technologies present an environmentally-friendly and versatile way of treating textile materials in order to enhance a variety of properties such as wettability, liquid repellency, dyeability and coating adhesion. Recent advances made in commercially viable plasma systems have greatly increased the potential of using plasma technology in industrial textile finishing. This pioneering book provides an essential guide to both the technology and science related to plasmas and its practical applications in the textile industry. The first part of the book discusses the science and technology behind plasmas. Chapters give detailed and comprehensive descriptions on the characteristics of plasmas and methods of control and treatment in the processing of textiles. Both low pressure cold plasma and atmospheric pressure cold plasma processes are described as well as the diagnosis and control of plasma parameters in plasma generating reactors. A chapter is devoted to the use of plasma technology to achieve nanoscale treatment of textile surfaces. The second part of the book concentrates on specific applications of plasma technologies. Chapters cover treatments for water and oil repellency of textiles, engineering of biomedical textiles and woollen finishing techniques through the use of plasma technologies. Further chapters cover the modification of fibres for use in composites and the potential use of plasma technologies for the finishing of fabrics made of man made fibres. The final chapter in the book gives a comprehensive analysis of the surface chemical and physical characterisation of plasma treated fabrics. Written by a distinguished international team of experts, Plasma technologies for textiles is an invaluable reference for researchers, scientists and technologists alike. Summarises both the science and technology of plasma processing, and its practical applicationsDiscusses how plasma technology improves textile properties such as wettability and liquid repellingAn invaluable reference for researchers, scientists and technologists

This book highlights plasma science and technology-related research and development work at institutes and universities networked through Asian African Association for Plasma Training (AAAPT) which was established in 1988. The AAAPT, with 52 member institutes in 24 countries, promotes the initiation and intensification of plasma research and development through cooperation and technology sharing. With 13 chapters on fusion-relevant, laboratory and industrial plasmas for wide range of applications and basic research and a chapter on AAAPT network, it demonstrates how, with collaborations, high-quality, industrially relevant academic and scientific research on fusion, industrial and laboratory plasmas and plasma diagnostics can be successfully pursued in small research labs. These plasma sciences and technologies include pioneering breakthroughs and applications in (i) fusion relevant research in the quest for long-term, clean energy source development using high-temperature, high- density plasmas and (ii) multibillion-dollar, low-temperature, non-equilibrium and thermal industrial plasmas used in processing, synthesis and electronics.

We are at a critical evolutionary juncture in the research and development of low-temperature plasmas, which have become essential to synthesizing and processing vital nanoscale materials. More and more industries are increasingly dependent on plasma technology to develop integrated small-scale devices, but physical limits to growth, and other challenges, threaten progress. Plasma Processing of Nanomaterials is an in-depth guide to the art and science of plasma-based chemical processes used to synthesize, process, and modify various classes of nanoscale materials such as nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, and semiconductor nanowires. Plasma technology enables a wide range of academic and industrial applications in fields including electronics, textiles, automotives, aerospace, and biomedical. A prime example is the semiconductor industry, in which engineers revolutionized microelectronics by using plasmas to deposit and etch thin films and fabricate integrated circuits. An overview of progress and future potential in plasma processing, this reference illustrates key experimental and theoretical aspects by presenting practical examples of: Nanoscale etching/deposition of thin films Catalytic growth of carbon nanotubes and semiconductor nanowires Silicon nanoparticle synthesis Functionalization of carbon nanotubes Self-organized nanostructures Significant advances are expected in nanoelectronics, photovoltaics, and other emerging fields as plasma technology is further optimized to improve the implementation of nanomaterials with well-defined size, shape, and composition. Moving away from the usual focus on wet techniques embraced in chemistry and physics, the author sheds light on pivotal breakthroughs being made by the smaller plasma community. Written for a diverse audience working in fields ranging from nanoelectronics and energy sensors to catalysis and nanomedicine, this resource will help readers improve development and application of nanomaterials in their own work. About the Author: R. Mohan Sankaran received the American Vacuum Society’s 2011 Peter Mark Memorial Award for his outstanding contributions to tandem plasma synthesis.