Effects of low-temperature atmospheric air plasmas on the activity and function of human lymphocytes

Samples of peripheral blood lymphocytes from 20 healthy adult volunteers were treated by using low-temperature plasmas produced by DBD to investigate their activity and function change as a result of plasma exposure. When the lymphocytes were more than 5 cm away from the electrode center or when the treatment time was shorter than 5 s, their activity and function did not significantly change. When the lymphocytes were less than 5 cm away from the electrode center, and the treatment time was longer than 5 s, the activity and function was significantly reduced. Furthermore, plasma action resulted in the protein, nucleic acid and K⁺ leakage from lymphocytes, and therefore in the apoptosis of lymphocytes. A figure is presented.