Membrane Plate Assembly for Controlled Plasma-Activated Media
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) sources, primarily based on Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) devices, are ineffective for large-area treatments due to difficulty in covering extensive areas, lack of control over reactive species, and potential harm from uncontrolled UV and ozone production, making them unsuitable for applications like wound healing and cancer treatment.
Innovation Solution
The use of microwave-based Standing Wave Plasmas (SWPs) with adjustable parameters and interchangeable applicators, which generate controlled reactive species at lower electron energies, reducing UV and ozone exposure, and allowing targeted treatment of large areas with minimal tissue damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If DBD plasma sources are used for treatment, then reactive species are generated to kill bacteria and cancer cells, but the treatment area is limited and difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The plasma treatment system is divided into multiple independent DBD plasma sources arranged in an array configuration. Each source can be independently controlled to treat specific zones, enabling coverage of large areas while maintaining the reliability of individual plasma sources. The segmented approach allows systematic treatment of extensive surfaces without overwhelming a single plasma source.
2Reliability
If DBD plasma sources operate at high power, then reactive species generation increases to enhance killing effect, but UV and ozone production becomes uncontrolled and harmful
Solution Approach 1:
The system controls plasma parameters by adjusting gas flow rates, power levels, and treatment duration to optimize reactive species generation while minimizing UV and ozone production. By carefully tuning operational parameters, the system maintains effective bacterial and cancer cell killing while keeping harmful radiation exposure within safe limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates monitoring and control mechanisms to regulate plasma discharge parameters in real-time. By feedback control of power input and gas composition, the system maintains optimal conditions for reactive species generation while preventing excessive UV and ozone formation that could harm treated tissues.
3Reliability
If DBD plasma sources are used, then selective killing of cancer cells is achieved, but observation and control of treatment areas is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment area is divided into multiple zones corresponding to individual plasma sources in the array. Each zone can be treated independently and observed separately, making it easier to monitor and control the treatment process. The segmented configuration allows systematic observation of treatment effects across different areas while maintaining selective killing capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
SWPs provide efficient, controlled generation of reactive species for large-area treatments, effectively killing bacteria and cancer cells while minimizing harm to healthy tissue, enabling broader applications in medical treatments such as wound healing and cancer therapy.
Implementation Method 1
a waveguide receives microwave radiation from a source
Implementation Method 2
The waveguide and short are sized so that a standing microwave is created inside the waveguide
Implementation Method 3
higher energy radicals such as He* and RONS have the ability to diffuse over relatively large distances in atmosphere
Implementation Method 4
RONS (Reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen Species) such as O, O*, N, N*, NO*, etc.
Data Source
AI summary
A membrane plate assembly is disclosed for use with a cold atmospheric plasma applicator to expose a medium to plasma beams from the plasma applicator. The membrane plate assembly includes a membrane plate stack configured to receive the plasma beams from the plasma applicator. The membrane plate stack includes a plurality of membrane-covered structures facing each other in a generally parallel arrangement and being spaced apart to define a channel therebetween through which the plasma beams are directed. Each membrane-covered structure includes a structure and a membrane covering outer surfaces of the structure with a gap therebetween through which the medium is flowed.