17 February 2015
Plasma may sound like something space age, but it is a naturally occurring phenomenon when matter changes its state because energy has been applied to it. Whilst there are a numerous natural occurrences, its use within life sciences could be lifesaving.
At GX Group the design engineers have already incorporated the use of plasma into several ground breaking biotechnology projects. One innovative project where GX Group used plasma is for Plasma Skin Regeneration. The Welsh based product design agency helped to develop a portable device with a precision plume to deliver the correct dosage to treat the skin without the need for invasive surgery.
More recently they developed a hand held plasma device with a low degree of ionization – so-called cold plasma – which interacts non-thermally with surfaces and is exceptionally suited to treating sensitive objects, including living cells and tissues.
“The use of plasma continues to find yet more applications within life sciences,” comments managing director of GX Group, Mark Helmich. “We were therefore delighted to see that a research team in America have successfully experimented using cold plasma as innovative decontamination technology to combat the spread of a strain of the Norovirus.
As detergent based cleaning seems to have little effect on killing modern bacteria we increasingly have to search for alternative solutions to aid the continued disinfection of contaminated surfaces. It is an equally efficient healer when harnessed to treat human skin by speeding up the healing process. I’m certain we will continue to see more life science companies adapt plasma technology in the coming years.”