Organic decomposition and synthesis reactions in lactated solution exposed to nonequilibrium atmospheric pressure plasma

Abstract

AbstractLactate is used in the food and pharmaceutical industries and is a crucial intermediate for synthesis. Plasma‐activated lactate (PAL) in Ringer's solution was recently shown to have effective antitumor action. Small molecule aldehydes, ketones, and organic acids were produced from lactate during plasma exposure, and five‐membered conjugated lactone isomers of furanone (C5H6O2) were detected formed by interactions of lactate or its fragments with •OH, organic radicals, and H2O2. 2,3‐Dimethyl‐tartaric acid may be the effective component in PAL for the selective killing of cancer but not normal cells and possible pathways for its synthesis are provided. Aqueous reaction mechanisms are explained, including dehydration, esterification, hydrolysis, and dimerization. This study will help develop novel cancer therapies and further plasma organic chemistry.