Albumin aggregation using low-temperature atmospheric pressure helium plasma jet in argon and air atmosphere

Abstract

Abstract A mechanism of albumin aggregation using a low-temperature atmospheric pressure helium plasma jet was investigated. This aggregation is one of the most dominant processes in the plasma-induced hemostasis. Using a chamber where air and argon can be used as surrounding gas, the role of reactive nitrogen species on the aggregation of albumin was tested. By changing the surrounding gas, it is possible to control the production of reactive species. The experimental results show that the stability of plasma discharge seems more important for the aggregation of albumin than the presence of reactive nitrogen species. Moreover, it was shown that long lifetime species in the solution and exposure to UV light do not play a major role in the aggregation.