Recent Developments in the Use of Plasma in Medical Applications

Abstract

A detailed review of the scientific literature was undertaken to examine the most recent developments in plasma processing in the field of medicine. The first part of the review includes a detailed breakdown of the different types of coatings that can be applied onto medical devices using plasma, with a specific focus on antimicrobial surfaces. The developments in plasma-deposited biocompatibles, drug delivery and adhesive coatings in 2023 are described, and specific applications in additive manufacturing are highlighted. The use of plasma and plasma-activated liquids as standalone therapeutics continues to evolve, and pertinent advances in this field are described. In addition, the combination of plasma medicine with conventional pharmaceutical interventions is reviewed, and key emerging trends are highlighted, including the use of plasma to enhance drug delivery directly into tissue. The potential synergies between plasma medicine and chemotherapeutics for oncology and infection treatment are a growing area, and recent advancements are noted. Finally, the use of plasma to control excess antibiotics and to intentionally degrade such materials in waste streams is described.