Penetration of direct non-thermal plasma treatment into living cells

Here the possibility that effects of the plasma treatment can penetrate though cellular membranes without destroying them is studied. DNA double stranded breaks (DSB´s) in human fibroblast cells were detected to assess effects of plasma treatment. Hydrogen peroxide treatment was used as a positive control as it is comparable to ionizing radiation. The results indicate that short direct plasma treatment at low power does produce DNA DSB´s at the levels comparable to the positive control without permanent membrane damage.