Fraunhofer Institute for Surface Engineering and Thin Films IST
Coating deposition by cold plasma spraying at the Fraunhofer IST.
Low-energy plasma spraying for plasma-mediated drug delivery
Research into cold plasma particle technologies and applications
Drug delivery: Efficient and gentle
Delivering drugs through the skin offers numerous advantages, including improved bioavailability and a reduction in systemic side effects. Cold atmospheric pressure plasma is a promising technology for creating microscopic pores in the skin. For this method to be used therapeutically, both plasma generation and the associated effects must be reproducible and stable. This poses a significant challenge for targeted use in medical technology.
Structured plasma electrodes for precise application
In the “KaPlaTech” project, plasma electrodes are specifically structured to generate a homogeneous filamented discharge pattern. This ensures uniform and reliable treatment that meets the therapeutic requirements of patients. The Fraunhofer IST application center uses low-energy plasma spraying to structure ceramic dielectrics. This process involves the creation of metallic layers, followed by selective laser ablation, to produce arbitrary structures that can be optimized in terms of their effect. With the help of the structured electrodes, it is possible to generate a reproducible number, distribution, and energy density of plasma discharge filaments on skin samples. This enables the efficient formation of pores in the skin.
New perspectives for medical technology and the pharmaceutical industry
The results obtained in the project are intended to make it easier for medical technology manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies to integrate plasma technology into innovative therapy concepts. This will allow the therapeutic potential of cold atmospheric pressure plasma to be exploited even more comprehensively. In particular, this technology could revolutionize the painless administration of novel active ingredients and thus contribute to improved patient care.
Insight into the project
The structures on the ceramic surface can be created by producing metallic layers (in this case Cu) followed by selective laser ablation.
Used in the manufacture of plasma electrodes, the structuring ensures the formation of a controlled filamentary, dielectrically impeded discharge.
In main samples, the plasma discharge produces microscopic pores, which can be detected via the reactive oxygen and nitrogen species generated by the plasma.