The effects of ex vivo physical cold atmospheric plasma treatment on endothelial cells in human corneal explants and its potential for in vivo application in refractory corneal ulcers.

ABSTRACT: Physical cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is a partially ionised, excited gas, which can be generated by applying electrical energy to a gas and comprises various biologically active components with versatile biological effects. Due to its wound-healing and antimicrobial properties, CAP gained attention for medical use. In ophthalmology, the treatment of refractory infectious corneal ulcers may represent a potential field of application. The present study aimed to investigate whether superficial CAP treatment affects deeper layers of the cornea, particularly the postmitotic endothelium, which is critical for corneal transparency and tissue integrity. Therefore, we treated the epithelial surface of human corneal explants for 2, 3, or 5 min with CAP. Before and 24 h after treatment, the corneal

SUBMITTER: Brauckmann T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12508181 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature