Electoanalytical techniques are one of the bedt sensing modalities for detecting Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), including the detection of ROS in cold plasma treated water.
INTRODUCTION TO CAPSs and ROS
Cold atmospheric plasmas (CAPs) have emerged as a promising technology for a wide range of applications, from biomedical treatments to water purification. One of the intriguing features of CAPs is the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in aqueous solutions, which have been shown to have a significant impact on various biological and chemical processes. In this article, we will explore the generation and properties of ROS by CAPs in aqueous solutions.
First, let us briefly explain what cold atmospheric plasmas are. CAPs are ionized gases that are created at atmospheric pressure and room temperature. They are called “cold” because the electrons in the plasma have a much higher temperature than the ions and neutral particles, which remain at or near room temperature. CAPs are generated using various methods, including electrical discharges, microwave or radiofrequency excitation, and laser-induced breakdown.
When CAPs are created in aqueous solutions, they generate various ROS, including hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide anion (O2-), hydroxyl radical (OH-), and singlet oxygen (^1O2). These ROS can induce oxidative stress in cells and disrupt various biological processes, including DNA damage, protein oxidation, and lipid peroxidation. However, they can also have beneficial effects, such as inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells and promoting wound healing.
The generation and properties of ROS by CAPs in aqueous solutions depend on various factors, including the gas composition, discharge power, and solution properties such as pH and salt concentration. For example, increasing the discharge power can increase the concentration of ROS in the solution. Similarly, changing the gas composition can alter the type and concentration of ROS generated. In addition, the pH of the solution can affect the generation of ROS, with acidic solutions favoring the production of H2O2 and basic solutions favoring the production of OH-.
One of the most significant advantages of using CAPs to generate ROS in aqueous solutions is their selectivity. Unlike traditional chemical methods, CAPs can selectively generate specific ROS depending on the desired application. For example, singlet oxygen (^1O2) has been shown to be highly effective in killing bacteria, while OH- is more effective in breaking down organic pollutants in water. In addition, the use of CAPs can also reduce the formation of harmful byproducts that are often generated in traditional chemical methods.
In conclusion, the generation of ROS by cold atmospheric plasmas in aqueous solutions is a promising technology with a wide range of applications, including biomedical treatments and water purification. The properties and concentration of ROS can be tailored by controlling various parameters, making them highly selective and efficient for specific applications. While there are still challenges to overcome, such as optimizing the plasma parameters and understanding the mechanisms of ROS generation, the potential benefits of this technology make it an exciting area of research.
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#Electrochemical biosensors