Cold atmospheric plasma as an interface biotechnology for enhancing surgical implants

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has been intensively researched for direct treatment of living cells and tissues. Significant attention is now being given to its indirect applications in plasma medicine. Surgical implant is an exemplary conveyor to deliver the therapeutic effects of plasma to patients. There is a constant drive to enhance the clinical performance of surgical implants, targeting at the implant-tissue interface. As a versatile and potent tool, CAP is capable of ameliorating surgical implants using various strategies of interface biotechnology, such as surface modification, coating deposition, and drug delivery. Understanding the chemical, physical, mechanical, electrical, and pharmacological processes occurring at the implant-tissue interface is crucial to effective application of CAP as an interface biotechnology. This preclinical review focuses on the recent advances in CAP-assisted implant-based therapy for major surgical specialties. The ultimate goal here is to elicit unique opportunities and challenges for translating implant science to plasma medicine.

Automated summary

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is widely researched for its direct and indirect applications in plasma medicine, including enhancing the clinical performance of surgical implants by improving the implant-tissue interface through various biotechnological strategies. Understanding the processes at the implant-tissue interface is crucial for effective application of CAP in interface biotechnology. This preclinical review focuses on recent advances in CAP-assisted implant-based therapy for major surgical specialties, aiming to explore unique opportunities and challenges in translating implant science to plasma medicine.