Generating cold plasma away from skin, and associated systems and methods

Mutual reference to related applications This application is for US provisional application No. 62 / 712,812 filed on July 31, 2018, US provisional application No. 62 / 712,849 for July 31, 2018, July 2018. US provisional application No. 62 / 712,860 filed on March 31, 2018, US provisional application No. 62 / 712,873 filed on July 31, 2018, US provisional application No. 62 filed on July 31, 2018. / 712,876, US Provisional Application No. 62 / 773,944 filed November 30, 2018, US Provisional Application No. 62 / 773,958 filed November 30, 2018, filed November 30, 2018 Alleged interests in US Provisional Application No. 62 / 773,969 and US Provisional Application No. 62 / 773,984 filed on November 30, 2018, each of which is referenced in its entirety. Is explicitly incorporated herein by.

<p> This overview is provided to introduce in a simplified form the selected concepts further described in the embodiments for carrying out the invention below. This summary is not intended to identify the key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to assist in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.</p><p> The application of cold atmospheric plasma (also called "cold plasma" or "plasma") to biological surfaces poses challenges for skin treatment due to complex biological system interactions. In reality, the surface state and plasma parameters are combined, and fluctuations in one induce changes in the other. For example, a sudden shift in surface moisture can affect the electrical conductivity of the surface, resulting in an increase in plasma intensity. Conversely, a sudden increase in plasma intensity can evaporate water from the surface and change the properties of the plasma. This variation and multi-parameter coupling force control of the plasma therapy device.</p><p> Complex interactions between light emission from the plasma, plasma-producing species, and biological chemicals endemic to the surface of the body further complicate cold plasma treatment. In some cases, plasma-producing species acidify the surface of the body, thereby promoting plasma generation, for example, by light radiation, or in facilitating wound healing, or in some cases, denaturing harmful bacteria present on the surface of the body. Exposure to the species may exacerbate the medical history and outweigh the beneficial effects of plasma treatment.</p><p> In some applications, the generation of cold plasma away from the biological surface (eg, skin) may be advantageous compared to the generation of cold plasma in close proximity to the biological surface. When cold plasma is generated away from the biological surface, the concentration, temperature, pressure, and other properties of the plasma can be controlled with a looser severity than when the plasma is generated directly on the biological surface. For example, the temperature of the air carrying the cold plasma towards the surface of the living body should be within a relatively narrow range (to avoid user discomfort), while the temperature range for the inflowing air is such that the plasma is on the surface of the living body. Wider when generated away from. After generating the cold plasma, the temperature of the air may be lowered or raised to a more acceptable range while the plasma is still in the cold plasma generating device. In some embodiments, the concentration of the plasma species may also be higher for plasma generated away from the living body surface. This is because the concentration of the plasma species can be reduced inside the device before the cold plasma reaches the surface of the living body. For example, the concentration of plasma species and the temperature of air generally decrease with the time elapsed from the formation of the plasma species.</p><p>Cold Plasma Therapeutic Devices Non-thermal "cold" atmospheric plasmas can interact with living tissues and cells in multiple ways during therapeutic procedures. Among the possible applications, cold atmospheric plasma can be used in biology and medicine for sterilization, disinfection, decontamination, and plasma-mediated wound healing.</p><p> Several commercialized devices are currently certified for medical use. These devices are not designed for consumer home use. Instead, they are designed for use by proficient medical technicians and for training medical techniques. An example of such a device is Rhytec Portrait®, a plasma jet tool for topical dermatological treatment. The device features a composite power supply with tightly tuned parameters using a radio frequency power supply. In addition, Bovie J-Plasma®, Canady Helios Cold Plasma, and Hybrid Plasma® Scalpel are all available for use as medical devices. In Germany, the plasma jet device kINPen® and dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) Both plasmaDerm®, which is a discharge), are certified medical devices that have recently been introduced to the market. These devices are intended for the medical care of human tissues, either externally or internally, as in PlasmaDerm®. In contrast to plasma devices for medical applications, devices for cosmetic applications are designed for generally intuitive use by consumers, as opposed to well-controlled and certifiable therapeutic effects. Provides cosmetic care and soothing irritation.</p><p> FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the plasma generator 10 according to the prior art. As shown in FIG. 1, cold plasma 18 occurs through the excitation of different electrons in the plasma gas by an electric field with respect to the lighter excitation effect of the field above the larger center of the plasma gas. .. The cold plasma 18 is formed between the active electrode 14 and the ground electrode 15, which is also called a counter electrode, when the active electrode 14 is applied with a voltage to the ground electrode 15 by the power supply 12. The power supply 12 is an AC power supply or an amplitude-modulated DC source. The cold plasma 18 is a dielectric barrier discharge when the plasma generator 10 includes a dielectric barrier 16 placed against the active electrode 14. Cold plasma 18 contains both hot electrons 19 and cold ions 19 and neutral species. In conventional systems, the plasma gas comprises a noble gas such as helium or argon, as well as a gas containing oxygen and nitrogen to form reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS). In some cases, like PlasmaDerm®, plasma is generated directly in the air.</p><p> FIG. 2 is an image of a dielectric barrier discharge 20 in operation according to the prior art. FIG. 2 was obtained as a plan view passing through the transparent electrode. The plasma 18 occurs as a plurality of discrete filamentous discharges that individually form conductive bridges for ions and electrons 19 to move between the electrodes.</p><p> Several forms of plasma are used for topical treatment. The first is a gas jet plasma that provides a jet of ions and reactive species that can be aimed at a target over a fluctuating distance, typically at distances greater than a few millimeters. The medical plasma described in the previous paragraph generally features a gas jet plasma. The second form is a floating electrode Dielectric Barrier Discharge (FE-DBD) device in which the target substrate (often the human body) acts as a floating ground electrode. The third form is the DBD plasma wand, where the dielectric barrier is placed against the floating ground rather than the active electrode and may take the form of a fluorescent lamp. The fourth form is a plurality of coordinating dielectric barrier discharge power sources. In such configurations, some atmospheric FE-DBD plasma sources are incorporated into handheld or flexible devices, which are, as a result, used to treat one or more anatomical areas.</p><p> 3A and 3B are two views of a prior art cold plasma system. The skin treatment device 30 creates a cold plasma 18 via a single structure including a head 31 and a body 34. The device includes one or more user controls including a plasma power switch 32 and an optical switch 33. The head 31 includes one or more light emitting diodes 35 (LEDs). The skin treatment device 30 further includes a plasma pulse control 37 configured to generate a plasma 18 at the head 31 while the plasma pulse control 37 is pressed. The skin treatment device 30 includes a charging port 36 for charging the built-in battery. The skin treatment device 30 includes an internal electronic component that drives the plasma 18.</p><p> FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a cold plasma system according to the prior art. The electronic component 40 includes a single structure having a DBD head 47 and a body 42. The cold plasma 18 is created between the electrodes contained in the DBD head 47, which serves as a treatment site. The DBD head 47 is electrically connected to a high voltage unit 45 that supplies power to the DBD head 47. The electric power required to drive the plasma 18 is supplied by the rechargeable battery pack 43 enclosed in the main body 42. The system includes one or more LEDs 46 connected to the system via a main PC board and control circuit 44. The main PC board and control circuit 44 control the flow of electricity to the LED 46 and the high voltage unit 45, and the input from the external power input 49 for charging one or more user control 48 and the rechargeable battery pack 43. Receive.</p><p> Without being bound by theory, the effects of cold atmospheric plasma therapy are believed to be due to some extent to the interaction between RONS and the biological system. A non-exhaustive list of RONS is hydroxyl groups (OH), atomic oxygen (O), singlet delta oxygen (O).₂(¹Δ)), superoxide (O₂-), Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), And nitric oxide (NO). Hydroxyl radical attacks are believed to result in peroxidation of cell membrane lipids, which in turn affect cell-cell interactions, regulation of membrane-protein expression, and many other cellular processes. Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful oxidant and is believed to have harmful effects on biological systems. Nitric oxide is believed to play a role in cell-cell signaling and bioregulation. At the cellular level, nitric oxide is believed to affect immunodeficiency regulation, cell proliferation, phagocytosis, collagen synthesis, and angioplasty. At the system level, nitric oxide is a powerful vasodilator.</p><p> Cold atmospheric plasma also exposes the surface of the living body to an electric field of about 1 to 10 kV / cm. Cells are believed to respond to such boundaries by opening trans-membrane pores. Such field-induced cell electroperforation is believed to play a role in the transfusion of molecules across the cell membrane. Without being bound by theory, the efficacy of treatment is at least partially attributed to long-lived plasma-producing species that result in a variety of RONS in air plasma at concentrations specific to the operating parameters of cold atmospheric plasma sources. Believable.</p><p> Cold atmospheric plasma can also be used to remove tissue or provide treatment in a very short time when operated at high power and high intensity, but such treatment is harmful to surrounding tissue. It is believed that it affects and penetrates far beyond the area being treated. Without being bound by theory, cold atmospheric plasma therapy at low intensity is believed to avoid damaging cells.</p><p> Without being bound by theory, it is believed that an important parameter for both direct cold atmospheric plasma therapy and indirect therapy using plasma treated media is the dose of plasma species given to the therapeutic surface. .. Generally, this is expressed as the concentration of a given plasma species created by a cold atmospheric plasma source given to a unit area of the therapeutic surface over a unit time.</p><p> Alternatively, the dose can be expressed as a simple length of time if treatment has been determined and the behavior of the cold atmospheric plasma source is well understood. For example, for a stable cold atmospheric plasma source and a uniform surface, a particular dose of RONS is achieved after the cold atmospheric plasma has treated the uniform surface for a given length of time. NS. In reality, the surface state and plasma properties are combined, and fluctuations in one induce changes in the other. For example, a sudden shift in surface moisture can affect surface conductivity and result in increased plasma intensity. Conversely, a sudden increase in plasma intensity can evaporate water from the surface, creating RONS and surface changes. This variation forces control of the plasma therapy device, as described in more detail below.</p><p> Without being bound by theory, cold atmospheric plasma therapy is believed to permeate the therapeutic surface through the synergistic effects of electroporation, plasma-producing species permeability, and cell-cell signaling. The so-called "bystander effect" is thought to play a role in propagating plasma-induced cellular changes away from the therapeutic surface and down to the volume below. Bystander effects are believed to occur via chemical signals transmitted between cells in response to the introduction of biologically active chemicals that potentially amplify the magnitude of the therapeutic impact.</p><p> Experiments have shown that RONS contains reactive nitrogen species (RNS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are believed to interact with a variety of biological surfaces in different ways. For example, in an agarose membrane, RONS permeates the volume under the membrane, whereas in living tissue, only RNS permeates the volume under the tissue. However, ROS permeates through gelatin and other liquids. As previously explained for hydrogen peroxide, ROS, which are more reactive than RNS, have a shorter lifespan and are believed to be associated with aggressive or harmful effects on biological surfaces in some environments. ..</p><p>Cold Plasma Generation Away from the User's Skin In one embodiment, the cold plasma system for treating sites on the surface of the body was configured in close proximity to the housing, the air conduits within the housing, and along the air conduits. It includes a first electrode, a second electrode configured in close proximity to the first electrode along an air conduit, and an AC (AC) source electrically connected to the first electrode. The AC source can be configured to produce cold plasma in the air conduit. The system also includes an air mover configured to carry cold plasma outside the cold plasma system.</p><p> In one aspect, the system also includes a container configured within the housing. The vessel is in fluid communication with the air conduit and the vessel is configured to hold the cold plasma. The system also includes cartridges containing plasma precursors. The cartridge communicates fluid with the air conduit.</p><p> In one aspect, the air conduit is the first air conduit, and the system also has a first air mover configured to carry cold plasma from the first air conduit towards the vessel, as well as the vessel and the first. A second air conduit that communicates with the air conduit, a second air mover configured to transport cold plasma from the vessel to the cartridge, and the current and target concentrations of cold plasma in the vessel. Includes a controller configured to control the rotational speed of the first air mover and the rotational speed of the second air mover based on the difference between and. The target concentration is selected based at least in part on the half-life of the cold plasma.</p><p> In one aspect, the system also includes a third air mover configured to direct the cold plasma towards the living body surface outside the cold plasma system.</p><p> In one aspect, the cartridge can be inserted.</p><p> In one aspect, the plasma precursors are hydroxyl group (OH), atomic oxygen (O), monomorphic delta oxygen (O2 (1Δ)), superoxide (O2-), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and nitrogen monoxide. Contains precursor components that produce reactive oxygen or reactive nitrogen species (RONS) in cold plasmas containing at least one of (NO).</p><p> In one aspect, the system also includes means for controlling the flow of cold plasma. Such means are a compressible skirt configured to contain cold plasma in close proximity to the biological surface and a face mask configured to contain cold plasma in close proximity to the biological surface. Multiple electromagnetic field generator units configured to steer or bend the discharge direction of cold plasma between the face mask and the plasma barrier and the biological surface, where the mask inlet is fluid communication with the air conduit. And can be.</p><p> In one embodiment, a cold plasma system for treating a site of a living body surface comprises a plasma generator having an electrode and a dielectric barrier disposed between the electrode and the living body surface to be treated. The plasma generator is configured to generate a first cold plasma. A plurality of electromagnetic field generator units are arranged between the plasma generator and the surface of the living body to be treated. The plurality of electromagnetic field generator units are configured to generate a second cold plasma based on the first cold plasma, and the second cold plasma is applied to the surface of the living body.</p><p> In one aspect, the plurality of electromagnetic field generator units are configured to steer or bend the first direction of the first cold plasma to the second direction of the second cold plasma towards the living body surface.</p><p> In one aspect, the first cold plasma contains a positively charged species and a negatively charged species, and the second cold plasma contains a positively charged species separated from the negatively charged species.</p><p> In one aspect, the second cold plasma has a different cross-sectional shape than the first cold plasma, and the second cold plasma has a higher plasma species concentration per unit cross-sectional area than the first cold plasma. ..</p><p> In one embodiment, the method of treating a site on the surface of a living body with cold plasma is to generate a first cold plasma and to modify the first cold plasma using an electromagnetic field to generate a second cold plasma. A step of applying a second cold plasma to a site on the surface of the living body is included.</p><p> In one aspect, the step of modifying the first cold plasma using an electromagnetic field is to generate the first and second electromagnetic fields and to bring the first and second electromagnetic fields close to the first cold plasma, respectively. The first includes a step of simultaneously applying to the first and second locations to generate a second cold plasma based on the first and second electromagnetic fields being applied to the first cold plasma. The first and second electromagnetic fields differ from each other in one or more parameters.</p><p> In one aspect, the step of modifying the first cold plasma has the plasma species concentration per unit cross-sectional area of the first cold plasma, which is higher than the plasma species concentration per unit cross-sectional area of the first cold plasma. Includes a step to modify to a second cold plasma.</p><p> In one aspect, the step of modifying the first cold plasma using an electromagnetic field is the first direction of the first cold plasma towards the surface of the living body by a plurality of electromagnetic field generator units. Includes steps to steer or bend in two directions.</p><p> In one aspect, the method also applies the step of applying at least one of the first cold plasma and the second cold plasma to the initial pharmaceutical product and at least one of the first cold plasma and the second cold plasma. A step of transforming an initial product into an activated product based on one application, wherein the activated product contains at least one compound that is not present in the initial product, which is the plasma species of cold plasma. The at least one compound comprises a step that is configured to stabilize or increase the lifetime of the short-lived plasma species absorbed in the initial formulation, and the step of applying the formulation to the biological surface.</p><p> The above aspects and advantages of the art of the present invention will be better understood by making reference to the embodiments for carrying out the invention below, along with the accompanying drawings, and will be more easily understood.</p>

<figref num="1">It is a schematic diagram of the plasma generator by the prior art.</figref><figref num="2">It is an image of the dielectric barrier discharge surface during operation by the prior art.</figref><figref num="3A">It is a figure of the cold plasma system by the prior art.</figref><figref num="3B">It is a figure of the cold plasma system by the prior art.</figref><figref num="4">It is a block diagram of the cold plasma system by the prior art.</figref><figref num="5">It is a schematic diagram of the cold plasma treatment system by this disclosure.</figref><figref num="5A">It is a schematic diagram of the cold plasma treatment system by this disclosure.</figref><figref num="6">It is a schematic diagram of the cold plasma treatment system by this disclosure.</figref><figref num="7">It is a schematic diagram of the cold plasma treatment system by this disclosure.</figref><figref num="8">It is a schematic diagram of the cold plasma treatment system by this disclosure.</figref><figref num="9">It is a schematic diagram of the cold plasma treatment system by this disclosure.</figref><figref num="9A">It is a schematic diagram of the cold plasma treatment system by this disclosure.</figref><figref num="10">It is a flowchart of the method of cold plasma treatment by this disclosure.</figref><figref num="11">It is a schematic diagram of the cold plasma treatment system by this disclosure.</figref><figref num="11A">It is a schematic diagram of the cold plasma treatment system by this disclosure.</figref><figref num="11B">It is a schematic diagram of the cold plasma treatment system by this disclosure.</figref><figref num="11C">It is a schematic diagram of the cold plasma treatment system by this disclosure.</figref><figref num="11D">It is a schematic diagram of the cold plasma treatment system by this disclosure.</figref><figref num="12">It is a schematic diagram of the cold plasma treatment system by this disclosure.</figref><figref num="13">It is a schematic diagram of the cold plasma electrode system by this disclosure.</figref><figref num="14">It is a flowchart of the method of cold plasma treatment by this disclosure.</figref><figref num="15">It is a schematic diagram of the cold plasma treatment system by this disclosure.</figref><figref num="16">It is a schematic diagram of the cold plasma treatment system by this disclosure.</figref><figref num="17">It is a schematic diagram of the cold plasma treatment system by this disclosure.</figref><figref num="18">It is a schematic diagram of the cold plasma treatment system by this disclosure.</figref><figref num="19">FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a cold plasma treatment system with a face mask according to the present disclosure.</figref><figref num="20">It is a schematic diagram of the cold plasma treatment system by this disclosure.</figref><figref num="21">It is a schematic diagram of the cold plasma treatment system by this disclosure.</figref><figref num="22A">It is a schematic diagram of the precursor cartridge according to this disclosure.</figref><figref num="22B">It is a schematic diagram of the precursor cartridge according to this disclosure.</figref><figref num="23">It is a schematic diagram of the cold plasma treatment system by this disclosure.</figref><figref num="24">According to the present disclosure, it is a flow chart of an exemplary process in which a pharmaceutical product is activated using cold plasma and the cold plasma activated pharmaceutical product is applied to a biological surface (for example, skin, nails, hair, etc.).</figref><figref num="25">FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary system configured to perform at least a portion of the process of FIG. 24 according to the present disclosure.</figref><figref num="26">It is an exemplary graph showing various exemplary plots of concentration levels of different plasma species / compounds according to the present disclosure as a function of time.</figref><figref num="27">It is an exemplary process flow diagram according to the present disclosure that may include alternative forms to the process of FIG.</figref><figref num="28A">FIG. 3 is a diagram of an exemplary system configured to perform at least a portion of the process of FIG. 27 according to the present disclosure.</figref><figref num="28B">FIG. 3 is a diagram of an exemplary system configured to perform at least a portion of the process of FIG. 27 according to the present disclosure.</figref><figref num="29">It is a side view of the schematic diagram of the cold plasma treatment system by this disclosure.</figref><figref num="30">It is a simplified cross-sectional view of at least a part of the device of FIG. 15 and various obtained plasmas according to the present disclosure.</figref><figref num="31">It is a simplified cross-sectional view of at least a part of the device of FIG. 15 and various obtained plasmas according to the present disclosure.</figref><figref num="32">It is a simplified cross-sectional view of at least a part of the device of FIG. 15 and various obtained plasmas according to the present disclosure.</figref><figref num="33">FIG. 3 is a side view of a schematic diagram of a cold plasma treatment system showing altered directions of plasma discharge according to the present disclosure.</figref><figref num="34">FIG. 3 is a side view of a schematic diagram of a cold plasma treatment system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.</figref>

Although some embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made in those embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the art of the present invention.

Cold Plasma System with Additional Treatment Devices Figure 5 presents a schematic of the cold plasma treatment system according to the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the cold plasma treatment system provides cosmetic treatment of the site of the biological surface 210 of the consumer 200. In some embodiments, the system comprises a cold atmospheric plasma therapy device 100 including a plasma generator with electrodes 114 and a dielectric barrier 116.

In some embodiments, the plasma treatment device 100 comprises a vibration device 130. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the operation of the vibrating device 130 improves the efficacy of treatment by giving the consumer 200 an improved treatment experience and reducing the non-uniformity of the plasma 118 over the site. Be done.

The vibrating device 130 vibrates the therapeutic device 100, thereby affecting the distance L between the second surface of the dielectric barrier 116 and the biological surface 210. In some embodiments, the vibrating device 130 vibrates the therapeutic device 100 simultaneously on a plurality of axes. In another embodiment, the vibrating device 130 vibrates the therapeutic device 100 along only one axis. The vibrating device 130 may vibrate the therapeutic device 100 such that the plasma 118 moves parallel to the biological surface 210 in one or two axes. It is believed that such movement disperses the plasma 118 over the site, thereby improving the uniformity of the plasma 118. The vibration device 130 may include one or more vibration sources, such as a piezoelectric actuator or a multi-axis eccentric mass exciter.

FIG. 5A shows a cold plasma treatment system according to the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the plasma treatment device 100 directly activates the biological surface 210 by one or more actuating members 120. Without being bound by theory, by repeatedly pulling and compressing the biological surface 210, the synergistic effect of the permeability of plasma-producing species and the treatment experience of consumer 200 can be stimulated to achieve various therapeutic effects. It is believed that it will improve. The actuating member 120 may be in direct contact with the biological surface 210 at or near the site. In some embodiments, the actuating members 120 move in parallel to the biological surface 210 and in opposite directions. The actuating members 120 move toward each other to compress and release the biological surface 210. The actuating members 120 move away from each other and pull and release the biological surface 210. In some embodiments, the actuating member 120 moves in both directions towards and away from each other, thus both pulling and compressing the biological surface 210. In some embodiments, the plasma 118 is generated towards the site while the actuating member 120 is actuating the biological surface 210. The actuating member 120 may actuate the surface without exposure to the plasma 118, thereby giving the consumer 200 a tactile experience.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the cold plasma treatment system according to the present disclosure. In addition to treatment with plasma 118, the plasma treatment device 100 may include a light source 150 configured to illuminate a portion of the area indicated by the characteristic dimension T with light 152. As previously described, irradiating the biological surface 210 with light having a wavelength in the range of 400-500 nm is believed to provide desirable therapeutic results for the cosmetic treatment of stains. In some embodiments, the plasma treatment device 100 comprises a plurality of light sources. The light source 150 may include one or more light emitting diodes that individually emit light having a wavelength within the target range.

The light source 150 may include an infrared light element that provides radiant heating to the biological surface 210. Without being bound by theory, radiant heating of the biological surface enhances the therapeutic effect of plasma therapy by inducing a response of the biological surface 210 to plasma-producing species and by giving consumers 200 an improved experience. It is believed to make you.

The plasma treatment device 100 may include a cover 117 placed in contact with or above the dielectric barrier 116. Non-exclusively, the cover 117 may include plastic, glass or quartz and may prevent plasma-producing species from reaching the biological surface 210. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that plasma 118 can emit ultraviolet photons under several conditions. Therefore, it may be desirable to use cover 117 to block the transmission of UV photons.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the cold plasma treatment system according to the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the plasma treatment device 100 comprises an air source that directs the airflow 162 to a site within the area indicated by the characteristic dimension T. The air source may include an air mover 160, such as a fan or blower, placed in an air conduit 164 shaped to supply airflow 162 at the surface of the site. The gas in the air conduit 164 can be air or other gas (eg, oxygen, nitrogen, or other inert gas). In some embodiments, one or more temperature control elements 168 disposed within the plasma treatment device 100 regulate the temperature of the air. Non-limiting examples of the temperature control element 168 include a thermoelectric cooling element including a Perche cooler, an electric heating element including a resistance heating coil, and the like. In some embodiments, the volatile oil containing the fragrance is placed in the air conduit 164 so that the oil gives the site a pleasant scent when the air mover 160 is operating.

Small Device Figure 8 presents a schematic of the cold plasma treatment system according to the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the plasma treatment device 100 is electrically connected to an external device 300 having a power cell 310 and a controller 320. In some embodiments, the plasma treatment device 100 is electrically connected to an external device via a cable 111. In some embodiments, the cable 111 transfers the control input and power to the plasma treatment device 100. In some embodiments, the cable 111 is removable from the plasma treatment device 100, the external device 300, or both. The power cell 310 can be, for example, a rechargeable battery including a lithium ion battery. The controller 320 may be capable of receiving data and sending control signals to the plasma therapy device 100.

In some embodiments, the plasma treatment device 100 comprises a battery 119 electrically connected to an electrode 114. Battery 119 may be rechargeable by connecting cable 111 to the plasma treatment device 100 and a power source. Some non-limiting examples of such power sources are external devices 300, adapters connected to standard wall outlets that supply electricity, solar cells, and so on. In some embodiments, the battery 119 charges the wireless 330. In some embodiments, the battery 119 is a commercially available battery, such as a battery of one of the A series types ("A", "AA" or "AAA").

In some embodiments, the external device 300 is a smartphone. In some embodiments, the external device 300 is a laptop or tablet adapted to the plasma treatment device 100 and configured to supply power and control inputs to the external device 300. In some embodiments, the external device 300 is a cosmetic product, including, but not limited to, an electronic shaving device, a hair iron, a hair dryer, an electronic hair remover, and the like. The external device 300 may be the large area plasma treatment device described above, further comprising a charging dock for electrically connecting to the plasma treatment device 100. In some embodiments, the charging dock is configured to accept the plasma treatment device 100, and the charging dock is operably mounted in a large area device for compact charging and operation as a plasma generator. Can be done.

In some embodiments, the electrode 114 and the dielectric barrier 116 are located behind the cover 117. The cover 117 may be removable. The cover 117 may provide protection for the dielectric barrier 116 when the plasma treatment device 100 is not used.

In some embodiments, the electrodes 114 and the dielectric barrier 116 are placed on a retractable support encapsulated within the plasma treatment device 100. When the retractable support is retracted, the dielectric barrier 116 and the electrode 114 may be configured to be hidden from the field of view so that the plasma treatment device 100 cannot be activated. The retractable support can rotate through the movement of a mechanism located at the end of the plasma treatment device 100 facing the dielectric barrier 116, thereby causing the dielectric barrier 116 to plasma in a manner similar to a lipstick. Appears from the opposite end of the treatment device 100. The plasma treatment device 100 may have a shape factor similar to or equivalent to a retractable lipstick tube, whereby the plasma treatment device 100 resembles a lipstick tube when inactive. In some embodiments, the retractable support is a linear slide configured to slide the electrode 114 and the dielectric barrier 116 behind the shield 119 when not in use.

In some embodiments, the plasma treatment device 100 is controlled via a user interface within the external device 300. In some embodiments, the external device 300 is any type of device, including a battery, a general purpose computer, and computer-readable memory in which the instructions are stored, and the instructions are cold when executed by the computer. A method of treating a site on the surface of a living body with atmospheric plasma is carried out.

In some embodiments, the plasma treatment device 100 includes, but is not limited to, one or more user controls including a power switch, a plasma intensity selector, and a safety switch. The plasma treatment device 100 can be turned on and off using a power switch located on top of the plasma treatment device 100, and the plasma 118 is generated while the plasma treatment device 100 is on. In some embodiments, the safety switch prevents the plasma treatment device 100 from switching on until the safety switch is turned off. In some embodiments, the safety switch is a fingerprint reader. In some embodiments, the plasma intensity selector makes it possible to smoothly and continuously adjust the intensity of the plasma with respect to the power delivered to the electrode 114. In some embodiments, the plasma intensity selector limits the plasma treatment device 100 to one of several discrete intensity settings in the sequential stages of power delivered to the electrode 114.

In some embodiments, the plasma therapeutic device 100 comprises one or more light emitting diodes (not shown) that provide therapeutic light to the biological surface 210. In some embodiments, the light emitting diode supplies blue light in the range 400-500 nm.

Cold Plasma with Pharmaceutical Application Figure 9 presents a schematic of the cold plasma treatment system according to the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the plasma treatment device 100, including the dielectric barrier 116 and the electrode 114, discharges the plasma 118 into the biological surface 210 via the pharmaceutical product 410. The pharmaceutical product 410 may contain one or more active ingredients, including, but not limited to, antioxidants, radical scavenging compounds, ultraviolet absorbing compounds, rejuvenating compounds and the like. In some embodiments, the radical scavenging compound is an anhydrous, silicone medium glycol type formulation with ascorbic acid and ascorbic glucoside (anhydrous, glycol-in-silicone formula). In some embodiments, the radical scavenging compound is a silicone medium water emulsion with a large internal aqueous phase incorporating a water soluble active ingredient. Without being bound by theory, the aqueous phase is believed to form encapsulation containing the active ingredient. The rejuvenating compound may include collagen, elastin and the like. The pharmaceutical product may contain non-active ingredients such as dyes, pigments, fragrances, essential oils, emulsifiers, viscosity modifiers and the like. In some embodiments, the dye is highly chemically reactive and can respond to changes in pH induced by exposure to plasma 118.

As shown in FIG. 9A, in some embodiments, the plasma 118 is discharged into the formulation 410 in the container 415 prior to application to the biological surface 210 at or near the site. Without being bound by theory, the plasma 118 is believed to produce beneficial species in the plasma, including ions, radicals, and long-lived RONS. The plasma treatment device 100 may generate plasma in the vicinity of the preparation 410 by placing the plasma treatment device 100 near the exposed surface of the preparation 410 while the preparation 410 is in the container 415.

In some embodiments, the pretreatment formulation enhances the effect of exposure to plasma 118 by comprising a reagent compound for producing RONS. In some embodiments, the post-therapeutic formulation reduces the potentially harmful effects of prolonged exposure to plasma-producing species. For example, post-therapeutic formulations may include buffer compounds to control the pH shift of the site after exposure to plasma-producing species.

FIG. 10 shows a treatment method 500 using the plasma treatment device 100 to generate plasma 118 between the plasma treatment device 100 and the biological surface 210 containing at least one pharmaceutical product 410. In some embodiments, the method may include additional steps or may be performed without all the steps shown in the flow chart.

The method begins at block 510 and proceeds to a pretreatment step that includes selecting the formulation shown in block 520 and applying the formulation shown in block 530 to the site. As previously described, the pharmaceutical product 410 may have protective or enhancing properties that improve therapeutic outcomes after exposure to plasma 118. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical product 410 is selected for reducing site exposure to UV photons produced in the plasma, enhancing the production of RONS, and the like.

In some embodiments, the pretreatment formulation is applied to the site prior to exposure to plasma 118. The method then proceeds to block 540, which comprises the step of generating plasma 118. The plasma treatment device 100 may generate plasma 118 in the vicinity of the site. Plasma treatment at block 540 may continue until plasma 118 is turned off. In some embodiments, the method then proceeds to block 550, where the post-therapeutic formulation is selected. The post-treatment formulation may be applied to the site after exposure to plasma 118. The pre-treatment and post-treatment formulations may be the same or different, and may be selected to exert different effects on the site. The method ends at block 570. In some embodiments, the method comprises removing the pretreatment formulation after plasma treatment 540. In some embodiments, the method comprises removing the post-treatment formulation after 560 application of the post-treatment formulation.

Modular Cold Plasma Generation Device FIG. 11 is a schematic representation of the cold plasma treatment system 100 according to the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the system comprises a treatment device body 100 and a head 110 detachably attached to the treatment device body 100. The illustrated head 110 has a mounting surface facing the treatment device body 100 and a coating surface supporting the electrode 114, and the dielectric barrier 116 has a first surface facing the electrode 114 and a surface away from the electrode 114. Has a second surface. The cold plasma system 100 may include multiple attachable heads 110 for cosmetological treatment on a site of biological surface 210. The biological surface 210 includes, but is not limited to, skin, hair, fingernails and the like.

In some embodiments, the head 110-x is selected to create a cold plasma 118 to perform a particular treatment. For example, when treating a relatively small area above the biological surface 210, the size of the plasma 118 may be selected to avoid exposing the non-targeted portion of the biological surface 210 to plasma-producing species. Here, the term "plasma size" refers to the characteristic or descriptive dimensions of the plasma. For example, for the plasma produced by the round electrode 114, the characteristic dimensions of the plasma are related to the diameter of the electrode 114.

As shown in FIG. 11A, the head 110a may be selected and attached to the therapeutic device body 100. The head 110a tapers from a larger size on the mounting surface to a smaller size on the coated surface. Therefore, the illustrated head 110a produces plasma 118 having a characteristic size different from the diameter of the mounting surface of the head 110a. It should be understood that FIG. 11A shows the head 110a having a coating surface smaller than the mounting surface, but vice versa. For example, the head 110a may have its coated surface larger than the mounting surface in order to result in a low intensity treatment on the site of the biological surface 210.

As shown in FIG. 11B, the head 110b may include a formulation container 180 and a leaching surface 186 above the coated surface of the head 110b. The leaching surface 186 may be connected to the formulation container 180 via one or more conduits 184. In some embodiments, the formulation leachate surface 186 comprises one or more nozzles above the coating surface of the head 110b. In some embodiments, the formulation leaching surface 186 is a porous material having a void volume for softening the flow of the formulation from the formulation leaching surface. Porous materials may include cured gels, soft plastic foams, hard plastic foams, natural porous materials such as pumice stones and the like. In some embodiments, the formulation leachate surface 186 may include vents blocked by one or more grills, wire mesh screens, patterned perforated screens, and the like.

In some embodiments, the formulation container 180 is compressed by pressure when the coated surface of the head 110b is applied to the biological surface 210. In some embodiments, the formulation container 180 is compressed by a mechanism encapsulated within the head 110b, including, but not limited to, an electric actuator, a servo, a manually actuated lever, a roller, a pair of rollers, and the like. In some embodiments, the formulation container 180 is removable and replaceable and contains a formulation specifically prepared for the desired therapeutic or cosmetic outcome.

In some embodiments, the formulation comprises one or more cosmetic ingredients. Cosmetic ingredients may include fragrances, pigments, creams, oils, natural extracts, moisturizers and the like. In some embodiments, the formulation comprises one or more agents, such as astringents, pharmaceutically active compounds, acid neutralizing creams, antioxidants and the like. In some embodiments, the formulation comprises one or more protective compounds for protecting the biological surface from the potentially harmful effects of exposure to plasma 118. Some non-limiting examples of such protective compounds are antioxidants, moisturizers, clarifying creams, acidity buffering creams and the like.

In one embodiment, the head 110b comprises a skirt 170 that is flexible in the coated surface of the head 110b. In some embodiments, the flexible skirt 170 is made of corrugated plastic or soft rubber and is attached to the coated surface of the head 110b. In some embodiments, the flexible skirt 170 is compressed by contact with the biological surface 210. In some embodiments, the flexible skirt 170 includes a rigid spacer 174 that limits the compression of the skirt 170 and thereby defines the minimum distance between the head 110b and the biological surface 210. In some embodiments, the flexible skirt 170 is impermeable to gas and, when compressed, creates an enclosed environment in which the plasma 118 is present. The stiff spacer 174 may be enclosed by or outside the flexible skirt 170 and may be added or removed. In some embodiments, the rigid spacer 174 comprises a conductive material, including, but not limited to, a metal. In some embodiments, the rigid spacer 174 containing the conductive material is biased to a voltage above zero. Without being bound by theory, the rigid spacer 174 so biased causes plasma to be generated between the head 110b and the rigid spacer 174, thereby reducing the dose of ions and electrons directed at the biological surface 210. It is believed that it can make things possible. In some embodiments, the plasma 118 discharging into the rigid spacer 174 creates a RONS contained within the volume defined by the flexible skirt 170.

In one embodiment, the head 110b includes a filter 190 for filtering the plasma 118. The filter 190 may be placed between the head 110b and the biological surface 210, for example, on the path of plasma 118 applied to the biological surface.

In some embodiments, the filter 190 is an ultraviolet filter that is placed to at least partially block the path of ultraviolet photons from the plasma 118 to the biological surface 210. In some embodiments, the filter 190 blocks ultraviolet photons. This is because the filter is made of a UV absorbing or scattering material, including, but not limited to, plastic, glass, or quartz treated with a UV blocking film.

In some embodiments, the filter 190 is a chemical filter designed to sequester or transform one or more plasma-producing species that optionally reach the biological surface 210. In some embodiments, the filter 190 comprises a carbonaceous material, and non-limiting examples thereof include graphene, carbon nanotubes, activated carbon paper, carbon fibers, and the like. In another embodiment, the filter 190 comprises a catalytic material, a non-limiting example thereof comprising metal particles embedded in a porous substrate. In some embodiments, the filter 190 is a radical scavenging material such as catalase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), α-tocopherol (vitamin E), ascorbic acid (vitamin C), β-carotene (vitamin A). ), Contains antioxidants including selenium and the like. In some embodiments, the filter comprises a pH sensitive polymer that responds to changes in proton concentration by altering its porosity, surface properties, dimensions, etc. Some non-limiting examples of such pH sensitive polymers include polyacids and polybases, chitosan, hyaluronic acid, and dextran. In some embodiments, the filter responds to changes in pH by opening holes to release one or more of the radical scavenging materials previously described.

In some embodiments, the filter 190 comprises a liquid formulation applied to the biological surface 210 upon contact. The liquid formulation may include, but is not limited to, any of the above-mentioned filter materials carried in a liquid emulsion containing a cream or oil. In some embodiments, the liquid formulation filter 190 comprises additional materials such as cosmetic and medical ingredients. In some embodiments, the liquid formulation comprises an indicator material that provides a colorimetric indicator for exposure to plasma-producing species. In some embodiments, the indicator material is pH sensitive, which changes color when the biological surface 210 is exposed to a concentration of plasma-producing acidified or alkalized species sufficient to alter the molecular structure of the dye. It is a dye. Non-limiting examples of pH sensitive dyes include gentiana violet, methyl yellow, methyl red, cresolphthaline, indigo carmine and the like.

In some embodiments, the filter 190 comprises a charged particle filter placed between the plasma 118 and a biological surface 210 that attracts and neutralizes the charged particles present in the plasma 118. In some embodiments, the charged particle filter comprises one or more conductive elements individually biased to a non-zero voltage. Non-limiting examples of conductive elements include metal screens, metal probes, metal rings, etc. placed near or around the dielectric material 116 on the coated surface of the head 110b. In some embodiments, the charged particle filter selectively filters out cations by having negative properties and therefore neutralizes cations approaching the surface of the filter 190. In some embodiments, the charged particle filter captures all charged particles by combining a plurality of conductive elements, eg, at least one conductive element carrying a negative electrode property and at least one conductive element carrying a positive electrode property. Remove by filtering.

As shown in FIG. 11C, the biological surface 210 contains undulations that can affect the uniformity of exposure of the site to plasma 118. Non-limiting examples of undulating living surface 210 include, but are not limited to, convex surfaces such as cheekbones, lower jaw, eyebrows, nose, jaw, knuckles, ankle joints, elbows, and knees, on the face and body. The part of is included. Similarly, the undulating biological surface 210 may include concave surfaces, such as in areas such as under the chin, around the ears, and along the neck. In some embodiments, the head 110c comprises a compatible material on the coated surface. The compatible material is configured to fit in opposition to the undulations of the site. Non-limiting examples of compatible materials include gels, cured foams, rubbers, plastics and the like. In some embodiments, compatible materials on the head 110c include consumable materials such as dry solids, moisturizing gels, water-soluble creams and the like.

In some embodiments, the coated surface of the head 110c is conversely compatible with the biological surface 210. In some embodiments, the dielectric barrier 116 includes, but is not limited to, a flexible surface, including a woven dielectric fabric, such as a glass cloth, a ceramic cloth, and the like. In some embodiments, the electrode 114 comprises a flexible conductive surface, such as a woven metal cloth, copper mesh, stainless steel mesh, or the like. In some embodiments, the flexible surface contained within the dielectric barrier 116 is sealed to prevent the accumulation of material that has fallen off the biological surface 210 during plasma treatment. The flexible surface can be sealed with a coating containing, but not limited to, Teflon®, SiOx membrane, graphene and the like.

As shown in FIG. 11D, the head 110d may be provided with an air cushion between the head 110d and the biological surface 210. In some embodiments, the head 110d comprises a plurality of air conduits 164 that at least partially surround the electrodes 114 and the dielectric barrier 116. During operation, the air mover 160 supplies air to an air conduit 164 (eg, nozzle, vent, etc.) that directs a vectored flow of air away from the head 110d. The airflow may produce an air cushion that prevents or at least minimizes contact between the head 110d and the biological surface 210. In some embodiments, the air mover 160 is an electric fan located within the head 110d. The air mover operates independently of the electrode 114 and can be turned on and off without changing the state of the plasma 118.

Cold Plasma Device with Sensor FIG. 12 is a schematic representation of the cold plasma treatment system according to the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the cold plasma treatment device 100 comprises one or more sensors 140 for measuring plasma parameters. Based on the measured plasma parameters, the controller 142 can control the cold atmospheric plasma 118 to maintain a given cosmetological treatment on the site of the biological surface 210.

As previously described, in some embodiments, the cold atmospheric plasma 118 is formed using the biological surface 210 as a floating reference electrode. Without being bound by theory, such sequences are believed to be sensitive to the uneven distribution of water and ion concentrations on the biological surface 210. Ion-rich localized regions, such as sweat glands, may provide the desired conductive pathways for plasma-generated charged species, and cold atmospheric plasma 118 selectively places such locations on the biological surface 210. It is believed that it can occur. Second, plasma preference for another particular location on the biological surface 210 results in poorly controlled treatment inhomogeneities and variations in plasma dose to the site treated by plasma 118. Homogeneity is believed to be an important criterion in the operation of cold atmospheric plasma sources. Therefore, in at least some embodiments, the design of the plasma treatment device 100 takes into account the sensitivity of the cold atmospheric plasma 118 to variations in the properties of the surface 210.

The uniformity of the plasma 118 is defined with respect to variations in one or more plasma parameters, such as discharge power, discharge volume, concentration of plasma-producing species. For example, in a highly variable system in which the treatment site contains many discrete subregions with completely different characteristics, the plasma treatment device 100 may be placed between the ion-rich subregion and the ion-poor subregion of the surface 210. When moving in parallel, the plasma treatment device 100 may exhibit discontinuities in discharge current or discharge voltage. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that a plasma source that passes over the lower regions of conductivity may exhibit a spike in discharge current and a corresponding drop in discharge voltage.

In some embodiments, the controller 142 activates an electronic ballast circuit connected to the electrode 114. Without being bound by theory, the electronic ballast circuit allows the controller 142 to regulate the current to the electrode 114, thereby plasma at one or more localized spots on the biological surface 210. It is believed to prevent thermal runaway of 118 and contraction of plasma 118.

As shown in FIG. 12, which shows an embodiment of the technique of the present invention, the plasma source 100 incorporates one or more sensors 140 to measure the parameters of the cold atmospheric plasma 118 and the biological surface 210. In some embodiments, the plasma treatment device 100 includes a sensor 140 that measures plasma parameters. Plasma parameters may include measurements of the current discharged into the biological surface 210 and the voltage drop between the dielectric barrier 116 and the surface 210. The plasma parameter is one that indicates the energy density of the plasma 118, such as the spectrum of light emitted by the plasma 118, the ion density within the plasma 118, or the time variation of the above-mentioned parameters indicating the treatment of non-uniform surfaces. It can contain multiple parameters. Without being bound by theory, one or more short-lived discontinuities in discharge voltage or current are cold to one or more highly localized ion-rich sites on the surface. It is believed to show non-uniformity in the preferred form of atmospheric plasma 118.

In some embodiments, one or more sensors 140 placed on a surface 210 at or near the treatment site measures the parameters of the plasma 118 or the biological surface 210. For example, the plasma treatment device 100 may include an ion sensor such as a pH sensor or chloride sensor, an optical sensor, a reactive oxygen sensor, a surface temperature sensor, a distance sensor, a humidity sensor and the like.

In some embodiments, a sensor 140 placed on either the surface 210 or the plasma treatment device 100 measures the ambient environment. Such a sensor 140 may include an ion sensor, an optical sensor, a reactive oxygen sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor and the like.

In some embodiments, the position reference sensor placed on the plasma treatment device 100 is operably coupled to the distance sensor on the biological surface 210. The position reference sensor may determine the distance of the dielectric barrier 116 from the surface 210. In some embodiments, a distance sensor, such as a laser rangefinder, included within the plasma treatment device 100 measures the distance from the dielectric barrier 116 to the surface 210.

In some embodiments, the sensor 140 communicates with the controller 142 as part of the plasma source 100. The controller 140 may be operably coupled to the plasma treatment device 100, receive an input from the sensor 140, and process the input to determine control data for the plasma treatment device 100. In some embodiments, the control data includes, but is not limited to, a signal sent to the electronic component of the plasma therapy device 100 to regulate the current or voltage applied to the electrode 114, and a perceptible signal. Includes signals sent to other components of the plasma therapy device 100 to create. In some embodiments, the perceptible signal is tactile feedback or an audible or visible indicator. In some embodiments, the controller 142 sends control data in response to a dangerous dose of energy or reactive species produced by the plasma 118.

As explained earlier, without being bound by theory, plasma doses determine exposure to one or more plasma-producing species, such as reactive species, energy species containing ions and electrons, photons, etc. Believed.

In some embodiments, the plasma dose is given to a given site on the biological surface 210 over a period of time, expressed as a number per unit area, per unit time (such as "per square centimeter second"). Is the concentration of a given species. In some embodiments, the controller 142 integrates the plasma dose over the area of the dielectric barrier 116 to deliver the plasma dose to the plasma treatment device 100 in order to provide the plasma dose per unit time. Determine the time and control data.

In some embodiments, the plasma is plasma when the plasma treatment device 100 remains on a given site on the biological surface 210 for a length of time such that the plasma 118 can harm the surface 210. Treatment is considered dangerous. Conversely, in some embodiments, plasma treatment is such that if the treatment device 100 remains on a given site for a length of time such that the plasma 118 is unlikely to have the desired effect. It is considered to have given an invalid dose. In some embodiments, these doses appear to occur within a range rather than unique values. Therefore, the controller 142 may determine the dangerous or invalid range of the dose, and the controller 142 may control the control data to create a perceptible signal, to modulate the plasma 118, or both. Send to plasma treatment device 100.

In some embodiments, the plasma 118 may be applied, for example, for a given time period such that the application time corresponds to the half-life of the plasma. In other embodiments, the intensity of the plasma 118 applied to the living body surface can be controlled by limiting the application of the plasma for a period of time after a constant decay of the plasma intensity. For example, plasma 118 may be applied after the half-life of plasma has already passed.

In some embodiments, the controller 142 responds to dangerous doses by signaling that the plasma source is moved away from the site above the biological surface 210 towards a second site. The controller 142 sends control data to the plasma treatment device 100 to turn off the plasma 118 or to modulate the power supplied to the electrode 114 to reduce the generation of energy and reaction species in the plasma 118. It can respond to dangerous doses by sending to electronic components.

In some embodiments, the plasma 118 is generated by a plurality of pixelated electrodes 114i, j arranged in a matrix, as shown in FIG. The pixelated electrodes can be individually addressed by the controller 142, which determines the discharge power for a given pixelated electrode 114. In some embodiments, the controller uses the current and voltage inputs from the sensor 140 to the pixelated electrodes 114i, j to weaken the contraction or localization of the non-uniform plasma 118. In some embodiments, when the plasma 118 is localized to a spot on a biological surface 210 with completely different chemical or physical properties, the controller 142 pixelates to the average for the matrix 114. The electrodes 114i, j receive an input indicating whether they draw a variation in the ratio of electric power. The controller 142 modulates the plasma 118 by turning off the electrodes 114i, j that depict excess power, thereby distributing the plasma energy to the working electrode O and the plasma failure near the non-working electrode NO. Reduce the unwanted effects of uniformity.

The components of the cold plasma system 100 may communicate directly over a wired and powered connection. These components include, but are not limited to, wired technologies such as DSL, Ethernet, fiber optics, USB, and firewire, and wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi, WiMAX, 3G, 4G, LTE, and Bluetooth®. , As well as networks that may include suitable communication technologies, including the Internet (not shown).

In some embodiments, the controller 142 comprises a non-transitory computer-readable medium that stores computer executable instructions and data, the instructions and data responding to execution by one or more processors of the computing device. Then, the computing device is made to perform the treatment method 600 described in the present specification and shown in FIG.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the cold plasma treatment method according to the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the method 600 of treating a site of the biological surface 210 with cold atmospheric plasma 118 comprises creating a cold plasma between the plasma treatment device 100 and the site. The method of treatment 600 may include measuring one or more treatment parameters with one or more sensors 140 and determining the plasma dose from the treatment parameters. In some embodiments, the method of treatment 600 comprises adjusting one or more of the treatment parameters to adjust the plasma dose and turning off the cold atmospheric plasma 118.

In some embodiments, the method may include additional steps or may be performed without all the steps shown in the flow chart. The method starts at block 605 and proceeds to block 610, where one or more sensors 140 measure therapeutic parameters such as ambient and surface parameters. In some embodiments, method 600 comprises placing at least one sensor 140 on a biological surface 210 at or near the site prior to generating plasma 118. As previously described, the sensor 140 may be operably coupled to the controller 142 and provide sensor input to the controller 142 used in the block 615 to determine the plasma parameters required for effective treatment. In some embodiments, the plasma parameter is defined by a default value and the controller 142 does not operate until the plasma 118 is turned on. In some embodiments, the plasma parameter comprises a discharge voltage as a function of time, a discharge current as a function of time, a plasma temperature as a function of time, or a gas temperature near the site as a function of time. In some embodiments, the sensor measurements are given to the data storage system 620, which may integrate the measurements with other sensor data. In some embodiments, the parameter engine transmits parameter information to the controller 142, as shown in block 627. The parameter engine determines the therapeutic dose based on the integrated sensor inputs stored and stored in the data storage system 620 and further determines the set of plasma parameters given to the controller 142.

At block 630, the cosmetic product is applied to the treatment site. In some embodiments, the cosmetic formulation enhances plasma treatment. In some embodiments, the cosmetic product protects the biological surface 210 from the harmful aspects of the plasma 118. The formulation engine shown in block 625 may determine the formulation and receive input from the data storage system 620. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical engine utilizes machine learning to optimize the components of the pharmaceutical product for a given purpose, such as radical scavenging, UV absorption, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and the like.

At block 635, the plasma treatment device 100 applies cold atmospheric plasma 118 to the biological surface 210 at the treatment site. At block 640, a post-plasma formulation is applied to the therapeutic site of the biological surface 210. As in block 630, the formulation can be determined by the formulation engine shown in block 625. In some embodiments, the post-plasma formulation can be the same as the block 630 formulation. In some embodiments, the post-plasma formulation may differ from the block 630 formulation. In some embodiments, the post-plasma formulation neutralizes ions and moisturizes the biological surface 210. In some embodiments, the post-plasma formulation diminishes the potential oxidative effects of plasma treatment by including an antioxidant component.

At block 645, treatment may be repeated. In some embodiments, the controller 142 determines in block 645 whether the therapeutic dose has been met. If the therapeutic dose is not met, the controller 142 may repeat the sensor measurements, determine new plasma parameters, and modulate the plasma to provide an effective and safe dose of plasma-producing species. In some embodiments, the treatment is not repeated and the method ends at block 650.

The controller 142 may determine plasma parameters from a group including current supplied to electrode 114, drive frequency, voltage waveform, peak-to-peak voltage, root mean square voltage, plasma temperature, gas temperature, light emission from plasma 118, and the like. ..

In some embodiments, the controller determines the uniformity indicator of the cold atmospheric plasma 118. As explained earlier, uniformity is due to the spatial distribution of the plasma 118 between the second surface of the dielectric barrier 116 and the biological surface 210, as well as the time average flow of current between the two surfaces. Describe whether it spreads evenly over the treatment site above 210. In some embodiments, the controller sends control data to the plasma treatment device 100 to adjust one or more of the plasma parameters in response to changes in the uniformity indicator. The controller may intermittently determine the uniformity indicator based on the sensor input given to the controller 142.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the "data storage system" described herein can be any suitable device configured to store data for access by a computing device. An example of a data storage system 620 is a high-speed relational database management system (DBMS) that runs on one or more computing devices and is accessible over a high-speed network. However, other suitable storage techniques and / or devices capable of responding to queries and providing stored data may be used and the computing device is locally accessible rather than on the network. May be provided as a cloud-based service. The cloud storage system 620 may also include data systematically stored on a computer-readable storage medium.

In general, the term "engine" as used herein refers to logic software and algorithms or software instructions embedded in hardware, where software instructions are C, C ++, COBOL, JAVA®,. It can be written in programming languages such as PHP, Perl, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, VBScript, ASPX, Microsoft .NET , PYTHON. The engine may be compiled into an executable program or written in an interpreted programming language. The software engine may be callable from other engines or from itself. In general, the engine described herein refers to a logical module that can be combined with other engines or subdivided into subengines. The engine is stored in any type of computer-readable medium or computer storage device, stored on one or more general purpose computers and run by them, thus providing the engine or its functionality. It can generate a configured dedicated computer.

Cold Plasma Generation Away from User's Skin Figure 15 is a schematic of the cold plasma treatment system according to the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the cold plasma treatment device 100 houses the electrodes 114 and 115 within the housing 101. In some embodiments, the electrodes 114 and 115 are arranged along the air conduit 514 so that the electrodes 114 and 115 are on either side of the air conduit 514. In different embodiments, the air conduit 514 may contain other gases, not just air, that are flushed by the electrodes 114 and 115. Therefore, the reference to "air conduit" includes other gases flowing through conduit 514. During operation, the air mover 530 (eg, air fan, blower, ionic wind blower, compressed air source, compressed gas source, etc.) can move air out of the cold plasma treatment device 100 from the external environment through the air conduit 514. ..

By moving the air along the air conduit 514, the air is exposed to the electromagnetic field generated by the electrodes 114 and 115 of the cold plasma generator. Cold plasma is generated in the air conduit 514 when the electrodes 114 and 115 are properly energized, for example, using an alternating current (AC) source that can be a radio frequency (RF) source 112. The cold plasma 118 thus generated can be released from the cold plasma treatment device 100 by the air mover 530.

In some embodiments, an RF source such that such plasma 118 is applied over a target biological surface, for example, for a given time period such that the application time corresponds to the half-life of the plasma. 112 can be adjusted. In another embodiment, the RF source 112 is tuned so that the plasma 118 is applied after the half-life of the plasma has already passed (eg, by taking into account the plasma travel time ). The RF source 112 is tuned so that it is.

In some embodiments, there is no single half-life that characterizes cold plasma, and each compound in the plasma can have a different half-life. Therefore, the target concentration is affected by the half-life of each compound, the residence time between passes, and the like. Therefore, in some embodiments, the term "half-life" corresponds to the optimal "half-life" of one or more compounds. In other embodiments, the term "half-life" refers to the average or comprehensive half-life of a mixture of compounds. Moreover, the half-life itself will also depend on available decay reactions that may depend on the local microenvironment (including concentrations and compositions of other species).

The cold plasma treatment device 100 may include a plasma barrier 510. In some embodiments, the plasma barrier 510 may be drilled, for example, to limit and / or regulate the flow of cold plasma 118 towards the biological surface 210. The plasma barrier can be a vent blocked by one or more grills, wire mesh screens, patterned perforated screens, and the like. The hole size of the plasma barrier 510 can be selected based on the target flow rate of the cold plasma 118. In different embodiments, the plasma barrier 510 can be made of different materials, such as metal or plastic.

In some applications, generating cold plasma away from the biological surface 210 (eg, away from the user's skin) is advantageous compared to generating cold plasma in close proximity to the biological surface 210. could be. When cold plasma is generated away from the biological surface 210, the concentration, temperature, pressure, etc. of the plasma need not be as tightly controlled as the plasma produced directly on the biological surface 210. For example, the temperature of the air carrying the cold plasma towards the biological surface 210 should be within a relatively narrow range (to avoid user discomfort), but the available temperature range for inflow air is. It is wider when the plasma is generated away from the living body surface. After the plasma is generated, the temperature of the air may be lowered or raised to a more acceptable range while the plasma is still contained in the enclosure 101. Similarly, in some embodiments, the concentration of RONS or other plasma species may be higher for plasma generated away from the biological surface 210. This is because the concentration of the plasma species can be reduced inside the housing 101 before the cold plasma reaches the biological surface 210. For example, the concentration of plasma species and the temperature of air generally decrease with the time elapsed from the formation of the plasma species. Therefore, by controlling the speed of the air mover 530, the length of the air conduit 514, and / or the voltage of the AC source 112, the concentration or temperature of the plasma species can also be controlled.

In some embodiments, the concentration of the plasma species is, at least in part, a function of the temperature of the inflow air. The temperature can be controlled by the heater 560. In some embodiments, the controller 142 may control different parameters that affect the generation of cold plasma, such as the voltage at the AC source 112, the speed of the air mover 530, the voltage at the heater 560, and so on.

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of the cold plasma treatment system 100 according to the present disclosure. The illustrated cold plasma treatment system 100 includes a container 520 for temporarily storing the cold plasma before the cold plasma directed at the biological surface 210 is exhausted. By storing the cold plasma in the container 520, the time elapsed from the generation of the cold plasma to the exhaustion of the cold plasma from the system 100 can be better controlled. As a result, in at least some embodiments, the concentration and / or temperature of the cold plasma species may also be better controlled.

In some embodiments, the vessel 520 may have one or more sensors that sense the state of the cold plasma. For example, the sensor 140 may sense the concentration, temperature, pressure, composition, etc. of the cold plasma. During operation, the controller 142 has parameters for generating cold plasma in order to achieve the desired parameters of cold plasma 118 on the biological surface 210 (eg, voltage of AC source 112, speed of air mover 530, heater 560). Temperature) can be adjusted.

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of the cold plasma treatment system 100 according to the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, an additional air conduit 512 connects the vessel 520 and the air conduit 514, thus providing a return path for the plasma species to return towards the electrodes 114 and 115. In some embodiments, the air conduit 512 provides better control over the concentration and / or temperature of the cold plasma in the vessel 520. For example, if the sensor 140 detects that the concentration of plasma species in the vessel 520 is insufficient, the controller 142 may increase the rotational speed of the air mover 531 and thus electrode more air and plasma. It is sent back to 114 and 115 to generate additional plasma species in the airflow entering vessel 520. In addition, the speed of the air mover 532 can be adjusted to control the flow of air and plasma to the vessel 520. In some embodiments, the velocity of the air mover 530 may be adjusted to alter the outflow of the plasma species vessel 520. The controller 142 may additionally control the heater 560 to control the temperature of the air and cold plasma species inside the vessel 520. Reflow of the plasma species can also increase the concentration of the plasma species. In some embodiments, this reflow treatment of the same flow increases the concentration of species having each treatment path while reducing the amount of unstable species that decays during each reflow. In some embodiments, these additional control mechanisms are cold plasma concentration, temperature, cold plasma species type (eg, ROS dominant, RNS dominant), pressure in vessel 520, and other parameters of cold plasma. Improve control of.

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of the cold plasma treatment system 100 according to the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the cold plasma treatment system 100 comprises a flexible skirt 170. The flexible skirt 170 is made of corrugated plastic or soft rubber and may be mounted around the plasma barrier 510 to contain cold plasma 118 in close proximity to the biological surface 210. For example, the flexible skirt 170 is impermeable to gas and, when compressed, can create an environment containing plasma 118. In some embodiments, the flexible skirt 170 is compressed by contact with the biological surface 210.

In some embodiments, the cold plasma treatment system 100 includes a rigid spacer 174 that limits the compression of the flexible skirt 170, thereby defining the minimum distance between the plasma barrier 510 and the biological surface 210. The rigid spacer 174 may be enclosed by or outside the flexible skirt 170 and may be removable. In some embodiments, the rigid spacer 174 comprises a conductive material, including, but not limited to, a metal. In some embodiments, the rigid spacer 174 containing the conductive material is biased at a voltage above zero. Without being bound by theory, the rigid spacer 174 so biased electromagnetically forms the space between the plasma barrier 510 and the biological surface 210 to confine the plasma, and thus the cold plasma and the biological surface. It is believed that the contact between them can be controlled. The rigid spacer 174 can have adjustable lengths for different applications. If all other conditions are the same, the longer hard spacer applies the "older" plasma to the skin, while the shorter hard spacer applies the "newer" plasma.

In one embodiment, the cold plasma treatment system 100 includes a filter 190 for filtering the plasma 118. The filter 190 may be placed between the plasma barrier 510 and the biological surface 210. In some embodiments, the filter 190 is a charged particle filter placed between the plasma 118 and a biological surface 210 that attracts and neutralizes the charged particles present in the plasma 118. In some embodiments, the charged particle filter comprises one or more conductive elements that are individually biased at a non-zero voltage. Non-limiting examples of conductive devices include metal screens, metal probes, metal rings, etc. placed near or around the plasma barrier 510. In some embodiments, the charged particle filter selectively filters out cations by having a negative electrode property, thus neutralizing cations approaching the surface of the filter 190. In some embodiments, the charged particle filter filters all charged particles by combining a plurality of conductive elements, eg, at least one conductive element having a negative electrode property and at least one conductive element having a positive electrode property. Exclude.

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram according to the present disclosure using the cold plasma treatment system 100 with a face mask. In the illustrated embodiment, the face mask 600 covers the face of the subject to be treated (eg, consumer 200). Cold plasma directed from the cold plasma treatment system 100 enters the space between the face mask 600 and the biological surface 210 through the mask inlet 614. In some embodiments, the face mask 600 provides a containment boundary that prevents, or at least reduces, the cold plasma 118 from leaking from the biological surface (eg, human skin). As a result, the cold plasma remains in contact with the living body surface for longer and can therefore have a greater effect. In some embodiments, the cold plasma can be propelled by the air mover 530 towards the face mask 600 through the mask inlet 614.

Cold Plasma Generation from Cartridges Containing Plasma Precursors FIG. 20 is a schematic representation of the cold plasma treatment system according to the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the cold plasma treatment system 100 houses the precursor cartridge 725 within the housing 101. The cartridge 725 contains a cold plasma precursor 722 that is transported towards electrodes 114 and 115 that generate cold plasma by an electromagnetic field. The cartridge 725 may also contain components that enhance or enhance plasma activity rather than directing the precursor directly to the plasma component. For example, the cartridge 725 may contain a compound that stabilizes (increases) the half-life of the desired plasma component. Such compounds may enhance the effect of the plasma component, for example by lowering the pH above the surface of the skin. Conversely, the precursor component, when incorporated into the plasma stream, can remove unwanted plasma components (such as ozone) or, in some cases, convert these plasma components into an inert form.

In some embodiments, the electrodes 114 and 115 are arranged along the air conduit 714 so that the electrodes 114 and 115 are on either side of the air conduit 714. In one embodiment, the electrodes 114 and 115 are energized by an alternating current (AC) source 112.

In some applications, producing cold plasma from precursor 722 may improve the selectivity for producing target seeds in the plasma and result in more specific target seeds. For example, precursor 722 creates reactive oxygen species (ROS) or reactive nitrogen species (RNS) in cold plasma 118 after ionization by electrodes 114 and 115, oxygen-rich or nitrogen-rich. It can be a compound. Collectively, ROS and RNS are referred to as reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species (RONS).

RONS is generally not shelf stable, so RONS is generally a precursor in plasma. Generated from formula). However, the precursor formulation may contain stable compounds (eg, oxygen-rich or nitrogen-rich components) that can produce different compositions of RONS and / or RONS when the plasma is generated. It is believed that RONS interacts differently with the surface of the body and thus produces different effects on the surface of the body. The non-exhaustive list of RONS includes hydroxyl groups (OH), atomic oxygen (O), singlet delta oxygen (O2 (1Δ)), and superoxide (O2-). In some embodiments, the precursor 722 that creates RONS may contain hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and nitric oxide (NO). Conversely, in some embodiments, the precursor 722 may result in suppression of some (eg, undesired) plasma species. In different embodiments, the precursor 722 can be modified to treat acne, wrinkles, improve skin rejuvenation, and produce other desired effects on the biological surface 210.

In some embodiments, the precursor 722 is a liquid that evaporates into a gas (vapor) and flows towards the electrodes 114 and 115. In some embodiments, the flow of the precursor gas is improved by the inflow air drawn into the precursor cartridge 725 through the opening 102 through the air conduit 711. The mixture of precursor gas and air can be further drawn into the air conduit 714 and exposed to the electromagnetic fields of the electrodes 114 and 115. In some embodiments, the heater 760 may improve the evaporation of the precursor 722 and thus the availability of the precursor at the electrodes 114 and 115. In some embodiments, the precursor 722 can be a solid or gel material that evaporates faster when the heater 760 operates.

After passing through the air conduit 714, the cold plasma 118 may be expelled from the cold plasma treatment device 100 by an air mover 730 (eg, air fan, air blower, ion wind blower, etc.). The cold plasma treatment device 100 may include a plasma barrier 710. In some embodiments, the plasma barrier 710 may be drilled, for example, to limit and / or regulate the flow of cold plasma 118 towards the biological surface 210. The plasma barrier can be a vent blocked by one or more grills, wire mesh screens, patterned perforated screens, and the like. The hole size of the plasma barrier 710 can be selected based on the target flow rate of the cold plasma 118. In different embodiments, the plasma barrier 710 can be made of different materials, such as metal, ceramic, or plastic.

In some applications, generating cold plasma away from the biological surface 210 (eg, away from the user's skin) is advantageous compared to generating cold plasma in close proximity to the biological surface 210. could be. When the cold plasma is generated away from the biological surface 210, the plasma concentration, temperature, pressure, etc. need not be as tightly controlled as when the plasma is generated directly on the biological surface 210. For example, the temperature of the air carrying the cold plasma towards the biological surface 210 should be within a relatively narrow range (to avoid user discomfort), but the available temperature range for inflow air is. It is wider when the plasma is generated away from the living body surface.

In some embodiments, control of plasma species concentration is improved by selecting precursor 722 in cartridge 725. In addition, the shape and thermo-fluid parameters of the cold plasma treatment system 100 can also control the concentration of plasma species. For example, the concentration of plasma species and the temperature of air generally decrease with the time elapsed from the formation of the plasma species. Therefore, the length L3 of the air conduit 714 scales in inverse proportion to the concentration of the plasma species. This is because the length L3 delays the arrival of the plasma species on the surface of the organism, at least in a first-order approximation. Furthermore, the concentration of the plasma species can also scale in inverse proportion to the length L2 of the space above the precursor (above the cartridge space L1). In addition, the concentration of the plasma species can also be controlled via the speed of the air mover 730 and / or the voltage of the AC source 112. During operation, the controller 142 may adjust the parameters for producing the cold plasma (eg, the voltage of the AC source 112, the speed of the air mover 730, the temperature of the heater 760).

FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram of the cold plasma treatment system 100 according to the present disclosure. The illustrated cold plasma treatment system 100 includes a container 720 for temporarily storing the cold plasma 118 before the cold plasma directed at the biological surface 210 is exhausted. By storing the cold plasma in the container 720, the time elapsed from the generation of the cold plasma to the exhaustion of the cold plasma from the system 100 can be better controlled. As a result, in at least some embodiments, the concentration and / or temperature of the cold plasma species may also be better controlled. In some embodiments, the vessel 720 may have one or more sensors that sense the state of the cold plasma. For example, the sensor 140 may sense the concentration, temperature, pressure, composition, etc. of the cold plasma.

In the illustrated embodiment, an additional air conduit 712 connects the vessel 720 with the air conduit 714 and thus provides a return path for the plasma species to return towards the electrodes 114 and 115. In some embodiments, the air conduit 712 provides better control of the concentration and / or temperature of the cold plasma in the vessel 720. For example, if the sensor 140 detects that the concentration of plasma species in the container 720 is insufficient, the controller 142 may increase the rotational speed of the air mover 731, thus propelling more air and plasma. Send back to 114 and 115 to create additional plasma species in the airflow entering container 720. In addition, the speed of the air mover 732 can be adjusted to control the flow of air and plasma into the container 720. In some embodiments, the velocity of the air mover 730 may be adjusted to alter the outflow of the plasma seed container 720. The controller 142 may additionally control the heater 760 to control the temperature and concentration of the gas precursor 722 at the inlet to the air conduit 714. In some embodiments, these additional control mechanisms are cold plasma concentration, temperature, cold plasma species type (eg, ROS dominant, RNS dominant), pressure in vessel 720, and other parameters of cold plasma. Improve control of.

22A and 22B are schematics of precursor cartridges according to the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the precursor 722 may comprise two precursor components 722a and 722b. In different embodiments, the precursor 722 may have a number of other precursor components, such as three or more components. In some embodiments, the precursor component is separated by a cartridge barrier 721. When separated from each other, the precursor components can remain relatively stable and therefore have a relatively long shelf life. Conversely, mixing the precursor components initiates a relatively short period of time during which the mixture produces precursors for the cold plasma. In some embodiments, the mixture produces a gaseous precursor for a period of several minutes (eg, 1-10 minutes) such that the time period is approximately consistent with the expected duration of skin treatment. Can be.

22A and 22B show the pre-mixed and mixed states of components 722a and 722b, respectively. In the premixed state shown in FIG. 22a, the two precursor components 722a and 722b are separated by the cartridge barrier 721. In some embodiments, the cartridge barrier 721 can be a relatively thin septum that can be punctured. In other embodiments, the cartridge barrier 721 may be removable by other means, such as by applying heat or by electromechanical removal.

FIG. 22A shows the cartridge 725 before inserting it into the cold plasma treatment device 100. Prior to insertion, activator 726a-726c may be in their stowed state away from the cartridge barrier 721.

FIG. 22B shows the cartridge 725 after inserting it into the cold plasma treatment device 100. In some embodiments, when the cartridge 725 is inserted, the activators 726a-726c (eg, pins) are pushed towards the cartridge barrier 721, thus breaking the cartridge barrier and initiating mixing of components 722a and 722b. As described above, when mixed, components 722a and 722b produce precursor 722. In some embodiments, the activators 726a-726c may be pushed by the user (in the direction of 727), may be configured to be pushed by the act of inserting the cartridge 725, or electromagnetically or otherwise. It may be moved by a suitable means of.

FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram of the cold plasma treatment system 100 according to the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the cold plasma treatment system 100 comprises a flexible skirt 170. The flexible skirt 170 is made of corrugated plastic or soft rubber and may be mounted around the plasma barrier 710 to contain cold plasma 118 in close proximity to the biological surface 210. For example, the flexible skirt 170 is impermeable to gas and, when compressed, can create an environment containing plasma 118. In some embodiments, the flexible skirt 170 is compressed by contact with the biological surface 210.

In some embodiments, the cold plasma treatment system 100 includes a rigid spacer 174 that limits the compression of the flexible skirt 170, thereby defining the minimum distance between the plasma barrier 710 and the biological surface 210. It may be enclosed by a flexible skirt 170, or it may be outside it, and it may be removable. In some embodiments, the rigid spacer 174 comprises a conductive material, including, but not limited to, a metal. In some embodiments, the rigid spacer 174 comprises a conductive material that is biased at voltages above zero. Without being bound by theory, the rigid spacer 174 so biased electromagnetically forms the space between the plasma barrier 710 and the biological surface 210 to confine the plasma, and thus the cold plasma and the biological surface. It is believed that the contact between them can be controlled.

In one embodiment, the cold plasma treatment system 100 includes a filter 190 for filtering the plasma 118. The filter 190 may be placed between the plasma barrier 710 and the biological surface 210. In some embodiments, the filter 190 is a charged particle filter placed between the plasma 118 and a biological surface 210 that attracts and neutralizes the charged particles present in the plasma 118. In some embodiments, the charged particle filter comprises one or more conductive elements individually biased at a non-zero voltage. Non-limiting examples of conductive devices include metal screens, metal probes, metal rings, etc. placed near or around the plasma barrier 710. In some embodiments, the charged particle filter selectively filters out cations by having a negative electrode property, thus neutralizing cations approaching the surface of the filter 190. In some embodiments, the charged particle filter filters all charged particles by combining a plurality of conductive elements, eg, at least one conductive element having a negative electrode property and at least one conductive element having a positive electrode property. Exclude.

Cold plasma-activated formulation for application to the skin FIG. 24 illustrates the activation of the formulation using cold plasma according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, where the cold plasma-activated formulation is a biological surface (eg, eg). Shown is a flow diagram of an exemplary process 1500 applied to the skin, nails, hair, etc.). FIG. 25 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary system 1600 configured to perform at least a portion of process 1500 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 24 and 25 are described below with respect to each other.

In block 1502 of FIG. 24, a formulation or formulation that should be activated (or in some cases exposed) by cold plasma-pre-formula, pre-formulation,. Also called pretreatment formulation, first formulation, first formulation, initial formulation, or initial formulation-is placed in the system 1600 and undergoes cold plasma activation. In some embodiments, the preform 1606 is fed into a container 1604 and the system 1600 exposes the container 1604 to the cold plasma 118 discharged by the plasma generation device 1602 contained within the system 1600. Includes receptacles configured to receive, hold and position (eg, wells, indentations, cavities, container cages, etc.). Vessel 1604 may contain any of a variety of materials that contribute to the generation of cold plasma 118 and / or transmission of cold plasma 118 to the preform 1606. For example, but not limited to, container 1604 may include glass material, ceramic material, and the like.

In some embodiments, the preform 1606 is an aqueous solution (eg, liquid, serum) configured to be a medium or carrier for absorbing one or more of the plasma species or compounds of cold plasma 118. , Oils, gels, creams, lotions, media, media, carriers, etc.). The preform 1606 may also contain one or more compounds that stabilize and / or increase the lifetime of the various short-lived plasma species absorbed therein. Alternatively or additionally, the preform 1606 contains an aqueous solution containing one or more precursor compounds to be modified or activated by the presence of one or more of the plasma species or compounds of cold plasma 118. include. Preform 1606 is not associated with cold plasma, such as compounds that can be stored at room temperature and do not need to be "newly" produced using plasma (eg, antioxidants, moisturizers, scrubs (exfoliant)). It can also include one or more other compounds. At least a portion of the preform 1606, without limitation, may be similar to the formulation 410.

Thus, the preform 1606 contains a formulation or medium capable of retaining at least a portion of the relatively long-lived plasma species, eg, applied onto the biological surface 210 in the absence of plasma. Continue to show some plasma activity in some cases and / or modify (chemically) compounds already present in the pharmaceutical product in the presence of plasma. The effect of plasma on preform 1606 may disappear over time, for example within hours, days or weeks, which makes the plasma-activated formulation a product that can be stored at room temperature and is user-friendly. Make it difficult to provide to. For this reason, plasma-activated formulations can be produced "newly" prior to topical application, as described herein.

Next, in block 1504, system 1600 is configured to generate cold plasma 118 and apply it to preform 1606. Depending on the lifetime of the plasma-activated formulation, the user may activate the system 1600 to produce the cold plasma 118 in a timely manner, as opposed to when the plasma-activated formulation should be applied topically. Placing the container 1604 inside the system 1600 in block 1502 may cause block 1504 to run automatically). For example, if the plasma activated product is stable or remains active for a week, block 1504 may be performed within a week prior to using the activated product.

In some embodiments, the system 1600 may include a system that makes it difficult or impossible to use directly on living tissue (eg, prevents the plasma from being discharged directly onto the living body surface 210). .. Instead, System 1600 may be optimized for applying plasma to preforms without the electrical, temperature, dosage, and / or other safety constraints associated with applying plasma to living tissue. Plasma 118 can have a higher dose or concentration for application to the preform 1606 than would be applied to the biological surface 210.

Referring to FIG. 25, the plasma generation device 1602 contained within the system 1600 is configured to discharge the cold plasma 118 onto one or more sides of the container 1604. Plasma generation device 1602 includes one or more continuous or discrete devices. In some embodiments, the plasma generation device 1602 comprises an electrode 114 and a dielectric barrier 116. The dielectric barrier 116 is arranged between the electrode 114 and the container 1604. The dielectric barrier 116 and the electrode 114, including the cold plasma generator, are configured to discharge the cold plasma 118 approximately toward the container 1604.

The plasma generation device 1602 may also include a cover (not shown) placed between the dielectric barrier 116 and the container 1604. The cover may include plastic, glass, quartz, etc. and may be configured to prevent certain plasma-producing species from reaching the preform 1606. For example, plasma 118 may emit ultraviolet photons under certain conditions, and it may be desirable to use a cover to block the transmission of such ultraviolet photons. In one embodiment, the cover is optional if no undesired plasma-producing species is produced, only a minimal amount is produced, or if the undesired plasma-producing species does not adversely affect the preform 1606. could be.

In some embodiments, at least some of the plasma species or compounds 1608 contained within the cold plasma 118 (eg, reactive species, charged species, relatively long-lived species, relatively short-lived species, etc.) Is transmitted and is present in the preform 1606.

Plasma species / compound 1608 (or whole plasma 118), in block 1506, also refers to the preform 1606 to the activated formulation 1609 (activated formulation, second formulation, topical formulation, final formulation, etc.). ). The activation formulation 1609 is a preform having one or more of the compounds in a preform 1606 supplemented with a plasma species or compound 1608, a preform 1606 altered based on exposure to cold plasma 118. Includes compound 1606, compound different from preform 1606, etc. In some embodiments, the activating formulation 1609 comprises one or more reactive or active compounds or components that are not present in the pre-formulation 1606. One or more reactive or active compounds / components may be associated with exposure to plasma 118. One or more reactive or active compounds / ingredients may provide short-term, long-term benefits, and may be biologically reactive or active (eg, skin exfoliation). The treatment may be effective for the biological surface 210 (eg, increasing hydration levels, etc.). Activation Formula 1609 may contain products that cannot be stored at room temperature.

Higher plasma doses, plasma exposures over longer time periods, plasmas of different species / compounds, and / or any particular plasma configuration, compared to plasmas that can be safely discharged to the biological surface 210. Higher concentrations of plasma species and / or specific interests than possible through direct application of plasma to biological surface 210, as may be given to preform 1606 in block 1504. A plasma species can be applied to the biological surface 210 via topical application of activated formulation 1609. In one embodiment, the plasma 118 is given for hours or days as needed, even though such a time period may be harmful or infeasible for application to the biological surface 210. It may be applied to preform 1606.

FIG. 26 shows an exemplary graph 1700 showing various exemplary plots of different plasma species / compound concentration levels as a function of time, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The plasma species / compound concentration level at the biological surface 210 as a function of time, in which the plasma is discharged directly to the biological surface 210, is represented by plot 1702. The plasma species / compound concentration level in the preform (eg, preform 1606) as a function of time, in which the plasma at the first dose level is discharged directly to the preform, is represented by plot 1704. The plasma species / compound concentration level in the preform (eg, preform 1606) as a function of time, in which the plasma at the second dose level is discharged directly to the preform, is represented by plot 1706. The second dose level may be a higher dose than the first dose level.

Higher levels of plasma species / compound concentrations may be injected into the preform within a shorter time period than can be discharged directly to the biological surface 210 (see plot 1702). See 1704 and 1706). Plot 1706 achieves plasma species / compound concentration levels closer to the maximum possible concentration level indicated by line 1708 through the use of preforms than when discharged directly to the biological surface 210 (see plot 1702). Show to get.

Returning to FIG. 24, in block 1508, the activating formulation 1609 can be transferred from the container 1604 to a different container 1610 suitable for dispensing the activating formulation 1609 for topical application. The vessel 1610 can be attached to an outlet valve contained in the vicinity of the vessel 1604 (eg, the bottom of the vessel 1604) in the system 1600. Vessel 1604 is a suitable container (eg, an airtight container) for transporting / maintaining the preform 1606 and activating the preform 1606 via cold plasma 118, but contains the activation formulation 1609. May contain containers that are not suitable for dispensing or dispensing. For example, the container 1604 is ergonomic for the user to use a portion of the activation formulation 1609, to store the activation formulation 1609 over multiple dispensings of the activation formulation 1609, and the like. Not shaped. Only part of the activation formulation 1609 can be transferred to container 1610 at a given time. Container 1610 comprises, for example, a (disposable) single dose dosing device for activation formulation 1609, the rest of activation formulation 1609 to preserve its active state and prevent contamination or deterioration. Stay inside. Alternatively, the container 1610 may be configured to receive all of the activation formulation 1609 and include a cap or other sealing mechanism associated with repeated dispensing of the activation formulation 1609.

In embodiments suitable for container 1604 to hold activated formulation 1609 and to provide the required dosing and / or anticontamination requirements, transfer to container 1610 may be omitted and block 1508 is optional. be.

Finally, in block 1510, activation formulation 1609 (in a suitable container 1604 or 1610) can be applied to the biological surface 210. In this way, a relatively short-lived pharmaceutical product, which cannot normally be provided to the user as a commercially available product, can be formulated as desired, if necessary. Formulations in response to such demands may contain (higher) levels of active or reactive compounds achieved through exposure to specially constructed plasmas. Such a desired formulation is a carrier for imparting a higher concentration and / or a particular plasma species to the biological surface 210 than would normally be possible by discharging the plasma directly to the biological surface 210. It can also play a role as.

In one embodiment, the plasma can be applied to the biological surface 210 not only indirectly via activation formulation 1609 but also directly via exposure to cold plasma. FIG. 27 shows an exemplary process 1800 flow diagram that may include alternatives to process 1500 in FIG. 28A-28B show diagrams of an exemplary system 1900 configured to perform at least a portion of Process 1800, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, blocks 1802-1810 of process 1800 are similar to each of blocks 1502-1510 of process 1500, except that blocks 1802-1810 can be performed in connection with system 1900. Moreover, the parameters associated with the cold plasma 1903 (also called the first parameter) generated in the system 1900 in block 1804 and applied to the preform 1606 are discharged into the preform 1606 in the system 1600. Includes one or more parameters that may be the same as or different from the parameters associated with the cold plasma 118 being made. One or more parameters of cold plasma 1903 may differ from one or more parameters of cold plasma 118. This is because, among other things, the cold plasma 1904 is to be sequentially applied to the biological surface 210 after the preparation activated by using the cold plasma 1903 is locally applied to the biological surface 210.

The system 1900 is configured such that the plasma generation device 1902 contained within the system 1900 is selectively removable from the system 1900 and can also be used alone as a plasma treatment device in close proximity to the biological surface 210. It may include a system similar to System 1600, except that (see Figure 28B).

After the activation formulation 1609 has been applied to the biological surface 210 in block 1810 (see Figure 28B), the plasma generation device 1902 may be removed from the system 1900 and in block 1812 the topically applied activation formulation. It may be configured to provide cold plasma 1904 to a site of biological surface 210 covered with object 1609. A voluntary cover 117 is also shown in FIG. 28B.

In some embodiments, the plasma generation device 1902 is capable of operating in a plurality of different operating conditions. The plasma generation device 1902 may be configured to operate in the first operating state when placed in the system 1900 to activate the preform 1606. The first operating state may include producing a cold plasma 1903 with the first parameter. When the plasma generation device 1902 is removed from its pedestal or cavity contained within the system 1900 and thus the plasma can be discharged to living tissue, the device 1902 produces a cold plasma 1904 with a second parameter. It can operate in the second operating state. The first and second operating states and the first and second parameters, respectively, may be different from each other. The first parameter associated with cold plasma 1903 can be optimized for activation of the preform 1606, while the second parameter associated with cold plasma 1904 safely discharges the plasma to the biological surface 210. And / or can be optimized for treating biological surface 210 in combination with the activation formulation 1609. As an example, the dosing level of cold plasma 1903 may be higher than the dosing level of cold plasma 1904. As another example, the duration of administration of cold plasma 1903 may be longer than the duration of cold plasma 1904.

In one embodiment, the system 1600 may be used to generate the activation formulation 1609 and the plasma generation device 1902 may be used to apply the plasma directly to the biological surface 210. In other embodiments, the plasma generation device 1602 or 1902 does not need to be mounted in the system 1600 or 1900 to convert the preformation 1606 to the activation formulation 1609, respectively. The container 1604 containing the preform 1606 is placed on a table and the plasma generation device 1602 or 1902 is installed alone in close proximity to the container 1604 and is active to generate cold plasma 118 or 1903, respectively. Is made to produce the activation formulation 1609. In yet another embodiment, it may occur that the plasma is discharged directly to the biological surface 210 before the plasma activating formulation is applied to the biological surface 210 (eg, block 1812 is performed prior to block 1810). May be). In yet another embodiment, one or more of blocks 1802-1810 may be executed in parallel with block 1812.

Various preforms can be activated by system 1600 or 1900 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, various preforms may be formulated to address various skin concerns or therapeutic benefits. The first pre-formulation may comprise a formulation that is a carrier for one or more plasma species, the second pre-formulation is to be chemically activated in the presence of cold plasma. The third preform may include a formulation that is a precursor to, and the third preform carries one or more plasma species, is chemically activated, and is unaffected by the presence of cold plasma. May include formulations and the like containing the beneficial compounds of.

In one embodiment, the plasma generation device 1602 or 1902 may include a device that generates plasma using a mechanism other than dielectric barrier discharge. Various other plasma generation mechanisms, such as, but not limited to, plasma jets, may be implemented within the system 1600 or 1900.

Electromagnetic field confinement of cold plasma applied to the skin FIG. 29 shows a side view of a schematic of a cold plasma treatment system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the plasma therapy device 2500 comprises an electrode 114, a dielectric barrier 116, a cover 117, a plurality of electromagnetic field generator units 2502, and one or more spacers 2504. The dielectric barrier 116 is arranged between the electrode 114 and the cover 117. The cover 117 is arranged between the plurality of electromagnetic field generator units 2502 and the dielectric barrier 116.

In one embodiment, the plurality of electromagnetic field generator units 2502 includes an array of electromagnetic field generator units. In one embodiment, the array of electromagnetic field generator units comprises a plurality of electromagnetic field generator units arranged in a regular or irregular geometric pattern. In one embodiment, the field generator unit is distributed over a 2D or 3D space and / or a 2D or 3D surface element. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic field generator unit is dispersed over the surface of a regular or irregular geometric structure.

In one embodiment, the electromagnetic field generator units of the plurality of electromagnetic field generator units 2502 are arranged in the same plane as each other, and the planes related to the plurality of electromagnetic field generator units 2502 are the electrodes 114, the dielectric barrier 116 and the cover 117. Parallel to the principal plane associated with one or more of them. In one embodiment, one or more of the electromagnetic field generator units of the plurality of electromagnetic field generator units 2502 may be dispersed on planes that are not identical to each other.

One or more of the spacers 2504 are placed around the plasma therapy device 2500. In one embodiment, one or more of the cover 117 and the plurality of electromagnetic field generator units 2502 are along a plane substantially parallel to the principal plane associated with the electrodes 114, the dielectric barrier 116 and / or the cover 117. , Placed between spacers 2504.

The dielectric barrier 116 and the electrode 114, including the cold plasma generator, are configured to discharge the cold plasma 118 in a direction generally towards the biological surface 210 (eg, skin). The cover 117 is placed in contact with or above the dielectric barrier 116. The cover 117 may include plastic, glass, quartz, etc. and may be configured to prevent certain plasma-producing species from reaching the biological surface 210. For example, it may be desirable for the plasma 118 to emit UV photons under certain conditions and to use a cover 117 to block the transmission of such UV photons. In one embodiment, as described in detail below, cover 117 may generate no or only minimal amount of unwanted plasma-producing species, or, for example, multiple electromagnetic field generator units 2502. It may be optional if configured to prevent unwanted plasma-producing species from reaching the biological surface 210.

In one embodiment, the plurality of electromagnetic field generator units 2502 are located downstream of the area where the nominal plasma or initial plasma of the plasma treatment device 2500 resides. In one embodiment, the plurality of electromagnetic field generator units 2502 are configured to form a continuous or discontinuous ring of units surrounding the plasma flow emanating from the plasma therapy device 2500. In one embodiment, each electromagnetic field generator unit of the plurality of electromagnetic field generator units 2502 is configured to generate a fixed or variable electromagnetic field with specific parameters. The electromagnetic fields generated by each of the electromagnetic field generator units may be the same or different from each other. As described below, multiple field generator units 2502 are configured to control, confine, modify, steer, and / or optionally manipulate the plasma nominally output by device 2500. Therefore, the obtained plasma received by the biological surface 210 may be different from the nominally output plasma.

In some embodiments, the spacer 2504 is configured to define the minimum spacing or separation distance between the device 2500 and the biological surface 210. Spacer 2504 can be a continuous or discrete structure (eg, flexible skirt, stiff spacer or bar, etc.). Therefore, the spacer 2504 prevents the device 2500 from being placed too close to the biological surface 210 and facilitates the easy maintenance of the desired distance between the device 2500 and the biological surface 210, of the device 2500. It does things such as polluting or reducing contact with one or more components (eg, multiple electromagnetic field generator units 2502). In an alternative embodiment, the spacer 2504 may be optional.

30-33 show examples of controlled or confined plasmas applied to the biological surface 210 using multiple electromagnetic field generator units 2502, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 30-32 are simplified cross-sectional views of at least a portion of the device 2500 (eg, multiple electromagnetic field generator units 2502) and the resulting plasma, looking towards the plasma exiting the surface of the device 2500 from the biological surface 210. Is shown. FIG. 33 shows a side view of device 2500 similar to the figure associated with FIG. 29, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 30, the plurality of electromagnetic field generator units 2502 are arranged in concentric circles with, but not limited to, the plasma flow nominally generated by the device 2500 (eg, nominal or initial plasma 2600). obtain. The circle defined by the plurality of electromagnetic field generator units 2502 has a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the nominal plasma 2600. Multiple electromagnetic field generator units 2502 are arranged in a circle and shown to be evenly separated from each other, but the arrangement includes squares, rectangles, ovals, non-geometric shapes, nominally. It is intended to surround the Plasma 2600 only partially, to be unevenly separated from each other, and so on.

In one embodiment, if multiple electromagnetic field generator units 2502 are in an inactive state (eg, off), the resulting / final plasma may include a nominal plasma 2600. This is because the nominal plasma 2600 is not altered by multiple electromagnetic field generator units 2502. If each electromagnetic field generator unit of multiple electromagnetic field generator units 2502 operates with the same parameters (for example, with the same intensity) with respect to each other, each electromagnetic field generated will be in close proximity to the nominal plasma 2600. It serves to evenly "push" or confine the portion towards the center, thereby producing a confined plasma 2602 different from the nominal plasma 2600.

Therefore, the confined plasma 2602 (also called the final or obtained plasma that reaches the biological surface 210 rather than the nominal plasma 2600) has a smaller cross-sectional area than the nominal plasma 2600. The confined plasma 2602 has a higher concentration of plasma species per unit cross-sectional area (or per unit volume) than the nominal plasma 2600. By operating multiple electromagnetic field generator units 2502 in this way, the virtual volume of plasma conferred on the biological surface 210 can be defined without the use of physical barriers.

In some embodiments, as the intensity of the electromagnetic field increases, the confined plasma 2602 contains a higher concentration of plasma species per unit cross-sectional area or unit volume.

The confined plasma 2602 has the same (or substantially the same) cross-sectional shape as the nominal plasma 2600 (eg, both have a circular cross-sectional shape), but FIG. 31 shows that the nominal plasma 2600 does not. An example of a confined plasma 2702 with different cross-sectional shapes is shown. In order to correct the cross-sectional shape of the plasma volume, some specific of the electromagnetic field generator units are operated differently from the other multiple electromagnetic field generator units of the multiple electromagnetic field generator units 2502. It's okay. For example, but not limited to, an electromagnetic field generator unit located towards the top and bottom of FIG. 31 (shown by a crosshatch in FIG. 31) is an electromagnetic field generator located along the left and right sides in FIG. It may be configured to generate a higher intensity electromagnetic field with respect to the electromagnetic field generated by the instrument unit. Higher intensity electromagnetic fields exert more "pressing" or confinement on nearby plasma species, resulting in a non-circular shape of the plasma volume associated with the nominal plasma 2600, from circular to confined plasma 2702. Change to a shape (for example, an ellipse).

The particular (cross-sectional) shape of the confined plasma 2702 may be more suitable for a particular area of the biological surface 210. For example, the elliptical shape of the trapped plasma 2702 may be suitable for the area of the forehead of the face.

In some embodiments, two, three, or more subsets of the plurality of electromagnetic field generator units 2502 will differ from each other to modify the cross-sectional shape of the nominal plasma 2600 as needed. May work. Subsets of multiple field generator units 2502 are also selectively different from each other or similarly to control both the concentration of the plasma species and the cross-sectional shape of the nominal plasma 2600 at the same time. It may work.

FIG. 32 shows that multiple electromagnetic field generator units 2502 are used to affect the distribution of plasma species within the nominal plasma 2600. In some embodiments, the plasma species contained within the nominal plasma 2600 are ionized species, and at least some of the plasma species have a free charge (eg, positive or negative charge). Have. Multiple field generator units 2502 may be configured to modulate the mixing of plasma species in different regions of the plasma flow by inducing electrophoresis in the gas phase. Thus, a region of plasma flow to be given to a target (eg, biological surface 210) can contain high (higher) concentrations of desirable plasma components and lower (lower) concentrations of undesired plasma components. Multiple field generator units 2502 serve to filter functionality for specific plasma components that should be given to the target and should be excluded from the target.

The nominal plasma 2600 may include a positively charged plasma species or component (eg, positively charged species 2800) and a negatively charged plasma species or component (eg, negatively charged species 2802). One or more of the electromagnetic field generator units 2502 may be configured to generate a constant direct current (DC) electric field. In response, the nominal plasma 2600 charged species move or redistribute to coordinate with the applied electric field. The positively charged species 2800 is "pressed" towards the first region 2804 of the plasma flow, while the negative charged species 2802 is, for example, a second region 2806 different from the first region 2804 of the plasma flow. Move towards. If the positively charged species 2800 contains the desired plasma component to give to the target, only the first region 2804 of the plasma flow is directed to the target and the second region 2806 of the plasma flow may be dispersed and discarded. Or, in some cases, it does not have to be given to the goal. Even if the cold plasma produced in this way contains not only the desired plasma component but also the undesired plasma component, only the desired plasma component or a higher concentration of the desired plasma component can be given to the target.

Depending on the concentration of the various charged species in the nominal plasma 2600 on which the particular electromagnetic field generator unit 2502 is activated, and / or the desired redistribution of the various charged species for each region of the plasma flow. The frequency response associated with one or more of the various charge species can also be problematic in the operating parameters of multiple electromagnetic field generator units 2502.

Species 2800 and 2802 are shown in Figure 32, but it should be understood that three or more charged species may be contained within the nominal plasma 2600. There may be more than one type of positively charged species, even within the positively charged species 2800. For example, the first positively charged species of the positively charged species 2800 may have a higher positive charge than the second positively charged species of the positively charged species 2800. Similarly, negative charges of varying intensities can be present in the negative charge species 2802. Thus, the plasma species contained within the nominal plasma 2600 can be grouped into two, three or four or more regions of the plasma stream.

FIG. 33 diverts or bends the discharge direction of a nominal plasma flow (eg, plasma 118) into a plasma flow directed at a different angle with respect to the exit plane of device 2500 (eg, plasma 2902). Shown are multiple electromagnetic field generator units 2502 configured to do so. This has the effect of changing from the target site associated with the plasma 118 to the target site of the biological surface 210 where the plasma can actually be given by the device 2500.

In this way, the plasma nominally or initially generated by device 2500 can be modified in one or more ways according to the dynamic behavior of multiple electromagnetic field generator units 2502. Depending on the characteristics of the electromagnetic field generated by some of the selection of multiple electromagnetic field generator units 2502, the electromagnetic field controls, confine, steer, filter, and redistribute the nominally / initially generated plasma. , Reshape, and / or in some cases can be used to make changes. Therefore, the plasma that actually affects the biological surface 210 from the device 2500 may be different from the plasma nominally / initially generated by the device 2500. Without limitation, the concentration or density of the plasma component in the unit cross-sectional area can be increased from the concentration or density of the plasma produced nominally / initially, and the cross-sectional shape of the plasma stream is nominally / initially generated. The composition or distribution of the plasma components in the plasma stream can be selectively controlled from the cross-sectional shape of the plasma, and / or the target site on the biological surface 210 is the device 2500 its current. Can be changed without moving with respect to position.

FIG. 34 shows a side view of a schematic diagram of a cold plasma treatment system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The device 2000 is similar to the device 2500, except that the plurality of electromagnetic field generator units 2502 are located closer to the biological surface 210 than the cover 117. In FIG. 34, the tip / end of one or more spacers 2002 is shown to be in contact with the biological surface 210, which places the device 2000 at the target site of the biological surface 210 to be treated with plasma 118. Properly positioned to serve to simultaneously protect one or more components of device 2000 (eg, multiple electromagnetic field generator units 2502).

In one embodiment, the electromagnetic fields generated by the plurality of electromagnetic field generator units 2502 are at least free charge species / compounds (eg, ions, free) present in the nominally output plasma. Manipulate electrons, charged species, etc.). In order to facilitate or increase the electromagnetic field control of the nominally output plasma, the generation of the nominally output plasma itself can be optimized to increase or maximize the electromagnetic field controllability. This can be achieved, for example, by constructing a plasma generator and / or by including a capture component to generate a higher percentage of free charge. For example, a corona discharge system can be used in conjunction with a plasma generator to generate more free charge species / compounds.

The plasma generator included in the device 2500 or 2000 may include a device that generates plasma using a mechanism other than dielectric barrier discharge. Various other plasma generation mechanisms, such as, but not limited to, plasma jets, may be implemented.

Many embodiments of the techniques described above may take the form of computer or controller executable instructions, including routines executed by a programmable computer or controller. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the technique can be performed on computer / controller systems other than those illustrated and described above. The technology is a dedicated computer, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), controller, specially programmed, configured or built to execute one or more of the computer executable instructions described above. Or it can be embedded in a data processor. Of course, any logic or algorithm described herein can be implemented in software or hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.

From the above, it will be appreciated that while certain embodiments of the technique have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications can be made without departing from the present disclosure. Moreover, various advantages and features associated with some embodiments have been described above in the context of those embodiments, although other embodiments exhibit such advantages and / or features. Well, not all embodiments need to exhibit such advantages and / or features in order to fall within the scope of the art. Although several methods have been described, they may include more, fewer, or other steps. In addition, the steps may be performed in any suitable order. Accordingly, the present disclosure may include other embodiments not expressly shown or described herein. In the context of this disclosure, the term "about" means +/- 5% of the value described.

For the purposes of the present disclosure, a list of two or more element forms, eg, "at least one of A, B, and C," is (A), (B), (C), (A). And B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C) are intended to mean when any other quantity of elements is listed. , Further including all similar sequences.

10 Plasma generator 12 Power supply 14 Electrode, Active electrode 15 Ground electrode 16 Dielectric barrier 18 Cold plasma 19 Electron, ion 20 Dielectric barrier discharge 30 Skin treatment device 31 Head 32 Plasma power switch 33 Optical switch 34 Main body 35 Light emitting diode (LED) 36 Charging port 37 Plasma pulse control 40 Electronic components 42 Body 43 Rechargeable battery pack 44 Main PC board and control circuit 45 High voltage unit 46 LED 47 Dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) head 48 User control 49 External power input 100 Cold atmospheric plasma treatment device 101 chassis 110 head 110a head 110b head 110c head 110d head 111 cable 112 Radio Frequency (RF) Source, AC (AC) Source 114 Electrode 114i, j Pixed Electrode 115 Electrode 116 Dielectric Barrier 117 Cover 118 Cold Plasma 119 Battery 120 Actuator 130 Vibrating Device 140 Sensor 142 Controller 150 Light Source 152 Light 160 Air Mover 162 Airflow 164 Air Conduit 168 Temperature Control Element 170 Flexible Skirt 174 Rigid Spacer 180 Formulation Container 184 Conduit 186 Exud Surface 190 Filter 200 Consumer 210 Biological Surface 300 External Device 310 Power Cell 320 Controller 330 Wireless 410 Formulation 415 Container 510 Plasma Barrier 512 Air conduit 514 Air conduit 520 Container 530 Air mover 531 Air Mover 532 Air Mover 560 Heater 600 Face Mask 614 Mask Intake Port 710 Plasma Barrier 711 Air Conduit 712 Air Conduit 714 Air Conduit 720 Container 721 Cartridge Barrier 722 Cold Plasma Precursor, Precursor 722a Precursor Component 722b Precursor Component 725 Precursor Cartridge, Cartridge 726a Starter 726b Starter 726c Starter 727 Direction 730 Airmover 731 Airmover 732 Airmover 760 Heater 1600 System 1602 Plasma Generation Device 1604 Container 1606 Precursor 1608 Plasma Species or Compound 1609 Activation Formula 1610 Container 1700 Graph 1702 Plot 1704 Plot 1706 Plot 1708 Line 1900 System 1902 Plasma Generation Device 1903 Cold Plasma 1904 Cold Plasma 2000 Device 2002 Spacer 2500 Plasma Treatment Device, Device 2502 Electromagnetic Field Generator Unit 2504 Spacer 2600 Nominal or Early Plasma 2602 Confined Plasma 2702 Confined Plasma 2800 Positive charged species 2802 Negative charged species 2804 1st region 2806 2nd region 2902 Plasma