Targeting colon cancer and normal cells with cold plasma-activated water: Exploring cytotoxic effects and cellular responses
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
8-1-2024
Abstract
Plasma-activated water (PAW), generated by cold plasma, is emerging as a potential treatment for colon cancer. This study focused on its anticancer effects against HCT-116 colon cancer cells, emphasizing the role of pH and conductivity variations due to plasma-fluid reactions. These changes suggest a chemical transformation in PAW, leading to increased acidity and ion presence. The cytotoxic impact of PAW on HCT-116 cells was analyzed using methods like enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and microscopic evaluation. PAW exhibited cytotoxicity against HCT-116 cells, but also affected normal colon cells, posing a challenge for selectivity. An 18 h exposure duration was identified as a balance between cancer cell eradication and normal cell preservation. Observed morphological changes indicated apoptotic characteristics in PAW-treated cells, hinting at mechanisms of cancer cell death. PAW-induced reactive oxygen species release mirrored cellular stress, with early apoptotic markers, DNA fragmentation, and increased heat shock proteins (HSPs) signifying complex cellular responses. These findings suggest that PAW can trigger apoptosis and cellular stress pathways cancer cells. However, further studies are necessary for its potential as a cancer therapy.
Divisions
fac_med,medbio,PHYSICS
Funders
Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia10.13039/501100003093 (TRGS/1/2020/UM/02/2/3),Trans-disciplinary Research Grant Scheme (TRGS) of the Ministry of Education
Publication Title
Physics of Plasmas
Volume
31
Issue
8
Publisher
AIP Publishing
Publisher Location
1305 WALT WHITMAN RD, STE 300, MELVILLE, NY 11747-4501 USA