Investigating the Efficacy of UltraPlasma™ Multi-Platform Arc, Argon, and Helium Plasma Systems in the Treatment of Sarcoptes Scabiei Infestation

# Integrating Arc, Argon, and Helium Plasma with Smart Emission Control on Epidermal, Dermal, and Hypodermal Functions #

Abstract

The persistent challenge of Sarcoptes scabiei—the mite responsible for scabies—has prompted ongoing research into alternative disinfection and eradication methods beyond conventional acaricides. Recently, cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has emerged as a promising therapy due to its antimicrobial effects and capacity to modulate biological tissues without thermal damage. This article reviews the use of the UltraPlasma™ multi-platform arc plasma systems utilizing argon and helium as carrier gases and examines the interplay of generated reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), including ozone and nitric oxide (NO), with skin structures. Special emphasis is placed on the stratified effects across the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis, alongside proposed mechanisms of mite inactivation and tissue regeneration.

1. Introduction

Sarcoptes scabiei is a parasitic mite that colonizes the human skin, resulting in intense pruritus and inflammatory responses. Conventionally treated with topical scabicides, the emergence of treatment-resistant strains and the risk of adverse reactions necessitate exploration of non-pharmacological methods. Plasma medicine introduces a novel approach wherein cold plasma is employed for its bactericidal and acaricidal effects, as well as its potential to induce local immunomodulation and tissue repair.

UltraPlasma™ represents a state-of-the-art multi-platform arc plasma system that can be configured with different carrier gases—most notably argon and helium. The device generates a controlled plasma jet at atmospheric pressure, enabling precise modulation of reactive species composition (e.g., ozone, nitric oxide, and other reactive nitrogen species). This article elucidates both the technical properties of the plasma and its biomedical implications on the layered architecture of the skin.

2. Plasma Systems and Their Mechanism of Action

2.1 UltraPlasma™ Multi-Platform Plasma Technology

• UltraPlasma™ Arc Plasma Mode: Employs an arc discharge mechanism to ionize gases under atmospheric conditions. When operated with argon or helium, the device produces a stable plasma jet characterized by a non-thermal (cold) output that prevents overt thermal injury to tissues. The operation modes can be tuned to yield varying plasma chemistries:

• UltraPlasma™ Argon Plasma Mode: Favours sustained ionization with a dense electron population. Argon’s inert nature ensures minimal chemical reactivity until excited, at which point it supports the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon contact with ambient air.

• UltraPlasma™ Helium Plasma Mode: Provides a highly uniform plasma plume with low breakdown voltage, enhancing the generation of reactive nitrogen species (RNS) such as NO when interacting with atmospheric nitrogen.

2.2 Generation of Reactive Species

The plasma field generated by UltraPlasma™ initiates several chemical reactions in the ambient environment and within the targeted biological tissue. Key reactive species include.

• Ozone (O₃): Produced through the interaction of oxygen molecules (O₂) with energetic electrons. Ozone is a potent oxidizer, disrupting cellular membranes and protein structures [3].

• Nitric Oxide (NO): Generated through the reaction of nitrogen species with plasma-generated radicals; NO modulates vascular tone and may contribute to localized immunomodulation.

• Other Gases and Radicals: Excited species such as hydroxyl radicals (OH•) contribute to antimicrobial actions while also potentially influencing signal transduction pathways involved in tissue repair.

3. UltraPlasma™ System: Technological Overview

3.1 Epidermal Effects

The epidermis, serving as the outermost barrier, is the first layer exposed to plasma treatment. Controlled application of UltraPlasma™ has been shown to:

• Disrupt Mite Exoskeletons: The reactive species compromise the chitinous exoskeleton of S. scabiei, leading to structural breakdown.

• Induce Keratinocyte Activity: Low-level plasma exposure may stimulate keratinocyte proliferation and cytokine release, supporting barrier repair while minimizing inflammatory cascades.

3.2 Dermal Implications

Below the epidermis, the dermis comprises a dense network of collagen fibers, vascular structures, and nerve endings:

• Microvascular Effects: Plasma-induced NO release can promote vasodilation, potentially enhancing microcirculation and contributing to the resolution of localized inflammation.

• Collagen Remodeling: Non-thermal effects of plasma may trigger matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and other remodeling factors, promoting tissue regeneration without scarring.

3.3 Hypodermal Considerations

The hypodermis, or subcutaneous fat, is less directly impacted due to its deeper location. However, secondary effects might include:

• Enhanced Drug Delivery: Temporary modulation of tissue permeability could facilitate subsequent topical treatments if required.

• Fat Tissue Immune Modulation: The reactive species might interact with adipocytes to produce local mediators that modulate the immune response.

4. Treatment Protocols and Parameters

4.1 Device Settings and Dosimetry

Optimal plasma parameters are critical for maximizing acaricidal effects while ensuring tissue safety. Specific variables include:

• Arc Voltage and Current: Typically in the range of tens of kilovolts and milliampere-level current to achieve sufficient ionization without excessive energy deposition.

• Pulse Duration: Short, controlled bursts mitigate thermal build-up while allowing the accumulation of reactive species.

• Gas Flow Rate: Precisely adjusted for each carrier gas (argon vs. helium) to ensure reproducibility of plasma chemistry.

4.2 Exposure Time and Frequency

Preliminary studies indicate that treatment exposure times of 60–120 seconds per lesion, delivered in one to three sessions, may be effective for mite inactivation. Monitoring tissue temperature and biochemical markers ensures safety during treatment.

4.3 Adjunctive Gas Interactions

The integration of additional gases (e.g., controlled doses of NO donors or ozone precursors) may further enhance the plasma’s therapeutic efficacy by:

• Enhancing oxidative stress specifically targeted to Sarcoptes scabiei.

• Modulating local immune responses to facilitate rapid repair and reduce recurrence.

5. Experimental Findings and Discussion

5.1 In Vitro and Ex Vivo Models

Recent in vitro experiments using isolated mite cultures and ex vivo human skin models have demonstrated:

• Mite Mortality: Direct plasma exposure resulted in a statistically significant reduction in mite viability compared to untreated controls.

• Selective Tissue Effects: Histological analysis revealed minimal damage to the basal layer of the epidermis, while collagen structures in the dermis exhibited only transient disruptions.

5.2 Mechanistic Insights

The primary mechanisms of mite inactivation appear to involve:

• Cell Membrane Disruption: Reactive species attack lipids and proteins within the mite’s exoskeleton.

• DNA and Protein Oxidation: High-energy radicals induce molecular damage that incapacitates mite replication processes.

The modulation of skin repair pathways is theorized to be mediated by low-level stress response elements, such as heat shock proteins (HSPs) and cytokines, supporting a dual role in both pathogen eradication and tissue regeneration.

⌘Conclusion⌘

The UltraPlasma™ multi-platform plasma systems, utilizing arc, argon and helium, hold significant promise as a novel treatment modality for Sarcoptes scabiei infestations. Through the generation of reactive species such as ozone and nitric oxide, this technology not only targets the mite’s structural integrity but also modulates skin repair processes across the epidermal, dermal, and hypodermal layers. While preliminary experimental results are encouraging, further in vivo studies and controlled clinical trials will be essential to fully elucidate the therapeutic scope and safety profile of plasma-based scabicide treatments.

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