Cold Atmospheric Plasma Activated Hydrogel and Its Biotoxicity

Objective: Cold atmospheric plasma activated hydrogel (CAP-Gel) is an effective controlled-release method of the reactive species. The present study evaluated its physicochemical properties, acute oral toxicity and genetic toxicity. Methods: The plasma hydrogel was prepared by dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma device. The reactive species in the hydrogel were evaluated by optical emission spectroscopy (OES), and the pH and oxidation reduction potential (ORP) were measured. A total of 70 mice of SPF grade were selected, and 20 mice were used for acute oral toxicity test by one-time maximum test method. Oral gavage method was applied and the toxicity symptoms of animals were observed and recorded for 14 days consecutively. To evaluate the genetic toxicity, 50 mice were used for micronucleus test of bone marrow polychromatic erythrocytes. Results: The emission spectrum results showed that the main components of the plasma were reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species. After 10 min of treatment, the pH decreased from 6.86 ± 0.26 to 1.57 ± 0.34, and the ORP increased from 161 ± 0.12 to 570 ± 10.54. Acute oral toxicity test indicated that there was toxicity symptom was observed. The micronucleus test of bone marrow polychromatic erythrocytes showed that no significant difference between CAP-Gel and negative control group (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Cold atmospheric plasma activated hydrogel is a safe, no obvious acute oral toxicity and genetic toxicity.