Precision-controlled reactive species generation through a closed microfluidics-based plasma platform: implications for pancreatic cancer treatment

초록

The study developed a proprietary microfluidic-based plasma platform with a closed structure to selectively generate reactive species (RS) and use them to explore the possibility of inducing the death of pancreatic cancer cells. The platform is designed to selectively generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), reactive phosphate species (RPS) and reactive chlorine species (RClS) depending on their composition, which is characterized by high reproducibility and precise control by blocking the effects of the external atmosphere. The generated plasma-activated PBS (P-PBS) shows excellent cell death-inducing effects in 2D single-cell and 3D spheroid pancreatic cancer models, in which solutions with RPS play a significant role in reducing cell viability. Additionally, an increase in Bcl-2-associated X protein (BAX) and cytochrome C is observed through protein expression analysis, suggesting that P-PBS induces mitochondrial pathway-based apoptosis. Therefore, the study presents the possibility of a closed plasma platform as a new cancer treatment strategy based on RS, expecting to contribute to the development of cancer treatments, especially for high-level carcinomas such as pancreatic cancer. © 2025 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry.

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