Research

Cold plasmas are a source of a vast number of reactive species (molecules, atoms, ions, electrons, photons, UV & visible radiation) which can interact with biomaterials, biomolecules and cells and provide different kinds of modifications.

Plasma therapy. Cold atmospheric pressure plasmas interact with eukaryotic cells through complex biochemical procedures. In particular, plasmas have been shown to selectively kill cancer cells without damaging the surrounding tissues. In this context, we intend to investigate the fundamentals involved in the lethal effects of cold plasmas on bone cancer cells, especially when mediated by liquids.

Plasmas for surface modification: The production of highly reactive species by plasma may be used in the biomaterials field to activate and functionalize the surface of different kinds of materials, through attachment of new chemical groups.

Plasmas for drug delivery: Special attention will be given to the application of plasma processes to control the drug-biomaterial interactions through functionalization, and the drug release by deposition of different thickness and composition of biocompatible plasma polymer layers, with special focus on controlling drug release from scaffolds with complex geometries, and on the development of dual release systems.