A speculum body is configured to attach to the otoscope. An array of radially situated microchannels is within the speculum body and extends to apertures in a distal end of the speculum body. A power electrode array is within the speculum body positioned with respect to the microchannels to excite plasma generation within the microchannels. An optically transparent central portion is in the body to permit viewing of an eardrum by a practitioner. A method of treatment of the middle ear and/or middle ear cavity incudes actuating plasma jets to extend into the ear canal from a speculum attached to the otoscope and continuing the plasma jet treatment for a period of time sufficient to inactivate or kill a bacterial biofilm in the middle ear and/or the middle ear cavity.

A speculum body is configured to attach to the otoscope. An array of radially situated microchannels is within the speculum body and extends to apertures in a distal end of the speculum body. A power electrode array is within the speculum body positioned with respect to the microchannels to excite plasma generation within the microchannels. An optically transparent central portion is in the body to permit viewing of an eardrum by a practitioner. A method of treatment of the middle ear and/or middle ear cavity incudes actuating plasma jets to extend into the ear canal from a speculum attached to the otoscope and continuing the plasma jet treatment for a period of time sufficient to inactivate or kill a bacterial biofilm in the middle ear and/or the middle ear cavity.

A method of forming metal nanoparticles includes applying a substance to an area of interest, applying cold plasma to the area of interest, and synthesizing nanoparticles from the substance using the cold plasma in the area of interest, wherein the substance is a solution that contains metal ions, and the nanoparticles synthesized are metallic in nature.

A method of forming metal nanoparticles includes applying a substance to an area of interest, applying cold plasma to the area of interest, and synthesizing nanoparticles from the substance using the cold plasma in the area of interest, wherein the substance is a solution that contains metal ions, and the nanoparticles synthesized are metallic in nature.

The invention relates to a device for producing a cold atmospheric pressure plasma for the treatment of human and/or animal surfaces, comprising a flexible, planar multilayer system with a side facing the surface to be treated and a side facing away from the surface to be treated, wherein the multilayer system comprises the following layers, namely a first electrode layer on the facing away side of the multilayer system, second electrode layer on the facing side of the multilayer system, wherein the electrode layer has a plurality of recesses or is formed in a grid-like or meander-shaped fashion, a dielectric layer arranged between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer, and a spacer layer arranged adjacent the second electrode layer on the facing side of the multilayer system. In addition, the invention relates to a cable, a generator unit for providing a high voltage, and a system.

The invention relates to a device for producing a cold atmospheric pressure plasma for the treatment of human and/or animal surfaces, comprising a flexible, planar multilayer system with a side facing the surface to be treated and a side facing away from the surface to be treated, wherein the multilayer system comprises the following layers, namely a first electrode layer on the facing away side of the multilayer system, second electrode layer on the facing side of the multilayer system, wherein the electrode layer has a plurality of recesses or is formed in a grid-like or meander-shaped fashion, a dielectric layer arranged between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer, and a spacer layer arranged adjacent the second electrode layer on the facing side of the multilayer system. In addition, the invention relates to a cable, a generator unit for providing a high voltage, and a system.

A therapeutic electrode component includes a base plate having a first side and a second side having a conductive surface. A repository having an internal volume to releasably retain a conductive fluid is disposed on the first side of the base plate. A rupturable membrane is disposed between the internal volume of the repository and the conductive surface of the base plate. A coupling is disposed on the base plate that is configured to detachably engage a gas charge, whereby the gas charge is detachable from the coupling without causing destruction of the gas charge, to provide a hermetic seal with an outlet of the gas charge, and to provide fluid communication between the internal volume of the repository and the outlet of gas charge when the gas charge is engaged by the coupling. A retainer is configured to detachably secure the gas charge to the base plate.

Adjustable distal tips of cold plasma generating devices configured for introduction to and operation within narrow intra-body confines. In some embodiments, a plasma delivery tip of a cold plasma generating device is expandable from a compact delivery configuration, allowing device operation with plasma plume parameters difficult to achieve within size constraints of a narrow delivery catheter and/or endoscope working channel. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, operating parameters of a plasma delivery tip are adjustable to tune characteristics of the plasma plume. Adjustable parameters optionally include, for example: lumen diameter, lumen aperture shape/direction, discharge electrode geometry, dielectric barrier characteristics, and/or relative placement of these components, including placement relative to a stream of ionizing gas. In some embodiments, plasma delivery tip elements are adapted to assist device navigation and/or tissue penetration.

Adjustable distal tips of cold plasma generating devices configured for introduction to and operation within narrow intra-body confines. In some embodiments, a plasma delivery tip of a cold plasma generating device is expandable from a compact delivery configuration, allowing device operation with plasma plume parameters difficult to achieve within size constraints of a narrow delivery catheter and/or endoscope working channel. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, operating parameters of a plasma delivery tip are adjustable to tune characteristics of the plasma plume. Adjustable parameters optionally include, for example: lumen diameter, lumen aperture shape/direction, discharge electrode geometry, dielectric barrier characteristics, and/or relative placement of these components, including placement relative to a stream of ionizing gas. In some embodiments, plasma delivery tip elements are adapted to assist device navigation and/or tissue penetration.

Plasma delivery tips of medical-grade plasma generating devices are configured to exclude potential contaminants while operating within body cavities. In some embodiments, delivery tips are provided with an antechamber, which is optionally filled by pressure of ionizing gas to prevent contamination. Some embodiments are provided with one or more interior and/or exterior valves configured to prevent proximal ingress of contamination to the longitudinal position of the discharge electrode, or at all into the gas delivery lumen. In some embodiments, an expandable distal section of the plasma delivery tip acts as a valve which seals when closed, and when open expands to generate an inflated antechamber into which plasma is delivered.