CN114788415A

CN114788415A - Cold plasma generating device with position control and cold plasma generating array

Info

Publication number: CN114788415A
Application number: CN202080086203.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 凯尔·叶茨
Original assignee: LOreal SA
Current assignee: LOreal SA
Priority date: 2019-12-27
Filing date: 2020-12-21
Publication date: 2022-07-22
Also published as: WO2021133734A2; WO2021133734A3

Abstract

A cold plasma device is adapted to treat an area of a biological surface. Some embodiments of the device include a cold plasma generator having an electrode and a dielectric barrier. The dielectric barrier layer includes a first side facing the electrode and a second side facing away from the electrode. The actuator and controller cooperate to selectively position the cold plasma generator relative to the biological surface. Some embodiments include an array of cold plasma generators associated with the substrate. Each cold plasma generator has an electrode and a dielectric barrier. The dielectric barrier layer has a first side facing the electrode and a second side facing away from the electrode. A controller is operably coupled to the array of cold plasma generators and is programmed to control each cold plasma generator to generate a plasma dose.

Description

Cold plasma generating device with position control and cold plasma generating array

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application claims the benefit of provisional application serial No. 62/954336 on file date 2019, 12, 27 and provisional application serial No. 62/955022 on

file date

2019, 12, 30, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

Disclosure of Invention

Applying cold atmospheric plasma (also referred to as "cold plasma" or "plasma") to biological surfaces presents challenges for skin treatment due to complex biological system interactions. In practice, the surface condition and the plasma parameters are coupled, and a change in one causes a change in the other. For example, a sudden change in surface moisture may affect the conductivity of the surface and result in an increase in plasma intensity. Conversely, a sudden increase in plasma intensity may cause evaporation of moisture from the surface, which in turn may alter the characteristics of the plasma. This variability and multi-parameter coupling necessitates control of the plasma processing apparatus.

The complex interaction between the light emissions from the plasma, plasma-generated species and biochemical species native to the biological surface further complicates cold plasma treatment. In some cases, the plasma-generated species may acidify the biological surface, thereby exacerbating a pre-existing condition and surpassing any beneficial results of plasma treatment, such as by light emission, or by exposure to plasma-generated species that stimulate wound healing or would otherwise denature harmful bacteria present in the biological surface.

In some applications, it may be advantageous to generate cold plasma away from a biological surface (e.g., skin) as compared to generating cold plasma near the biological surface. When the cold plasma is generated away from the biological surface, the concentration, temperature, pressure and other characteristics of the plasma may be less tightly controlled than when the plasma is generated directly at the biological surface. For example, while the temperature of the air carrying the cold plasma towards the biological surface must be within a relatively narrow range (to avoid discomfort to the user), the temperature range of the incoming air is wider when the plasma is generated away from the biological surface. After the cold plasma is generated, the temperature of the air may be lowered or raised to a more acceptable range while the plasma is still within the cold plasma generating device. In some embodiments, the concentration of plasma species may also be higher for plasmas generated away from the biological surface, since the concentration of plasma species may be reduced inside the device before the cold plasma reaches the biological surface. For example, the concentration of plasma species and the temperature of air will generally decrease with the time elapsed from the start of plasma species generation.

Cold plasma treatment device

Non-thermal "cold" atmospheric plasmas can interact with living tissue and cells during therapeutic treatment in a variety of ways. In a possible application, cold atmospheric plasma may be used in biology and medicine for sterilization, disinfection, decontamination and plasma-mediated wound healing.

Currently, several commercialized devices are certified for medical treatment. These devices are not designed for home use by consumers. Rather, they are designed to be used by medical technicians with expertise and training in medical processing technology. An example of such a device is Rhytec

It is a plasma jet tool for topical skin treatment. The apparatus being complicated by the use of radio frequency power supplies with tight regulation of parametersThe power supply is characterized. In addition, Bovie J-

Both the Canady Helios cold plasma and hybrid plasma (TM) scalpels can be used as medical treatment devices. In germany, the number of people in the country,

(also a plasma jet apparatus) and

(dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) devices) are certified medical processing devices that have been introduced into the market in recent years. The purpose of these devices is to exteriorize the human tissue (e.g., in the case of human tissue)

Middle) or internal medical treatment. In contrast to plasma devices for medical use, devices for cosmetic use are adapted to be used usually intuitively by the consumer, which results in cosmetic care and a pleasant sensation, as opposed to a well-controlled and demonstrable therapeutic effect.

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a plasma generator 10 according to the prior art. As shown in fig. 1, the cold plasma 18 is formed by differential excitation of electrons in the plasma gas by the electric field, relative to the gentler excitation effect of the electric field on the larger mass nuclei of the plasma gas. When the powered electrode 14 is powered by the power source 12 against the grounded electrode 15 (also referred to as a counter electrode), cold plasma 18 is formed between the powered electrode 14 and the grounded electrode 15. The power supply 12 is an ac power supply or an amplitude modulated dc power supply. If the plasma generator 10 includes a dielectric barrier 16 placed against the powered electrode 14, the cold plasma 18 is a dielectric barrier discharge. The cold plasma 18 contains high temperature electrons 19 and low temperature ions 19 as well as neutral species. In conventional systems, the plasma gas includes an inert gas such as helium or argon, and an oxygen and nitrogen containing gas that forms Reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen Species (RONS). In some cases, with

Similarly, the plasma is formed directly in air.

Fig. 2 is an image of a dielectric barrier discharge 20 in operation according to the prior art. Fig. 2 is obtained as a plan view through the transparent electrode. The plasma 18 is formed as a plurality of discrete wire discharges that individually form conductive bridges for the migration of ions and electrons 19 between the electrodes.

For local treatment, several forms of plasma are used. The first is a gas jet plasma that provides a jet of ions and reactive species that can be directed at a target over varying distances, typically over distances greater than a few millimeters. The medical plasma described in the previous paragraph is generally characterized as a gas jet plasma. The second form is a floating electrode dielectric barrier discharge (FE-DBD) device, in which the target substrate (typically a human body) acts as a floating ground electrode. A third form is a DBD plasma wand in which a dielectric barrier is placed against a floating grounded electrode instead of a powered electrode, and may take the form of a fluorescent tube. A fourth form is a coordinated plurality of dielectric barrier discharge sources. In this arrangement, multiple atmospheric FE-DBD plasma sources are incorporated into a handheld or flexible device, which is then used to treat one or more anatomical regions.

Fig. 3A and 3B are two views of a cold plasma device according to the prior art. The skin treatment device 30 generates cold plasma 18 by means of a unitary structure comprising a head 31 and a body 34. The apparatus includes one or more user controls, including a plasma power switch 32 and a light switch 33. The head 31 includes one or more light emitting diodes 35 (LEDs). The skin treatment device 30 further comprises a plasma pulse controller 37 configured to generate the plasma 18 at the head 31 when the plasma pulse controller 37 is pressed. The skin treatment device 30 includes a charging port 36 for charging the enclosed battery. The skin treatment device 30 includes internal electronic components that drive the plasma 18.

Fig. 4 is a block diagram of a cold plasma device according to the prior art. The electronic component 40 includes a unitary structure having a DBD head 47 and a body 42. The cold plasma 18 is generated between electrodes contained in a DBD head 47, which head 47 serves as a treatment site. The DBD head 47 is electrically connected to the high voltage unit 45, which supplies power to the DBD head 47. The power required to drive the plasma 18 is provided by a rechargeable battery pack 43 enclosed within the body 42. The system includes one or more LEDs 46 connected to the system through a host PC board and control circuit 44. The main PC board and control circuit 44 controls the flow of power to the LEDs 46 and the high voltage unit 45 and receives inputs from one or more user controls 48 and an external power input 49 to charge the rechargeable battery pack 43.

Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the effect of cold atmosphere plasma therapy is due in part to the interaction between the RONS and biological systems. A non-exhaustive list of RONS includes: hydroxyl (OH), atomic oxygen (O), singlet oxygen (O)₂(¹Δ)), superoxide (O)₂ ^-) Hydrogen peroxide (H)₂O₂) And Nitric Oxide (NO). Hydroxyl radical attack is thought to result in peroxidation of cell membrane lipids, which in turn affects cell-cell interactions, regulation of membrane-protein expression, and many other cellular processes. Hydrogen peroxide is a strong oxidizing agent and is believed to have deleterious effects on biological systems. Nitric oxide is thought to play a role in cell-cell signaling and biological regulation. At the cellular level, nitric oxide is thought to affect the regulation of immunodeficiency, cell proliferation, phagocytosis, collagen synthesis, and angiogenesis. At the systemic level, nitric oxide is a potent vasodilator.

The cold atmospheric plasma also exposes the biological surface to an electric field on the order of 1-10 kV/cm. Cells are thought to respond to this field by opening the transmembrane pore. Such electric field induced cell electroporation is believed to play a role in the transfusion of molecules across cell membranes. Without being bound by theory, the efficacy of the treatment is believed to be due at least in part to the long-lived plasma-generated species that in the air plasma will be various RONS at concentrations that correspond specifically to the operating parameters of the cold-atmosphere plasma source.

While cold atmospheric plasma can also be used to ablate tissue or effect a treatment in a very short time when operating at high power and intensity, such treatment is believed to damage surrounding tissue and penetrate far beyond the treatment area. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that cold atmospheric plasma treatment at low intensity avoids damaging the cells.

Without being bound by theory, it is believed that an important parameter for both direct cold atmospheric plasma treatment and indirect treatment using a plasma treated medium is the dose of plasma species given to the treated surface. Typically, this is expressed as the concentration of a given plasma species generated by the cold atmosphere plasma source that is applied to a unit area of the treatment surface per unit time.

Alternatively, if treatment has been determined and the behavior of the cold atmospheric plasma source is well understood, the dose may be expressed as a simple length of time. For example, for a stable cold atmosphere plasma source and a uniform surface, a given ron of a particular dose will be achieved after the cold atmosphere plasma has treated the uniform surface for a given length of time. In practice, the surface condition and the plasma properties are coupled, with a change in one causing a change in the other. For example, a sudden change in surface moisture may affect the conductivity of the surface and result in an increase in plasma intensity. Conversely, a sudden increase in plasma intensity may cause evaporation of moisture from the surface, which produces a ron and surface change. This variability necessitates control of the plasma processing apparatus, as discussed in more detail below.

Without being bound by theory, it is believed that cold atmospheric plasma treatment penetrates into the treatment surface through the synergistic effects of electroporation, penetration of plasma-generated species, and cell-to-cell signaling. The so-called "bystander effect" is believed to play a role in propagating plasma-induced cellular changes away from the treatment surface and into the volume below it. Bystander effects are thought to arise from chemical signals transmitted between cells in response to the introduction of bioactive chemicals, potentially amplifying the magnitude of the processing effect.

In experiments, it has been shown that RONS include Reactive Nitrogen Species (RNS) and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), which are thought to interact with different biological surfaces in different ways. For example, in agarose membranes, the ron permeates the volume below the membrane, whereas in living tissue, only the RNS will permeate. However, ROS do penetrate into gelatin and other liquids. ROS, which are more reactive than RNS, have a shorter lifetime and are believed to be associated in some cases with an aggressive or detrimental effect on biological surfaces, as previously discussed with respect to hydrogen peroxide.

Cold plasma generating device with position control

Embodiments of the cold plasma device are suitable for treating an area of a biological surface. The device comprises a cold plasma generator with electrodes and a dielectric barrier. The dielectric barrier layer has a first side facing the electrode and a second side facing away from the electrode. The actuator is configured to selectively reciprocate the cold plasma generator between the first position and the second position. The cold plasma device also includes a controller operably coupled to the actuator and programmed to control the actuator to selectively position the cold plasma generator relative to the biological surface.

In one embodiment, the cold plasma device further comprises a sensor configured to sense a distance between the cold plasma generator and the biological surface.

In one embodiment, the controller is configured to control the actuator to maintain the cold plasma generator at a predetermined distance from the biological surface.

In one embodiment, the controller is configured to receive signals from the sensors, and the controller is programmed to control the actuators in accordance with the received signals.

In one embodiment, the sensor senses the distance between the cold plasma generator and the biological surface.

One embodiment of the disclosed method treats a biological surface with a cold plasma generator positioned a distance from the biological surface and generating a plasma concentration. The method comprises the following steps: sensing a distance between the cold plasma generator and the biological surface; and comparing the sensed distance to a predetermined distance. The method further comprises the following steps: moving the cold plasma generator relative to the biological surface in dependence on a comparison of the sensed distance to a predetermined distance.

Cold plasma generating device with position control

Embodiments of the cold plasma device are suitable for treating an area of a biological surface. The device includes a cold plasma generator having electrodes and a dielectric barrier. The dielectric barrier layer has a first side facing the electrode and a second side facing away from the electrode. The actuator is configured to selectively reciprocate the cold plasma generator between the first position and the second position. The cold plasma device also includes a controller operably coupled to the actuator and programmed to control the actuator to selectively position the cold plasma generator relative to the biological surface.

One embodiment of the disclosed method treats a biological surface with a cold plasma generator positioned a distance from the biological surface and generating a plasma concentration. The method comprises the following steps: sensing a distance between the cold plasma generator and the biological surface; and comparing the sensed distance with a predetermined distance. The method further comprises the following steps: moving the cold plasma generator relative to the biological surface in dependence on a comparison of the sensed distance to a predetermined distance.

Cold plasma generation array

An embodiment of a cold plasma device for treating an area of a biological surface includes an array of cold plasma generators associated with a substrate. Each cold plasma generator has an electrode and a dielectric barrier. The first side of the dielectric barrier layer faces the electrode and the second side of the dielectric barrier layer faces away from the electrode. A controller is operably coupled to the array of cold plasma generators and is programmed to control each cold plasma generator to generate a plasma dose.

In one embodiment, the controller is configured to independently adjust the plasma dose generated by each cold plasma generator.

In one embodiment, the plasma dose produced by each cold plasma generator is controlled by controlling at least one of (a) the amount of voltage applied to the respective electrode and (b) the duration of the voltage application.

In one embodiment, the substrate includes a plurality of offset elements disposed on a surface of the substrate. The offset element is configured to provide a predetermined distance between the biological surface and the at least one cold plasma generator when the offset spacing element contacts the biological surface.

In one embodiment, the substrate comprises a plurality of spacing members configured to provide a predetermined spacing between the at least one cold plasma generator and the biological surface when the cold plasma device is placed against the biological surface.

In one embodiment, the controller is programmed to control the array of cold plasma generators to selectively generate a first plasma pattern and a second plasma pattern.

In one embodiment, the cold plasma device further comprises a user controller that selectively sends a plurality of signals to the controller, wherein the controller controls each cold plasma generator according to the plurality of signals received from the user controller.

An embodiment of a cold plasma device for treating an area of a biological surface includes a plurality of cold plasma generators mounted to a flexible membrane. Each cold plasma generator includes an electrode and a dielectric barrier. The first side of the dielectric barrier layer faces the electrode and the second side of the dielectric barrier layer faces away from the electrode. A controller is operably coupled to each cold plasma generator and is programmed to control each cold plasma generator to generate a plasma dose. The controller controls each cold plasma generator independently of the other cold plasma generators.

In one embodiment, the flexible membrane is formed of an elastomer.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Drawings

The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a plasma generator according to the prior art;

FIG. 2 is an image of a dielectric barrier discharge surface in operation according to the prior art;

fig. 3A to 3B are two views of a cold plasma device according to the prior art;

fig. 4 is a block diagram of a cold plasma device according to the prior art;

fig. 5 is a partial side view of a first representative embodiment of a cold plasma device according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view thereof;

FIG. 7 is a partial side view thereof;

fig. 8 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method for treating a biological surface with a cold plasma generator according to the present disclosure;

fig. 9 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method for treating a biological surface with a cold plasma generator according to the present disclosure;

fig. 10 is a schematic view of a second representative embodiment of a cold plasma device, wherein the device includes a cold plasma generating array according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view thereof;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view thereof; and

fig. 13 is a schematic diagram of a third representative embodiment of a cold plasma processing system, wherein the device includes a cold plasma generating array according to the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

Fig. 5 and 6 show a representative embodiment of a cold plasma device 100 for treating a biological surface 182 of a user 180 according to the present disclosure. The cold plasma device 100 comprises a housing 110 in which components of the device are arranged. In one embodiment, the housing 110 is sized such that the device is a handheld device. In one embodiment, some components are disposed within a housing, while other components are disposed within a base unit that is operatively coupled to the housing via a wired or wireless connection.

A cold plasma generator 112 is mounted to the housing 110 for reciprocating movement relative thereto. The cold plasma generator 112 includes an electrode 114 coupled to a first side of a dielectric barrier 116. The cold plasma generator 112 is positioned such that a second side of the dielectric barrier 116 (i.e. the side facing away from the electrode 114) faces the biological surface 182 when the cold plasma device 100 is in use.

In one embodiment, the cold plasma generator 112 is slidably mounted to the housing 110. In one embodiment, the cold plasma generator 112 is rotatably mounted to the housing 110 at one end, wherein the opposite end is movable to rotate the center of the cold plasma generator toward or away from the biological surface being treated. In one embodiment, the cold plasma generator 112 is mounted to the housing 110 by one or more linkages or linkages to provide movement of the cold plasma generator relative to the housing. The present disclosure is not limited to any particular mounting configuration. In this regard, it should be understood that the cold plasma generator 112 may be mounted to the housing directly or indirectly through any number of suitable configurations, and such configurations should be considered within the scope of the present disclosure.

An actuator 120 is mounted within the housing 110 and is coupled to the cold plasma generator 112 to selectively position the cold plasma generator. The actuator 120 is operatively connected to a controller 124 that selectively positions the cold plasma generator 112 by controlling the actuator. The controller 124 is also operatively connected to the power supply 122 which supplies power to the cold plasma generator 112 and other components of the cold plasma device 110 that require power. In some embodiments, the cold plasma device includes one or more of a user controller 126, a display 128, and at least one sensor 130 operatively connected to the controller 124.

In one embodiment, the actuator 120 is a servo motor. In one embodiment, the actuator 120 is a stepper motor. In one embodiment, the actuator 120 is a rotary actuator. In one embodiment, the actuator 120 is a linear actuator. In one embodiment, the actuator 120 is coupled to the cold plasma generator 124 by one or more linkages. In one embodiment, the actuator 120 is coupled to the cold plasma generator 124 by one or more gears or a rack and pinion configuration. In one embodiment, the actuator 120 positions the cold plasma generator 124 by rotating a cam against a bearing surface or follower coupled to the cold plasma generator. It should be understood that the actuator 120 may be any suitable actuator associated with the cold plasma generator 112 by any suitable configuration to selectively position the cold plasma generator 112 relative to the housing 110, and any such actuator and configuration should be considered within the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring now to fig. 7, the actuator 120 is configured to position the cold plasma generator 112 relative to the housing 110. In the first position P1, the cold plasma generator 112 is in a neutral baseline position. The actuator 120 is configured to move the cold plasma generator 112 in the first direction towards a second position P2 closer to the surface 182 of the living being treated and towards a third position P3 further from the surface of the living being treated. In this way, for a given distance between the housing 110 and the biological surface 182, the actuator 120 is able to change the distance L between the cold plasma generator 112 and the biological surface 182 from the baseline distance L1 at position P1 to the distance between the distance L2 at position P2 and the distance L3 at position P3. Further, the cold plasma generator 112 may be moved relative to the housing as the housing 110 is moved relative to the biological surface 182, thereby maintaining the distance between the biological surface and the cold plasma generator.

In some embodiments, the actuator 120 is configured to position the cold plasma generator 112 at a plurality of additional positions between positions P2 and P3. In some embodiments, the actuator 120 is configured to position the cold plasma generator 112 in only two positions, for example, positions P2 and P3.

Still referring to fig. 7, in the cold plasma device 100, one or more sensors 130 are positioned to sense a characteristic related to the biological surface 182. In one embodiment, at least one sensor 130 senses a distance between the sensor and the biological surface 182 and sends a signal corresponding to the sensed distance to the controller 124. In one embodiment, at least one sensor 130 captures a digital image of biological surface 182. In one embodiment, the digital image is a photograph. The controller 124 is programmed to analyze the digital image to identify features of the biological surface 182. In one embodiment, the features include, but are not limited to, blackheads, pores, and/or scars.

In operation, the user 180 holds the housing 110 of the cold plasma device 100 in proximity to an area of a biological surface 182 to be treated; however, it is difficult for the user to: the device is held with the precision required to optimize the space between the biological surface and the cold plasma generator 112 for maximum efficacy. Some known devices include a biasing member that contacts the biological surface 182 to provide a predetermined space between the biological surface and the cold plasma generator 112; however, the pliable nature of the biological surface allows the space between the biological surface and the cold plasma generator to vary depending on how much pressure the user 180 applies to engage the offset component with the biological surface. That is, applying more pressure to the device may result in a space between the biological surface 182 and the cold plasma generator 112 that is less than desired.

Open loop control

In some embodiments, the controller 124 is programmed to operate the cold plasma device 100 as an open loop system. In one embodiment, the user sets the particular settings using the user controls 126. In one embodiment, the setting is an input corresponding to an optimal distance between the biological surface 182 and the cold plasma generator 112. In one embodiment, the setting is an input corresponding to a biological surface 182 of a particular body part, such as the forehead, cheeks, hands, or any other body part that may be treated by the cold plasma device 100. In one embodiment, the setting is the plasma concentration to be generated by the cold plasma generator 112.

With the input of the user setting, the cold plasma device 100 is started. In some embodiments, the controller controls the actuator to maintain the cold plasma generator 112 at a predetermined distance from the biological surface 182 even when the distance between the housing 110 and the biological surface varies. In one embodiment, the controller provides an alert to the user when the cold plasma generator 112 exceeds a predetermined distance from the biological surface 182. In one embodiment, the signal is a visual signal indicated on the display 128. In one embodiment, the signal is an audible signal or a tactile signal or any other suitable type of signal or combination of signals.

In one embodiment, the controller 124 controls the voltage provided to the electrodes 114 of the cold plasma generator 112 according to user input settings. The concentration of the plasma generated by the cold plasma generator 112 increases and decreases with the applied voltage. Thus, in this way, the controller increases or decreases the plasma concentration as required by the user input setting. In one embodiment, the controller 124 controls (1) the distance between the cold plasma generator 112 and the biological surface and (2) the plasma concentration according to the user input settings.

Fig. 8 shows an embodiment of a method 200 for treating a biological surface using a cold plasma device 100 according to the present disclosure. The method 200 begins by proceeding to block 202 where user settings are entered. The method 200 proceeds to block 204 where the device is started.

In block 206, the distance between the cold plasma generator 112 and the biological surface 182 is sensed. In block 208, the sensed distance is compared to (1) a predetermined target distance and (2) a predetermined maximum distance based on the user settings.

The method 200 proceeds to block 210. If the sensed distance is less than the predetermined distance, the method 200 proceeds to step 212 and the actuator 120 moves the cold plasma generator 112 away from the biological surface 182. The method 200 then proceeds to block 214. If the sensed distance is greater than the predetermined distance in block 210, the method 200 proceeds directly from block 210 to block 214.

In block 218, if the sensed distance is greater than the predetermined distance, the method 200 proceeds to step 216 and the actuator 120 moves the cold plasma generator 112 towards the biological surface 182. The method 200 then proceeds to block 218. If the sensed distance is less than the predetermined distance in block 214, the method 200 proceeds directly from block 214 to block 218.

In block 218, if the sensed distance is greater than the predetermined maximum distance, the method 200 proceeds to block 220 and the controller controls the display 128 to generate an alarm signal. The method 200 then proceeds to block 222. If the sensed distance is less than the predetermined maximum distance, the method 200 proceeds directly from block 218 to block 222.

In block 222, if the cold plasma device 100 has been deactivated, the method 200 proceeds to an end block and terminates. If the cold plasma device 100 has not been deactivated, the method 200 proceeds back to block 206.

Closed loop control

In some embodiments, the controller 124 is programmed to operate the cold plasma device 100 as a closed loop system. In one embodiment, the user sets the particular settings using the user controls 126. In one embodiment, the setting is an input corresponding to a particular treatment or treatment of the biological surface 182 of a particular body part, such as the forehead, cheeks, hands, or any other body part that may be treated by the cold plasma device 100.

With the input of the user setting, the cold plasma device 100 is started. In some embodiments, the sensor 130 senses a characteristic of the biological surface 182. In one embodiment, the features are one or more of pores, white heads, scars, or any other feature or combination of features. In one embodiment, the controller 124 controls the actuator 120 to maintain the cold plasma generator 112 at a predetermined distance from the biological surface 182, wherein the predetermined distance corresponds to the user setting and the sensing characteristic of the biological surface. In one embodiment, the controller 124 controls the voltage applied to the electrodes 114 such that the cold plasma generator 112 generates a predetermined plasma concentration, wherein the predetermined plasma concentration corresponds to a user setting and a sensed characteristic of the biological surface.

Fig. 9 shows an embodiment of a method 300 for treating a biological surface using a cold plasma device 100 according to the present disclosure. The method 300 begins by proceeding to block 302 where user settings are entered. The method 300 proceeds to block 304 where the device is started.

In block 306, the distance between the cold plasma generator 112 and the biological surface 182 is sensed. The method 300 then proceeds to block 308, where the characteristics of the biological surface 182 are sensed.

In block 308, the controller 124 controls the actuator 120 to position the cold plasma generator 112 at an optimal distance from the biological surface 182, wherein the optimal distance is based at least in part on the sensed characteristic. The method next proceeds to block 312 where the controller 124 adjusts the voltage applied to the electrodes 114 of the cold plasma generator 112 such that the cold plasma generator generates a plasma concentration based at least in part on the sensed characteristic of the biological surface 182.

In block 314, if the cold plasma apparatus 100 has been deactivated, the method 300 proceeds to an end block and terminates. If the cold plasma device 100 has not been deactivated, the method 300 proceeds back to block 306.

The detailed description set forth above in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various embodiments of the present disclosure and is not intended to represent the only embodiments in which like reference numerals refer to like elements. Various embodiments described in this disclosure are provided by way of example or illustration only and should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The illustrative examples provided herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Similarly, any steps described herein may be interchanged with other steps, or combinations of steps, to achieve the same or substantially similar results. Moreover, some method steps may be performed in series or in parallel, or in any order, unless otherwise specifically expressed or understood in the context of other method steps.

In the previous description, specific details were set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the embodiments disclosed herein may be practiced without specific details. In some instances, well known process steps have not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present disclosure. Further, it should be understood that embodiments of the present disclosure may employ any combination of the features described herein.

The present application may also refer to quantities and numbers. Unless otherwise stated, these quantities and numbers are not to be considered limiting, but rather exemplify the possible quantities or numbers associated with the present application. Also in this regard, the present application may use the term "plurality" to reference a quantity or number. In this regard, the term "plurality" refers to any number greater than one, such as two, three, four, five, etc. The terms "about", "approximately", and the like refer to plus or minus 5% of the stated value.

Throughout the specification, terms of the art may be used. These terms will take the ordinary meaning as is known in the art from which they come, unless the context in which they are specifically defined herein or their use is otherwise clearly implied.

Fig. 10-12 show a representative embodiment of a cold plasma device 400 having a cold plasma generating array 420 according to the present disclosure. The cold plasma generating array 420 comprises a plurality of individual cold plasma generators 422 arranged on the substrate 410. Each cold plasma generator 422 is operatively connected to a control device 450. In some embodiments, each cold plasma generator 422 is operatively connected to one or more adjacent cold plasma generators 422 via an electrical connection 424.

In some embodiments, the array 420 is an array of cold plasma generators 422. In some embodiments, the array 420 is several rows of cold plasma generators 422 spaced apart to form a grid. In some embodiments, the array 420 is a plurality of cold plasma generators arranged to conform to a portion of a user's body. In some embodiments, the array 420 is a plurality of cold plasma generators 422 intermittently spaced along the substrate 410. It should be understood that the disclosed array 420 is merely exemplary and should not be considered as limiting. In this respect, a number of embodiments with different numbers of cold plasma generators and suitable arrays of different layouts are contemplated and should be considered within the scope of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, the substrate 410 includes a flexible film 412 that conforms to a biological surface 600 to which the cold plasma device 400 is applied, as shown in fig. 12. In some embodiments, the membrane 412 is at least partially formed of a flexible elastomer. In some embodiments, the flexible elastomer is a silicone elastomer. In some embodiments, the membrane 412 is a rigid or semi-rigid material. In some embodiments, the membrane 412 may be selectively deformed into a particular shape and then retain the particular shape until deformed into another shape. In other embodiments, the membrane 412 is a flexible membrane with a metal insert. In some embodiments, the metal insert may be plastically deformed by a user.

In some embodiments, the substrate 410 includes one or more biasing elements 414 disposed on a surface of the membrane 412. When the cold plasma device 400 is placed against the biological surface 600, the biasing element 414 contacts the biological surface and provides a predetermined space between the biological surface and each of the cold plasma generators 422. In some embodiments, the offset element 414 has a hemispherical shape. In some embodiments, the biasing element 414 is integrally formed with the membrane 412. In other embodiments, the biasing element 414 is formed separately and then attached to the surface of the membrane 412.

Referring now to fig. 11, a cold plasma generator 422 is positioned on one side of the substrate 110. Each cold plasma generator 422 includes an electrode 426 coupled to a first side of a dielectric barrier 428. The cold plasma generator 422 is positioned such that a second side of the dielectric barrier 428 (i.e., the side facing away from the electrode 426) faces the biological surface 600 when the cold plasma device 400 is placed against the biological surface.

In some embodiments, one or more cold plasma generators 422 are insert molded into the substrate 410. In other embodiments, the cold plasma generator 422 is mounted to the substrate 410 using an adhesive, mechanical fasteners, or any other suitable configuration.

As previously described, each cold plasma generator 422 may operate independently of at least one other cold plasma generator. In addition, each cold plasma generator 422 is configured to be controlled to selectively generate a different dose (i.e., concentration) of plasma. By increasing or decreasing the voltage applied to the electrodes 422 of the cold plasma generator 422 and/or the time for which the voltage is applied, the dose of plasma 430 generated by the cold plasma generator may be increased or decreased, respectively. By selectively stopping the application of voltage to the electrodes 422 of the cold plasma generator 422, the generation of plasma by the cold plasma generator may be selectively stopped.

Still referring to fig. 11, an embodiment of the cold plasma device 400 is controlled such that each cold plasma generator 422 generates a dose of plasma 430 suitable for generating a plasma pattern across the cold plasma device. That is, the cold plasma device 400 provides a plasma field having different concentrations of plasma 430 at predetermined locations according to a particular process and/or biological surface 600. The dose of plasma 430 generated by each individual cold plasma generator 422 may be varied to provide different plasma patterns.

Referring back to fig. 10, in some embodiments, array 420 is electrically connected to a control device 450 having a power supply 452, a controller 454, and a user control 456. In some embodiments, array 420 is electrically connected to control device 450 via cable 458. In some embodiments, cable 458 communicates control inputs and power to array 420. In some embodiments, cable 458 is detachable from cold plasma device 400, control device 450, or both. The power supply 452 may be a rechargeable battery including, for example, a lithium ion battery. The controller 454 is capable of receiving data and sending control signals to the array 420. In some embodiments, the control device 450 is mounted to the substrate 410.

In some embodiments, power supply 452 is a battery electrically connected to electrode 426. The battery may be rechargeable and charged by connecting the cable 458 to the cold plasma device 400 and an external power source. Some non-limiting examples of such power sources are adapters connected to standard wall outlets that provide power, solar cells, portable chargers, and the like. In some embodiments, the battery is charged wirelessly. In some embodiments, the battery is a commercially available battery, such as one of the a-series types ("a", "AA", or "AAA").

In some embodiments, a power supply 452 is mounted to the substrate 410 and the control device 450 wirelessly communicates 460 to control the plasma pattern of the cold plasma device 400.

In some embodiments, control device 450 is a smartphone. In some embodiments, the control device 450 is a laptop or tablet computer configured to be compatible with the cold plasma device 400 and to provide power and control inputs to the control device 450.

In some embodiments, the cold plasma device 400 is controlled via a user interface in the control device 450. In some embodiments, control device 450 is any type of device including a battery, a general purpose computer, and a computer readable memory having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the computer, implement a method of treating an area of a biological surface with a cold atmospheric plasma.

In some embodiments, the cold plasma device 400 includes one or more user controls including, but not limited to, a power switch, a plasma intensity selector, and a safety switch. The cold plasma device 400 may be turned on and off using a power switch disposed on the cold plasma device 400 and generate a plasma 430 when the cold plasma device 400 is turned on. In some embodiments, the safety switch prevents the cold plasma device 400 from turning on until the safety switch is disengaged. In some embodiments, the security switch is a fingerprint reader. In some embodiments, the plasma intensity selector allows for smooth and continuous adjustment of the plasma intensity in accordance with the power supplied to the electrode 426. In some embodiments, the plasma intensity selector limits each cold plasma device 422 to one of a plurality of discrete intensity settings in incremental steps of power supplied to the respective electrode 426.

In some embodiments, such as the cold plasma device 500 shown in fig. 13, the substrate 510 is a rigid or semi-rigid element that is shaped to conform to the particular area to be treated by the user. In one embodiment, the substrate 510 is shaped to conform to a face, a portion of a face, a neck, a hand, or any other suitable treatment area. A plurality of cold plasma generators 522 are coupled to the substrate proximate the skin of the user. Similar to the previous embodiments, each cold plasma generator 522 may be selectively operated to provide a desired dose of plasma by varying the voltage, the time of voltage application, or both. By selectively controlling the cold plasma generator, different plasma patterns can be generated. In one embodiment, the substrate 510 is a mask and the cold plasma device 500 generates different plasma doses under the forehead, cheeks, chin, nose, and/or eyes.

The foregoing description has described the principles, representative embodiments, and modes of operation of the present disclosure. However, the aspects of the present disclosure that are intended to be protected are not to be construed as limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. Further, the embodiments described herein should be considered illustrative and not restrictive. It is to be understood that changes and variations may be made by others, and equivalents may be employed, without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such variations, changes, and equivalents fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as claimed.

Claims

1. A cold plasma device for treating an area of a biological surface, the device comprising:

a cold plasma generator having an electrode and a dielectric barrier having a first side facing the electrode and a second side facing away from the electrode;

an actuator configured to selectively reciprocate the cold plasma generator between a first position and a second position; and

a controller operably coupled to the actuator and programmed to control the actuator to selectively position the cold plasma generator relative to the biological surface.

2. The cold plasma device of claim 1, further comprising a sensor configured to sense a distance between the cold plasma generator and the biological surface.

3. A cold plasma device according to claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to control the actuator to maintain the cold plasma generator at a predetermined distance from the biological surface.

4. A cold plasma device according to claim 3, wherein the controller is configured to receive a signal from the sensor, the controller being programmed to control the actuator in dependence on the received signal.

5. A cold plasma device according to claim 4, wherein the sensor senses the distance between the cold plasma generator and the biological surface.

6. A method of treating a biological surface and generating a plasma concentration using a cold plasma generator positioned at a distance from the biological surface, the method comprising the steps of:

sensing a distance between the cold plasma generator and the biological surface;

comparing the sensed distance to a predetermined distance; and

moving the cold plasma generator relative to the biological surface in dependence on a comparison of the sensed distance to the predetermined distance.

7. A cold plasma device for treating an area of a biological surface, the device comprising:

an array of cold plasma generators associated with a substrate, each cold plasma generator comprising an electrode and a dielectric barrier having a first side facing the electrode and a second side facing away from the electrode; and

a controller operably coupled to the array of cold plasma generators and programmed to control each of the cold plasma generators to generate a plasma dose.

8. A cold plasma device according to claim 7, wherein the controller is configured to independently adjust the plasma dose generated by each of the cold plasma generators.

9. A cold plasma device according to claim 8, wherein the plasma dose produced by each cold plasma generator is controlled by controlling at least one of (a) the amount of voltage applied to the respective electrode and (b) the duration of the voltage application.

10. A cold plasma device according to claim 7, wherein the substrate comprises a plurality of offset elements arranged on the substrate surface, wherein the offset elements are configured to provide a predetermined distance between the biological surface and at least one of the cold plasma generators when the offset spacing elements contact the biological surface.

11. A cold plasma device according to claim 7, wherein the substrate comprises a plurality of spacer members configured to provide a predetermined spacing between at least one of the cold plasma generators and the biological surface when the cold plasma device is placed against the biological surface.

12. The cold plasma device of claim 7, wherein the controller is programmed to control the array of cold plasma generators to selectively generate a first plasma pattern and a second plasma pattern.

13. A cold plasma apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising a user controller that selectively sends a plurality of signals to the controller, wherein the controller controls each of the cold plasma generators according to at least one signal received from the user controller.

14. A cold plasma device for treating an area of a biological surface, the device comprising:

a plurality of cold plasma generators mounted to the flexible membrane, each cold plasma generator comprising an electrode and a dielectric barrier layer having a first side facing the electrode and a second side facing away from the electrode; and

a controller operably coupled to each of the cold plasma generators and programmed to control the generation of a plasma dose by each of the cold plasma generators, wherein the controller controls each cold plasma generator independently of the other cold plasma generators.

15. The cold plasma device of claim 14, wherein the flexible membrane is formed of an elastomer.