Portable plasma device “MobiPlas” designed for mobile medical use

Cold plasma has already proven effective in medical applications, particularly in treating chronic wounds and skin infections. However, existing plasma devices typically require a fixed power and gas supply, limiting their use to clinical environments. 

With MobiPlas, researchers at the Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP) in Greifswald, Germany, are addressing this limitation. The new device offers a mobile solution for applying cold plasma in medical settings such as outpatient care or home treatment. 

"MobiPlas" is designed for easy transport and flexible use. It requires neither a fixed power supply nor a fixed gas supply. It is also compact, robust and very easy to use. This means that it could be used, for example, in outpatient treatment in the future,” says Dr. Robert Bansemer, Head of the Plasma Sources Department at INP. 

MobiPlas operates with argon as the carrier gas, stored in a refillable steel tank resembling those used in paintball systems. This configuration enables the device to function autonomously for up to ten minutes - sufficient for typical wound care sessions. Power is provided via a standard portable power bank. 

An integrated control unit ensures automatic regulation of high voltage and gas flow, allowing for consistent plasma output without manual adjustment. 

Key safety and performance features include: 

• Ozone emissions remained below permitted thresholds at a distance of over 20 cm. 

• The plasma jet's tip temperature reached a maximum of 40 °C, making it suitable for medical use. 

• Electrical currents measurable on patients were well within regulated limits. 

Some current fluctuations were observed during initial prototype testing, caused by heat buildup in a power supply component. The development team has already proposed solutions to stabilize performance. 

MEDICA-tradefair.com; Source: Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology