Role of atmospheric pressure plasma in triggering of cell mechanisms in plant cells

Abstract

The atmospheric pressure plasmas (APPs) are known to be rich in Reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen Species (RONS) and this rich chemistry is responsible for triggering of cell mechanisms in case of plant or human/animal cells. We can divide this influence in two groups: (1) RONS in gas phase; (2) RONS in liquid phase. Therefore, in order to better understand the reasons for triggered mechanisms and outcomes (better germination percentage and speed, breakout of dormancy, creation of embryos etc.) we need to know and be able to tailor the plasma chemistry both in gas and liquid phase. We have used several APPs for gas phase treatments of plant cells and also for production of Plasma Activated Water (PAW) in order to investigate the influence of liquid RONS chemistry on plant cells. Here we will present different APP sources that are used for production of PAW used for seed imbibition in germination process and direct treatment of meristematic plant cells. Dielectric Barrier Discharge type of APPJ was used for production of PAW, while the plasma needle type was used for direct treatment of meristematic plant cells. The main idea was to check if plasma treatments can be used as for breaking of dormancy and trigger mechanisms in cells even in a normally non-permissive conditions.