Use of plasma-treated liquids to treat herpes keratitis
Overview
Drexel researchers have shown that non-thermal dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma treatment is a viable method for reducing herpes simplex virus infection and replication without significantly affecting host cells, making it an ideal treatment for herpes keratitis of the cornea.
Applications
- Preventing and treating herpes keratitis of the cornea.
Advantages
- Non-drug method proven to suppress HSV replication and viral presence. Exposure of HSV-infected human corneal epithelial cells to media treated with non-thermal DBD plasma resulted in a reduced buildup of toxic viral proteins and overall reduced viral replication.
- Alternative treatment option or combination therapy. Non-thermal plasma treatment operates unlike existing antivirals, allowing it to be used as a supplement or even to replace them where drug-resistant strains are present.
- Little side effects. Toxicology studies have shown no lasting effects on normal cell proliferation and corneal health.
Intellectual Property and Development Status
United States Patent Pending- 15/024,051
References
Alekseev O, Donovan K, Limonnik V, and J Azizkhan-Clifford (2013). Non-Thermal Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) Plasma Suppresses Herpes Simplex Type 1 (HSV-1) Infection of Corneal Epithelium. TVST.
Commercialization Opportunities