The production of reactive chlorine species (RCS) by argon and helium plasma jets and the sensitivity of liver cancer cell HepG2 to RCS and H2O2 treatment.

The present study investigated the production of reactive chlorine species (RCS) by Ar/O2 and He/O2 radiofrequency plasma jets in saline solution, and the sensitivity of the liver cancer cell line HepG2 to RCS and H2O2. Both plasma jets were able to produce RCS; however, at similar plasma powers, pressures, and feed gas flow rates, the He/O2 jet was more efficient for RCS production. The lower RCS yield in the case of the Ar/O2 plasma jet was mainly due to the higher RCS quenching. At a low production rate, RCS can be produced in the open air. Viability tests showed that HepG2 cells were more sensitive to H2O2 than RCS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]