Abstract
Lipids are the primary components of cell membranes, and their properties can be temporarily modified by microplasma-generated species to enhance drug uptake. The ability of microplasmas to influence membrane dynamics has made them effective tools for facilitating drug uptake into cells. Despite this, the effect of microplasma irradiation on cell membranes is yet to be investigated. We investigated the effects of microplasma irradiation on fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran 150 (FD-150) uptake in Human Promyelocytic Leukemia (HL-60) cells, with the focus on transmembrane potential and lipid order changes. Plasma was applied to HL-60 cells for five, seven, and ten minutes. Fluorescence intensity measurements showed that an uptake of FD-150 increased with treatment time, before declining at ten minutes of treatment. Following treatment, transmembrane potential analysis indicated transient hyperpolarization followed by gradual depolarization until 60 min, corresponding to increased FD-150 absorption. Analysis of the lipid order showed a more disordered membrane state, with the most pronounced changes observed at ten minutes. The increase in lipid disorder increases membrane permeability while excessive disruption of the lipid order impairs cell viability. These findings demonstrate the potential of plasma-generated reactive species in modulating membrane characteristics for intracellular drug delivery.