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/O-2 and He/O-2 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/O-2 jet was more efficient for RCS production. The lower RCS yield in the case of the Ar/O-2 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.