A novel pin-to-hole spark discharge plasma produces nitric oxide for medical applications

Summary form only given. Nitric oxide, an important signaling molecule in endothelial cells, mediates many processes at the cellular as well as tissue levels. Several diseases such as diabetes, coronary artery diseases and hypertension are characterized by a reduction in the bioavailability of NO, which leads to endothelial dysfunction. The use of NO donors has several drawbacks which includes inducing systemic side effects, due to their non-localized action. We have developed a novel pinto-hole spark discharge (PHSD) plasma device which generates nitric oxide (NO), which can be applied safely and locally to endothelial cells at low concentrations.