A New Breakthrough in Shockwave Technology: CAS Hefei Institutes of Physical Science Team Develops Novel Treatment for Onychomycosis

A New Breakthrough in Shockwave Technology: CAS Hefei Institutes of Physical Science Team Develops Novel Treatment for OnychomycosisOnychomycosis, commonly known as nail fungus, has affected many individuals, not only impacting aesthetics but potentially leading to other health issues. Traditional treatment methods often prove ineffective and may carry side effects

A New Breakthrough in Shockwave Technology: CAS Hefei Institutes of Physical Science Team Develops Novel Treatment for Onychomycosis

• Onychomycosis, commonly known as nail fungus, has affected many individuals, not only impacting aesthetics but potentially leading to other health issues. Traditional treatment methods often prove ineffective and may carry side effects. Recently, a team from the Institute of Intelligent Machines (hereinafter referred to as "CAS Hefei Institutes of Physical Science Intelligent Institute"), Chinese Academy of Sciences, has made a significant breakthrough, developing a new technology that utilizes shockwaves to eradicate Trichophyton rubrum, the fungus responsible for onychomycosis, offering hope for sufferers. This research achievement has been published in the renowned international journal Applied Physics Letters.

• Onychomycosis is caused by fungal infection, with Trichophyton rubrum being one of the primary culprits. Due to its concealment within the nail, direct killing of Trichophyton rubrum proves challenging, leading to incomplete fungal eradication and recurrent infections with conventional treatments. The team led by researcher Huang Qing from CAS Hefei Institutes of Physical Science Intelligent Institute, after years of dedicated research, has finally identified the "nemesis" of Trichophyton rubrum - a portable pulsed low-temperature air plasma jet device (PP-CAPJ).

• The research team initially established an onychomycosis infection model, simulating real-world conditions. Subsequently, they employed PP-CAPJ to treat Trichophyton rubrum within nails of varying thicknesses, revealing PP-CAPJ's efficacy in eliminating the fungus within a certain nail thickness. The study demonstrated that 300 shockwave treatments using PP-CAPJ could eliminate 90% of Trichophyton rubrum in the nail model.

The success of this research is attributed to the portable pulsed air plasma jet (PP-CAPJ) device provided by the team of Professor Chen Zhaoquan from Anhui University of Science and Technology. This device generates high-frequency, low-temperature plasma jets, possessing potent bactericidal capabilities.

What is the principle behind the use of shockwaves to eliminate fungi?

• Plasma, often referred to as the fourth state of matter, is a mixture of charged particles exhibiting high reactivity. The plasma jets produced by the PP-CAPJ device can penetrate nails, directly targeting Trichophyton rubrum and disrupting its cell membrane and DNA, ultimately leading to its death.

What are the advantages of this new technology?

Compared to conventional treatment methods, PP-CAPJ technology offers the following advantages:

• Highly effective bactericidal action: PP-CAPJ can rapidly and effectively eliminate Trichophyton rubrum, avoiding the issues of repeated medication, lengthy treatment duration, and suboptimal efficacy associated with traditional methods.

• Safe and non-toxic: The plasma jets themselves are low-temperature, preventing damage to the nail and other tissues. Moreover, they leave no chemical residue, ensuring safety and reliability.

• Portable and easy to use: The PP-CAPJ device is compact and portable, allowing for self-operation at home, eliminating the need for hospital visits.

What are the future applications of this new technology?

The successful development of this technology marks a breakthrough in the treatment of onychomycosis. In the future, this technology can be widely applied in clinical settings, bringing relief to many onychomycosis sufferers. Additionally, this technology holds promising applications in various fields, such as:

• Treatment of other fungal infections: PP-CAPJ technology can be utilized to treat other fungal infections, such as athlete's foot and hand eczema.

• Disinfection and sterilization: PP-CAPJ technology can be employed for disinfection and sterilization in fields such as medical equipment and food processing.

Conclusion

• The new technology developed by the team from CAS Hefei Institutes of Physical Science Intelligent Institute, utilizing shockwaves to eliminate Trichophyton rubrum in onychomycosis, brings hope to sufferers and opens new avenues for treating fungal infections. As the technology evolves and matures, it is expected to benefit a wider population, contributing to human health.

About Plasma Technology

Plasma technology is an emerging and highly promising key technology with broad applications in materials modification, surface treatment, environmental remediation, and healthcare. In recent years, plasma technology has gained increasing recognition in the medical field, with technologies such as plasma knives and plasma sterilization achieving successful clinical applications.

About CAS Hefei Institutes of Physical Science Intelligent Institute

The Institute of Intelligent Machines, CAS Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, is a research institution affiliated with the CAS Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, primarily focused on research in artificial intelligence, intelligent robotics, and intelligent manufacturing. In recent years, the Institute has achieved a series of significant breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, intelligent robotics, and other fields, making significant contributions to the development of intelligent technology in China.

About Anhui University of Science and Technology

Anhui University of Science and Technology is a comprehensive university in Anhui Province, focusing on key development. It possesses strong research capabilities in materials science, mechanical engineering, computer science, and other fields. In recent years, Anhui University of Science and Technology has actively promoted industry-university-research collaboration, achieving notable results and making significant contributions to local economic development.

Acknowledgement

We extend our gratitude to the relevant personnel from CAS Hefei Institutes of Physical Science Intelligent Institute, Anhui University of Science and Technology, and other research institutions for providing materials for this article.

References

• [1] Huang Qing, et al. Portable pulsed low-temperature air plasma jet device for killing Trichophyton rubrum in onychomycosis [J]. Applied Physics Letters, 2023, 40(12): 125001.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. For more information, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

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