Dual-Jet Transition Cold Atmospheric Plasma as a Novel Therapeutic Approach Targeting Colon Cancer Stem Cells via MMP Regulation

Colon cancer stem cells (CCSCs) drive tumor progression, metastasis, and therapy resistance, largely through matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). This study evaluated a novel dual-jet transition cold atmospheric plasma (DJTCAP) system for targeting CCSCS by modulating MMP expression and reducing cell viability. HT۲۹-derived CCSCs were cultured in ۳D Matrigel and exposed to three sequential plasma jets from the DJTCAP device, either directly or via plasma-activated medium, for ۱۲۰-۲۴۰ seconds using helium or argon. Expression of MMP-۱, -۲, -۳, -۷, -۹, and -۱۴ was assessed by RT-PCR, and cell viability by MTT assay. DJTCAP treatment significantly downregulated all MMPs (p < ۰.۰۰۰۱), with ۲۴۰-second helium exposure showing the greatest cytotoxicity. Plasma diagnostics confirmed efficient energy use (<۱ W) and high generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, implicating a RONS-mediated mechanism. These findings indicate that DJTCAP selectively suppresses MMPs and reduces CCSC viability, presenting a promising, energy-efficient, and targeted approach for metastatic colorectal cancer therapy.

کلیدواژه ها:

Colon cancer stem cells ، Dual-jet transition cold atmospheric plasma ، Matrix metalloproteinases ، Metastasis