Comparison of gene expression signatures in human melanocytes after indirect cold physical plasma treatment and direct UV-irradiation

Cold atmospheric plasma is assembled out of various components such as UV-radiation, electrons, ions and an electromagnetic field at low temperature. In recent years cold atmospheric plasma gains interest as a medical tool used for improved healing of chronic wounds. In order to examine the impact of cold atmospheric plasma on the melanogenesis in human skin, the gene expression signature of differently treated lightly pigmented primary human melanocytes was analysed. Melanocytes were either treated in vitro indirectly by cold atmospheric plasma or irradiated by UV-radiation. After 2 h incubation the microarray analysis was performed. Gene expression induced by treatment of primary human melanocytes with 60 s plasma-treated liquid (ptl) or direct UV-irradiation (91mJ/cm2) was analysed after 2 h incubation. Primary melanocytes (purchased from PromoCell, Heidelberg, Germany) were seeded 24 h before treatment. The gene expression analysis was carried out 5x for untreated control cells, 6x for plasma-treated cells and 4x for UV-irradiated cells.