INP Greifswald is the first Leibniz institution to become a partner in a Korean excellence research project

Strengthening international cooperation in the field of plasma medicine with €3.4 million - With this multi-million-euro excellence research project, the Korean government supported the establishment of an "Applied Plasma Medicine Centre" (APMC) in Korea. This project was realised by two renowned plasma research institutes, the Plasma Bioscience Research Institute (PBRC) at Kwangwoon University in Seoul and the Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP Greifswald).

The Korean government supported Korean scientific institutions in cooperation with international partners in the field of knowledge and technology transfer with its multi-million euro "Global Research Development Centre" (GRDC) excellence research programme. Each year, only three projects are selected for funding following a two-stage international review process. Together with the Plasma Bioscience Research Institute (PBRC) at Kwangwoon University in Seoul, INP Greifswald successfully applied for this initiative with a project proposal to establish an "Applied Plasma Medicine Centre" (APMC). During this year's official welcome ceremony for the three new project consortia in front of high-ranking representatives from industry and science on 31 October 2016 in Seoul, German Ambassador Stephan Auer said he was delighted "that this year, for the first time, an institution of the Leibniz Association is among the partners of a GRDC project".

The scientists from the INP Greifswald and the Plasma Bioscience Research Institute want to work together to support the medical application of cold physical plasmas in Asia. To this end, special attention will be paid to fundamental performance parameters, common equipment standards and the preparation of clinical studies in Korea. For this reason, neoplas tools GmbH, a spin-off of INP Greifswald, is also involved in the project. The company has launched the world's first CE-certified plasma jet approved as a Class IIa medical device and will contribute its experience and expertise in the field of plasma source development and approval procedures. The official project launch with the opening of the laboratories and offices in Seoul took place in February 2017.

Keyword: plasma medicine

What is plasma? Plasma is described as the fourth state of matter, alongside solid, liquid and gas. When energy is added to a gas, the electrons split from the nucleus and move around freely. Plasma is therefore a (partially) ionised gas which has a number of special properties due to its electrical conductivity. 99% of visible matter is in a plasma state, including our sun and the stars. In addition to this very hot plasma, cold plasma can also be produced artificially – with biologically interesting properties. This plasma is used in plasma medicine for wound healing, among other things.
Plasma medicine is the collective term for the application of physical plasmas for therapeutic purposes. It is a young and interdisciplinary field of science at the interface between physics, medicine and biology.

Focus on phosphorus issues: International IPW8 conference in Rostock presents solutions

From 12 to 16 September 2016, the 8th International Phosphorus Workshop (IPW8) entitled "Phosphorus 2020: Challenges for Synthesis, Agriculture and Ecosystems" took place in Rostock. 230 scientists from all over the world discussed possible solutions offered by current research for the responsible use of phosphorus, a limited raw material. The aim was to prevent serious environmental damage such as water eutrophication while ensuring that phosphorus, which is essential for feeding the world's population, remains available in the future through sustainable use.

According to the IPW8 participants, the most important findings of phosphorus research in recent years include the following aspects:

1. Phosphorus fertilisation and discharge into water bodies: The latest research results also confirm that excessive amounts of phosphorus are still entering water bodies. Water protection targets laid down in binding guidelines are therefore not being achieved. The researchers identified the following as important causes of this: phosphorus is still being used inefficiently in intensive agriculture, and traditional agricultural soil tests for plant-available phosphorus do not adequately indicate the risk of phosphorus leaching. In addition, it has been demonstrated that established water protection measures (e.g. reduced fertilisation) are sometimes not yet showing any success in water bodies because there are long delays before phosphorus from the soil enters the water. It has also been shown that more frequent extreme precipitation events caused by climate change promote the mobilisation and leaching of phosphorus.
2. Improvement of investigation methods: In recent years, numerous analytical methods have been refined to such an extent that a wide range of phosphorus compounds, such as the weed killer glyphosate, can now be detected in the environment and their transformation traced. Researchers are already using highly sophisticated spectroscopic methods, isotope techniques and particle accelerators to investigate phosphorus compounds and transformations in great detail.
3. Phosphorus recycling and synthesis: For the first time, various technologies for phosphorus recycling and chemical catalysis with phosphorus compounds were discussed at an IPW event as a forward-looking strategy for the sustainable use of phosphorus. Fundamental new reaction pathways and compounds were presented, as well as a variety of application-ready technologies aimed in particular at phosphorus recovery from sewage sludge, slaughterhouse waste or fermentation residues from biogas plants.
4. Genetic research approach: As the genetic basis of phosphorus utilisation by microorganisms, plants and animals is becoming increasingly better understood, new opportunities are opening up for optimising processes related to phosphorus uptake, utilisation and excretion. Examples include the identification of gene variants for breeding pigs that can utilise phosphorus in feed more effectively, or new feed supplements and feeding regimes that improve the digestibility and utilisation of phosphorus compounds by animals.

The IPW8 participants identified the following aspects as the most important areas for research and action:

1. Consistent research into system interrelationships: Too little is known about the similarities and differences between phosphorus transformation processes in different environmental systems – such as in water or on land – and how they are linked to other material cycles – such as carbon and nitrogen – throughout the Earth system. In addition, there is hardly any integrated research that looks at the relationships between phosphorus transformations on different scales, from individual cells to organisms to entire ecosystems. However, this is important because most processes in ecosystems are interconnected and can therefore only be properly understood through a holistic approach.
2. Consistent transfer of innovative technology into practice: Major scientific and technological advances have been made in both phosphorus recovery and in methods for detecting plant-available phosphorus in arable soils, which are an important prerequisite for efficient fertiliser use. However, there is still a lack of widespread practical application of these technologies. The reasons for this are very diverse: either the technologies are not yet ready for practical application, or there are legal obstacles such as guidelines and regulations that do not allow for the use of certain methods. Some of the problems stem from unclear political frameworks, such as the amendment of the Sewage Sludge Ordinance in Germany and requirements for recycled fertilisers throughout Europe. Here, the IPW8 researchers see a need for action in both research and politics.
3. Consistently promoting awareness of the problem and a rethink: A new perspective for the IPW was the inclusion of ethical, environmental legal and environmental policy aspects in the use of phosphorus. Various aspects, such as the advantages of a balanced diet against the background of phosphorus availability and pollution, or the possibility of effectively controlling phosphorus use through incentives or bans, were lively discussed at the conference. It became clear that the natural and agricultural science research approaches that have been pursued almost exclusively to date must be supplemented by corresponding social science approaches in order to actually translate the sustainable use and recovery of phosphorus as a resource into accepted practice while treating the environment with care.

Conclusion: The participants agreed that only a variety of individual measures "in concert", such as advances in breeding, improved agricultural testing and management measures, new techniques and technologies for phosphorus saving and recovery, a change in social norms and awareness of consumer behaviour, and accompanying political measures, can solve the phosphorus problem. This also requires the development of new academic structures, such as Leibniz- r WissenschaftsCampi, which support the transfer of technology, methodology and ideas.
The International Phosphorus Workshop (IPW) takes place every three years in different European countries and is one of the most important events in the field of phosphorus research in Europe. This year, Germany hosted the workshop for the first time and welcomed a record number of participants. The event was organised by the Leibniz Science Campus Phosphorus Research Rostock, an association of five Leibniz Institutes and the University of Rostock.
IPW8 Chair:
Prof. Dr. Ulrich Bathmann, spokesperson for the Leibniz Science Campus Phosphorus Research Rostock
Prof. Dr. Peter Leinweber, spokesperson for the University for the Leibniz Science Campus Phosphorus Research Rostock
Leibniz Science Campus Phosphorus Research Rostock
Due to the central importance of phosphorus in a wide range of production and environmental systems, an interdisciplinary research approach is necessary. Five Leibniz Institutes and the University of Rostock have therefore joined forces in a network to intensify cooperation and research on this essential element and its sustainable management. The Leibniz Science Campus Phosphorus Research Rostock promotes interdisciplinarity in topics, projects and methods as part of its strategic research. The existing expertise in various aspects of research into the essential element P, its diverse chemical compounds and specific modes of action in agricultural and environmental systems as well as in technical and industrial processes is brought together in the Science Campus. The Science Campus is funded by the Leibniz Association and the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Consumer Protection of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.

Greifswald plasma researchers receive Innovation Award in Belgium

Prof. Dr. Klaus-Dieter Weltmann and Prof. Dr. Thomas von Woedtke from the Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP) received the Plasma Physics Innovation Award from the European Physical Society (EPS). They were honoured for their internationally significant pioneering work in the field of plasma medicine and for the successful transfer of research and development results into medical applications.

The two scientists from the Leibniz Institute consider the Plasma Physics Innovation Award a great honour, but above all recognition of the successful interdisciplinary collaboration between scientists at the INP. "About 10 years ago, we decided to combine the traditionally strong fields of plasma physics and medicine in our research. At that time, the new field of plasma medicine was still in its infancy worldwide. This award confirms that our decision was the right one," explained Weltmann, Director of the INP in Greifswald. "Today, Greifswald is internationally recognised as the centre for plasma medicine research," he added. This is also reflected in the world's first professorship for plasma medicine, which has been held by Greifswald pharmacist Thomas von Woedtke since July 2011. The appointment to the University Medical Centre Greifswald was made in cooperation with the INP Greifswald. Von Woedtke also works here as scientific director of the plasma medicine research programme.
In May 2013, basic research at the Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology, in collaboration with the University Medical Centre Greifswald, Charité Berlin and several industrial partners, led to the successful introduction of the kINPen MED plasma device in medicine. The medical device developed at the INP was thus the world's first plasma jet approved for use on patients. Plasma therapy, which kills pathogens and stimulates cell healing processes, began its triumphant advance in Greifswald. The kINPen MED is now used throughout Germany and in parts of Europe in clinics and practices for the treatment of chronic wounds and infectious skin diseases. Even chronically therapy-resistant wounds, some with MRSA colonisation, can heal under plasma treatment, and MRSA pathogens are killed – a successful transfer of research results into practice with great application potential.
Thanks to the ongoing support of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and the city of Greifswald, the INP has established itself internationally as a leader in the field of plasma medicine. Plasma medicine research at the institute is currently focused on optimising and expanding plasma devices. Based on the research results, further medical applications in dermatology, dentistry, internal medicine and tumour therapy are being developed in addition to plasma application for wound healing and the treatment of infectious skin diseases.
The Plasma Physics Innovation Award:
The prize is awarded for outstanding innovations in plasma physics at the 43rd EPS Conference on Plasma Physics, which will take place this year from 4 to 8 July in Leuven (Belgium). The series of events is organised by the Plasma Physics Division of the EPS and covers the entire field of plasma physics, from low-temperature plasmas to nuclear fusion research. Since 2008, the Plasma Physics Innovation Award has been presented annually at this conference to recognise internationally outstanding achievements and exceptional innovations in the field of plasma research. The European Physical Society (EPS) is an association of 42 physical societies in Europe based in Mulhouse (France).
The Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP Greifswald):
Research and development from idea to prototype – With more than 165 scientists, engineers and other specialists, the INP in Greifswald is one of Europe's leading non-university research institutions for low-temperature plasmas, their fundamentals and technical applications. In addition to application-oriented fundamental research, the Leibniz Institute promotes the development of plasma-based processes and products. The topics are geared to the requirements of the market. The INP thus offers customer-specific solutions in the field of plasma technology as well as services such as feasibility studies and consulting. Currently, plasmas for surfaces and materials, environmental and energy technology, and interdisciplinary topics in biology and medicine are the focus of interest. Innovative product ideas from INP research are ultimately investigated directly with industry or transferred into marketable products and services through the institute's spin-offs.

Opening up new fields of application in plasma medicine

BMBF research project is providing €700,000 in funding for the further development of cold atmospheric pressure plasma jets at the Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology.

Plasma medicine is a young interdisciplinary field of research at the interface between plasma physics and life sciences, which has been experiencing a significant upswing worldwide for about ten years. Under the leadership of the Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Greifswald has established itself as an international leader in this new field of research.

In cooperation with neoplas tools GmbH, the PlasmaJet kINPen MED, which was developed from INP research, was CE certified as a Class IIa medical device in 2013. After years of research, plasma medicine has thus successfully made the transition to clinical practice. This plasma device is currently used primarily for the treatment of chronic wounds and infectious skin diseases.
The BMBF research project "Expansion of the medical applications of cold atmospheric pressure plasma jets", known as MEDKAP for short, is investigating new fields of application that have emerged as opportunities but also as new challenges from the BMBF funding measure "Campus PlasmaMed". In addition to improving the performance parameters of plasma devices, MEDKAP is focusing on the design and testing of a large-area and an endoscopic jet plasma source.
In dermatology, the INP is also investigating whether plasma therapy is promising for the treatment of vitiligo. In dentistry, the project focuses on the development of a plasma device for dental applications, especially for root canal treatments. Another focus is on tumour therapy. Physical plasma is combined with another biologically effective technology, known as pulsed electric fields, to inactivate cancer cells. The extent to which this " " technology can reduce the metastatic potential of tumour cells is being investigated. In addition, the use of physical plasma is also promising in the field of pulmonary tuberculosis. After testing the effectiveness of plasma against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the plan is to develop a special endoscopic plasma device for treatment.
The MEDKAP project was funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research with €700,000 over a period of 13 months. It was part of the German government's high-tech strategy in the field of "healthy living", which promotes research and development of new innovative solutions in the health industry. The project is a collaboration between the Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology and partners from research, medicine and industry.