Physicochemical properties of plasma-activated water and its therapeutic potential for wound management in rats

Plasma-activated water (PAW) is an emerging, biocompatible antiseptic with potential applications in regenerative medicine. Here, we characterize the physicochemical properties of PAW and evaluate its wound-healing efficacy relative to hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in a rat full-thickness skin defect model. PAW was generated by exposing phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) to a surface-discharge plasma for 2–10 min. With increasing activation time, pH decreased gradually from 7.4 to 4.8, while reactive oxygen and nitrogen species accumulated (H₂O₂ up to 95 μmol/L; total NO up to 198 μmol/L). In vivo, PAW—particularly the 10-min preparation—accelerated closure, enhanced collagen deposition, and improved epithelial and follicular regeneration compared with H₂O₂ or untreated controls. Immunofluorescence revealed higher expression of protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5), indicating attenuated inflammation and enhanced reinnervation. The balanced redox composition of PAW achieved antimicrobial activity with minimal cytotoxicity, as evidenced by stable body weight and preserved tissue architecture. Collectively, these findings identify PAW as a safe, effective, and readily produced therapeutic that simultaneously disinfects and promotes tissue repair, offering a promising alternative to conventional oxidizing antiseptics.