Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics

Old Dominion University

USE OF NANOSECOND ULTRAHIGH 

VOLTAGE PULSES FOR WOUND 

HEALING AND OTHER APPLICATIONS

Richard Heller
Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics

Old Dominion University

Pulsed Power: Affect Cell Functions

[from delivery of molecules to release of calcium and 

induction of apoptosis]

Cell

Long Pulse

Short Pulse

Exterior

Interior
Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics

Old Dominion University

Wound Healing

• Inflammatory phase (1-2 days)

– Coagulation

– Migration of inflammatory cells to the wound site

• Proliferative phase (day 2-day 14)

– Migration and proliferation of keratinocytes, fibroblasts and 

endothelial cells

– Angiogenesis

– Granulation tissue formation and re-epithelialization

• Remodeling phase (day 14-1 year)

– Collagen remodeling, scar tissue formation
Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics

Old Dominion University

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) – Platelet Gel

PRP – An emerging treatment in a new health sector known as 

"Orthobiologics." The philosophy is to merge cutting edge technology with 

the body's natural ability to heal itself. 

PRP - Concentrated source of autologous platelets, PRP contains and 

releases (through degranulation) at least seven different growth factors 

(cytokines) that stimulate bone and soft tissue healing. 

PRP – Can be used to accelerate healing of tendon injuries and osteoarthritis 

naturally without subjecting the patient to significant risk. The bioactive 

proteins carried by platelets are currently being used successfully for wound 

healing in several surgical disciplines including orthopaedic, neurology, 

otolaryngology, cardiovascular, vascular, general, plastic and reconstructive, 

pediatrics and in oral surgeries
Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics

Old Dominion University

Thrombin is currently used to create PRP

Problems of Using Bovine Thrombin

possible allergies and complications

potential risk of contamination of Creutzfeldt-Jakob’s

disease (Mad-cow disease)

 Immune response

 shortages

Alternatives to Bovine Thrombin

Human sources

Recombinant protein
Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics

Old Dominion University

Alternative to Thrombin

Pulsed electric field (30 kV/cm, 300 ns) can increase intra-cellular 

Ca2+ release and extra-cellular Ca2+ influx and produce PRP. 

Thrombin 

activated gel

nsPEF 

activated gel

Platelets Before activation After activation
Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics

Old Dominion University

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

(PRP) Gel Wound

A Compact Pulsed Power Generator for Platelet Gel Production 

in Doctor’s Office
Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics

Old Dominion University

room temperature air “plasma”

operated at atmospheric pressure

Cold Plasma 

Treatment of Biological Agents
Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics

Old Dominion University

sham (not treated) microjet treatment

10 mm distance

(cold) air treatment

A single treatment results in a complete removal of colony forming units.

Pre-treatment of the agar-plates with the jet has no effect.

Candida can be removed completely

in the treated area.
Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics

Old Dominion University

NsPEFs Decrease B16F10 Tumor Size

Days: 0 1 7 14 28
Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics

Old Dominion University

Wound Healing

Plasma Rich Platelets

Cold Plasma – disinfect

Gene Therapy – angiogenesis

Cancer Therapy

nsPEF – ablation

Gene therapy- immunotherapy

Cardiovascular

Coronary artery disease – gene therapy to assist revascularization

Peripheral vascular disease - gene therapy to assist revascularization

Environmental applications

Commercial Applications – Instrumentation and Protocol/therapy development
Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics

Old Dominion University

Licensing and CRADA opportunities:

PRP Technology

nsPEF ablation technology

Gene transfer methods, electrodes and instrumentation

Cold Plasma 

Disinfection

Environmental

New applications for technologies

Collaboration Opportunities
Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics

Old Dominion University

Contact Information

For further information contact:

Richard Heller, Ph.D.

Director, Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics

Professor, Med Laboratory and Radiation Sciences 

Old Dominion University

4211 Monarch Way, Suite 300

Norfolk, VA 23508

ph: 757-683-2690

fax: 757-451-1010

rheller@odu.edu

http://www.odu.edu/engr/bioelectrics/

Zohir Handy

Manager Technology Licensing

Old Dominion University

4111 Monarch Way, Suite 203

Norfolk VA 23508, USA

Tel 757-683-5052

Fax 757-683-5902 

zhandy@odu.edu