Hybrid system for nitric oxide and hydrogen production

The device for nitric oxide inhalation therapy TIANOX has been put into use in clinical practice. It produces NO in nonequilibrium plasma of a diffusive spark discharge in the air at atmospheric pressure. There is a tendency to use a therapeutic gas mixture with high NO concentration for inhalation in the developing medical treatment methods. Nitric oxide transition into active compounds such as nitric dioxide, peroxynitrite, and nitrotyrosine can lead to oxidative stress. The use of hydrogen as an antioxidant that decreases the levels of hydroxyl radicals and peroxynitrite can protect cells from oxidative damage. Positive effect of the nitric oxide mixture and hydrogen is shown in the experiments with animals.

The aim of the article is to describe development and performance the first hybrid system producing nitric oxide and hydrogen that was created in Federal State Unitary Enterprise “Russian Federal Nuclear Center – All-Russian Research Institute of Experimental Physics”. The system is based on the plasmochemical generator Tianox and the hydrogen generator, which is based on the electrolyzer with a solid polymeric electrolyte. It is fitted with H₂, NO, and NO₂ monitor and provides a continuous monitoring of concentrations of these gases and helps ensure safety of medical procedures by disconnecting NO and H₂ generators at the moment when the gas concentrations exceed maximum levels (H_2max, NO_max, NO_2max).

Conclusion. This hybrid system for nitrogen and hydrogen production passed the first study in human successfully. The preclinical studies also demonstrated its efficacy and safety.

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