Identification of the Species Responsible for Biological Inactivation in the OAUGDP

"Atmospheric Glow Technologies (AGT) proposes to initiate studies to elucidate the mechanism of inactivation of microorganisms using atmospheric plasma. In this Phase I work effort, AGT will identify and quantify the active species generated by the APD-210(Atmospheric Plasma Decon-210). The APD-210 has been independently shown to inactivate a number of different microorganisms including anthrax by convecting active species to the downstream sample. AGT will use a sophisticated Hiden Analytical HPR-60 MassSpectrometer with a triple filtered quadrupole, a molecular beam inlet, and a selectable electron energy source. Futhermore, the photon emissions will be measured using a UV/Vis Spectrometer. Using the spectra obtained from within the plasma and in theplasma exhaust, identification and concentration of the active species will be determined. AGT's versatile Atmospheric Plasma Decontamination System will initally be marketed to the military as a means to rapidly decontaminate large frame aircraft andassoicated cargo. To date, there are 588 fixed military facilities; of these, 250 are considered major installations. Recent terrorist events have demonstrated the vulnerability of the United States to biological and chemical threats. It is evident thatan effective response to any large scale attack will mandate the rapid mobilization of emergency responders particularly at the local level. Consequently, a secondary market will be the First Response Teams located throughout the United States directed toimplement immediate countermeasures in the event of terrorist attacks. Upon further development and improvements in manufacturing approach, the APD System will be marketed industrially, where it will have applications in cleaning chemical spills as wellas cleaning industrial equipment against biological contaminants. Specific markets may include hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and food processing plants."