Mechanisms for the Destruction of Biological Surface Contaminants Treated with an Air Plasma

"Effective decontamination technology is a national concern for both battlefield and other military applications as well as for terrorist situations. In the event of a bio-agent release, it is imperative that the affected areas are secured and exposedvictims, equipment, and environment are decontaminated. Conventional thermal, chemical decontamination, or ultraviolet radiation technologies are not adequate in addressing these concerns. It is well established that atmospheric pressure plasmaseffectively sterilize biologically contaminated surfaces. However, the physical mechanisms responsible for the destruction of spores and bacteria are not well understood. The focus of the proposed work is to establish the feasibility of techniques aimedat identifying and prioritizing kill mechanisms of bacteria. We will use diagnostic techniques to characterize an atmospheric air plasma and will conduct plasma decontamination tests of vegetative bacteria and spores, as well as extensive literaturereviews of cellular and bacterial destruction mechanisms to accomplish this. The proposed research will ultimately lead to an optimized atmospheric air plasma decontamination system that has minimum power requirements. This development effort will lead tothe creation of a device for destroying biological agent and disease organism surface contaminants utilizing a plasma decontamination system that does not harm the surface. The proposed device will be targeted to a wide variety of global scale markets,including civil defense markets and emerging commercial markets such as public health and food safety.Commercial success in meeting these needs depends on the development and demonstration of an inexpensive device that is adaptable to several market niches and uncomplicated from an operator's perspective. To take advantage of market needs, a key componentof InnovaTek's business strategy is to work with collaborators to develop a commercially viable prototype using machinable low cost industrial design strategies. InnovaTek is in active discussion with an