Biological Decontamination for Forward-Deployed Airbase Using Low Temperature Air Plasmas

"ASI's plasma consultant, Igor Alexeff, PhD, has invented, tested and patented an atmospheric pressure, dc of 60 Hz AC discharge, that has been operated in air, helium, argon and nitrogen. The apparatus has in laboratory testing successfully destroyedmicroorganisms. The apparatus does not require a complicated, fragile RF power supply for operation. We propose it to be developed into equipment for decontamination of bioterror materials in the field. The device works well with a simple 60 Hz. Neontransformer. The electrodes are made of unglazed ceramic. The ion density has been measured to be 10 exp 12 per cc. Power consumption used was 300 watts to create several liters of helium plasma. In order to carry out the proposed Air Force program ofidentifying and evaluating the biologically active species present in the discharge, we propose employing new sensors that can unambiguously detect and measure the concentration of O2, NO and NO2, ultraviolet light, charged ions, and metastable atoms. Inaddition, we will evaluate methods of producing each species separately. The isolation of each species will be used in the biological studies planned in Phase II to identify which species is effective in biological decontamination. The methodology andapparatus proposed by ASI could revolutionize sterilization techniques throughout the civilian and military communities, if successfully commercialized. The commercial market for safer atmospheric plasma decontamination is quite large. Sepsis is the majorpost-operative cause of death in American hospitals. "