SBIR-STTR Award

The sterilization and decontamination of matter plays a very important, and sometimes vital, role in various industrial processes, and health-related applications. In many civilian and military situations, the capability to sterilize tools, liquids, foods, etc., in a rapid and effective way, could make the difference between life and death. In this context, we propose to design, build, and test a sterilization/decontamination device which out performs existing methods, in terms of effectiveness, speed, and safety. Our method is based on the generation of a uniform glow discharge at atmospheric pressure. This discharge plasma is generated by low frequency R.F. power, applied between two insulated plate electrodes. This plasma is a source of active free-radicals, charged particles, and U.V. radiation. These agents interact with microorganisms at the atomic and molecular levels, and induce lethal chemical changes in the cells. Total sterilization can be achieved in few seconds to few minutes. Since the plasma power density is relatively low, no damage occurs to the supporting medium where the unwanted microorganisms live.

Keywords:
R.F. POWER DISCHARGE DECONTAMINATION MICROORGANISM STERILIZATION PLASMA GLOW