Grantee Research Project Results
Sterilizing Medical Equipment With One Atmosphere Uniform Glow Discharge Plasma
EPA Contract Number: EPD04029Title: Sterilizing Medical Equipment With One Atmosphere Uniform Glow Discharge Plasma
Investigators: Kelly-Wintenberg, Kimberly
Small Business: Atmospheric Glow Technologies
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: I
Project Period: March 1, 2004 through August 31, 2004
Project Amount: $69,941
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (2004) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Nanotechnology , SBIR - Nanotechnology , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
Description:
The goal of this Phase I research project is to investigate the feasibility and commercial potential of using the One Atmosphere Uniform Glow Discharge Plasma (OAUGDP™) as a low-temperature sterilization process for medical equipment. Current sterilization technologies that pose a risk to health care workers and the environment are being phased out of use (e.g., ethylene oxide sterilization). This heightens the need to develop innovative environmentally and employee friendly technologies. The OAUGDP patented technology has been shown to be effective at sterilizing/decontaminating a number of surfaces for applications in biological/chemical decontamination, improving indoor air quality, blood products, and food. Furthermore, OAUGDP does not require consumables to operate nor does it generate waste or harmful byproducts.
To demonstrate proof of concept, Atmospheric Glow Technologies will address the following goals:
• Fabricate an OAUGDP prototype that will sterilize contaminated medical equipment.
• Inoculate stainless steel surgical instruments with microorganisms and assess the OAUGDP exposure time necessary to sterilize the device in the presence or absence of organic debris.
• Inoculate common sensitive medical equipment with microorganisms and assess the plasma exposure time necessary to sterilize the device in the presence or absence of organic debris.
• Evaluate any potential surface modifications or effect on functionality occurring as a result of OAUGDP exposure through microscopic and analytical techniques.
• Prepare a final report and the Phase II proposal.
Supplemental Keywords:
small business, SBIR, One Atmosphere Uniform Glow Discharge Plasma, OAUGDP, sterilization process, medical equipment, health care, pollution prevention, health risk, decontamination, microorganisms, EPA., Scientific Discipline, TREATMENT/CONTROL, Sustainable Industry/Business, Chemical Engineering, Physics, cleaner production/pollution prevention, Technology, New/Innovative technologies, Environmental Engineering, decontamination, medical equipment, antimicrobial surface preparation, clean technologies, environmentally friendly technology, medical equipment sterilization, nanotechnology, clean technology, sterilization, one atmosphere uniform glow discharge plasmaProgress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.