Plasma Air Ionisation Proven to Reduce Coronavirus Surrogate MS2 Bacteriophage
by 99% in Independent Spanish Testing
Successful certified testing conducted in a building facility proves virus destroying power
Testing carried out by Tayra and backed by the Spanish Ministry of Defense Biological Laboratory in Spain has proven the effectiveness of Plasma Air Ionisation technology in the reduction of MS2 Bacteriophage, a surrogate for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), in indoor environments.
There is mounting research to suggest that clean, disinfected air plays a vital role in preventing the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19. While respiratory droplets are considered the primary transmission route, aerosols are being considered by many health authorities as a possible mode of infection transmission along with surface contact. This suggests that viral particles can remain suspended in the air for long periods and can be inhaled.
The research tests were conducted in a Madrid hotel converted into a residence and confinement center for medical staff during the pandemic. The experiments took place in simulated ICU hospital rooms within the hotel. This environment was explicitly designed to test air ionisation on small aerosolised viral particles. The laboratory analysis was carried out at a nearby operations center of the Spanish Ministry of Defense from May 4th to May 14th.
The Plasma Air ioniser was chosen to suit the specific airflow and installed in the entrance to the fan coil unit of the supply Air Duct test space. The bacteriophage MS2 was then nebulized into the test space. During the two distinct phases of the test, the supply air entering the test room was ionised using Plasma Air’s bipolar ionization system. In contrast, during the second phase, the supply air into the room was untreated. A reduction of approximately 2 log units of the Bacteriophage was obtained in the air that was ionised by the Plasma Air system. This corresponds to a 99% reduction after only 10 minutes of exposure to ionization.
The research project was guided and coordinated by Plasma Air’s long-term business and technical partner in Spain, Tayra, a specialist in air purification. In addition to the Spanish Government ministries, the experiments also involved academics in the fields of engineering, microbiology, and computational fluid dynamics, along with Spanish Government appointed testing labs.
The tests also included using manikins to simulate ICU patients. The manikins were equipped with specialised filters to measure the amount of Bacteriophage that was being breathed in with and without air ionisation. The levels of MS2 Bacteriophage and associated particle counts were measured using Electrical Low-Pressure Impactors, and swabs were taken from walls and surfaces for analysis. The level of airborne MS2 Bacteriophage was measured using the Spanish authorities calibrated equipment for detecting biothreats. Results from this test showed a reduction in the order of 0.70-0.85 log pfu/cm2 corresponding to nearly 80% reduction in surface MS2 Bacteriophage after 10 minutes between the test with and without ionisation.
“Coronavirus is a global crisis and nowhere more so than inside built environments such as transport hubs and work environments,” explains Chris Russell, Vice President of Plasma Air. “The effective elimination of airborne virus is a major breakthrough that can make workplaces, transport, entertainment and educational facilities safer for employees, commuters and students.”
“We were very motivated to facilitate these critical tests at our laboratories here in Madrid, and we are extremely impressed by the results achieved,” Lieutenant Coronal Juan Carlos Cabria, the Technical Director of the biosecurity laboratories of the Ministry of Defense, stated. “We are extremely grateful to the team of Scientists, Engineers, Microbiologists and Academics who have worked tirelessly here for the last three weeks voluntarily to achieve this incredible and important result in the battle against coronavirus.”