Plasma air filtration system for intercepting and inactivation of pathogenic microbial aerosols

Abstract

Pathogenic microbial aerosols (PMAs) are significant environmental hazards in built environments, posing a major threat to human health. To combat this issue, we have developed an innovative plasma air filtration system (PAFS) that combines a corona discharge array with a metal foam. The PAFS effectively filters PMAs while simultaneously eliminating microorganisms. Its modular design allows for portability, easy cleaning, and reusability, making it a cost-effective long-term solution. The plasma air purifier (PAP), built upon the PAFS, achieves an impressive filtration efficiency of 91.5 % and successfully inactivates bacteria, fungi, and 99.32 ± 0.15 % of the H1N1 virus in diverse environments. The inactivation mechanisms involve oxidizing bacterial cell membranes and viral envelopes through gaseous plasma reactive species. Additionally, captured aerosols are rapidly evaporated by the ionic wind, leading to pathogen inactivation. The PAP's ozone and ion output adheres to environmental protection standards, making it a promising approach to improve air quality and control airborne infections in built environments.