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Biological Decontamination Update

Markland Technologies teaming with Eastern Virginia Medical School on research.

RIDGEFIELD, Conn. -- Markland Technologies (www.marklandtech.com) announced its research team has nearly completed a phase one study on the use of plasma for biological decontamination.

In August 2002, a phase one contract under the Small Business Technology Transfer grant program of the U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research was awarded to perform basic research in this field of application. At that time plasma researchers were organized to collaborate with personnel from Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, Va., in a study targeted at using atmospheric pressure plasmas to sterilize biologically contaminated surfaces.

Atmospheric pressure plasmas or room temperature plasmas are known as cold plasmas. Cold plasmas have demonstrated effectiveness in rapid sterilization, decontamination and industrial processing. When generated, cold plasma is a bluish substance that resembles a foglike gas. Cold plasma can destroy deadly microbes lodged on the skin, weapons, medical instruments or clothing. Research has shown that plasma can rapidly break down complex chemicals found in nerve gas and deadly biological agents like anthrax.

The plasma process produces a sterilization effect using lower concentrations of sterilant but with a higher reactivity than possible with normal gases. The activity disappears quickly when power is removed thereby dissipating the toxicity of the sterilant rapidly. Atmospheric pressure plasmas allow for rapid decontamination of clothing, equipment and personal gear in military settings, for sterilization of medical equipment and food in commercial settings. Present methods of decontamination and sterilization often require hours and generate damaging heat. Cold plasma can sanitize often in mere minutes.

Leading this research effort has been plasma scientist, Professor Igor Alexeff of the University of Tennessee. Professor Alexeff has patented a method for using an airborne plasma discharge to destroy micro-organisms. The research performed to date has focused on designing an apparatus for decontamination of equipment and facilities that have been exposed to deadly biological agents. This proposed method could have broad applications in sterilization techniques throughout the civilian and military communities. Professor Alexeff is one of the founders of The Nuclear and Plasma Sciences Society of The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and is immediate Past President of the Society.

The company believes the important distinguishing feature of this particular airborne plasma discharge method is the use of ceramic electrodes that produce an even diffuse discharge in the intended area, whereas traditional materials often have resulted in a small arc minimizing the discharge area. The discharge also results in large quantities of ozone. Ozone is known as a powerful sterilizing and decontamination agent.

Once phase one tasks have been completed, the company anticipates that it will receive continued funding for phase two research. A phase two proposal has been recently completed and submitted for review to be performed by the funding agency.