The proposed technology provides as a means of disinfection of pathogenic micro-organisms through cold plasma sterilization technique. Cold plasma produces different reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxides required for disinfection without requiring any corrosive chemical like sodium hypocloride or additional UV rays.This process is safe to operator and environment friendly. Only Argon gas and Deionized H₂O is needed for disinfection. The device is ideal for sanitization of sensitive medical/ any other equipments and personal belongings (tiffin boxes, purse, cell phones, files, documents, key rings etc.) of frontline health workers.

This cold plasma sterilization process has already been made into a device which has demonstrated its germicidal efficiency. Cold plasma is produced here by hollow cathode mechanism. In this process, two electrodes are kept at equal potential and the distance between them is less than the mean free path of electron-neutral collision. Under this condition, an electron will make an oscillatory motion between two electrodes gaining energy and when collides with a neutralwill transfer this energy. Under favorable experimental conditions, this mechanism generates plasma. In this present device, this condition is achieved by spiral groove inside a metallic sheet in such a manner that both sides of the groove remain at equal potential. This electrode is kept live with and plasma is generated in spiral gaps. Here cold plasma dissociates Deionizedwater inside the device to generate ROS and superoxides to disinfect any surface by destroying pathogens. Figure below shows a typical optical emission spectrum (OES) obtained from the device. The spectrum shows presence of OH, O I (both germicidal ROS) along with different molecular bands of N₂ and NO in UV region. The device has showed the capability of dissociating atmospheric moisture and air resulting in signature of the above important germicidal species.OES study also detected emission of UV bands. However, for the ultraviolet/ near ultraviolet spectral region, exposure dose to the eye should not exceed 1.0 J/cm². In this device, total dose ~ 0.03 mJ/cm²which is ~3330 times below the limit. Thus, No additional precaution was necessary for operation of the devices.

1. This technique is dry, environment friendly and non-irritating.
2. The process is cost effective. Running cost of sterilization for each 10 min cycle is ~ Rs 8.5. It also has comparatively less recurring cost.
3. Does not produce any toxic by-products (produced UV radiation & H₂O2 vapors are well below allowed safe limit).
4. The operation of the device is quite simple. The user can just put the materials inside the sterilization chamber, switch on the device, wait for stipulated amount of time and then bring the sterilized items out.

1. The device provides a route for dry, environment friendly pathogenic sterilization.
2. All offices will get benefitted from this product to disinfect personal belongings and common items by placing them in sterilization chamber for stipulated time.
3. The device is very useful for any hospital to disinfect personal belongings of frontline healthcare providers. One product is already is in use in BARC hospital.
4. The device can be used in entry portal of any establishment including shopping mall.
5. The device can also be used for cold plasma material synthesis including production of carbon nanotubes.
   

1. The device provides a route for dry, environment friendly pathogenic sterilization.
2. Power supply:Input 240 V, 50Hz supply, Output: RF (13.56 MHz), 300 watt
3. Cooling: Normal tap water (~ 5 LPM)
4. Gas: Commercial Argon gas at 15-20 LPM.
5. Attachment:Nebulizer to create mist.
6. Quick and effective: Sterilization can be achieved within 10 minutes of plasma treatment.
7. Non-destructive: Allows re-use of the materials being sterilized.
8. Energy efficient: The device operates within 100 watt power and takes only 0.7 units electricity in 8 hr operation.
9. Optical emission spectroscopy (OES) backed safety check conducted.
10. In plasma, active species like free radicals, ions, and UV radiation, all act in synergy to provide the biocidal effect.

FACILITIES REQUIRED

1. Wire electrical discharge machining facility.
2. A conventional lathe machine for making SS, Teflon and brass pieces.