Scientists invent cheap plasma steriliser concept
Researchers at Glyndwr University in Wales have developed technology for producing a portable device for sterilising medical equipment – using a £40 microwave oven.
The everyday kitchen device has been used to deliver a low cost, chemical-free solution to kill harmful bacteria on medical tools used in GP, dentist and veterinary surgeries.
Research led by senior research scientist Dr Andy Wright at the University’s Advanced Materials Unit showed that by attaching a vacuum vessel to a microwave oven, plasma discharges could be generated in the form of atomic oxygen and ozone – both aggressive gases highly effective in killing bacteria. The system relies on the intense electric fields generated inside a microwave running at low power.
Dr Wright said that tests have shown the technology to be as effective or more effective than existing steam-based methods of sterilisation, but at a fraction of the cost. The device is capable of sterilising equipment in five minutes or less with air.
“The oven we chose is the simplest type commercially available and with the modifications we made the cost of the system comes to less than £2,000,” he said. “The most reliable sterilisation systems currently cost around £70,000, making this very cost-effective.”
The technology could be used in hospitals, surgeries and dentists and has been shown to be 100% effective against the most difficult pathogens, he added.
One of the main advantages is its small size and low weight, which means it could also be used easily by field hospitals.
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