Air disinfection unit neutralises airborne pathogens

Published: 14-Nov-2011

Generates hydroxyl free radicals that neutralise 99.99% of bacteria and viruses


Aerte, a UK-based air disinfection specialist formerly called Inov8, has launched the AD 2.0 air disinfection unit to remove airborne healthcare associated infections (HCAI) from clinical settings, including MRSA, C. difficile and norovirus.

The wall-mounted AD 2.0 can disinfect any room up to a maximum volume of 300m3 and has been proven not only to remove virtually all airborne pathogens, but also to target bacteria and viruses present on surfaces (more than 20% reduction on most materials).

Each unit can be controlled remotely, with automatic notifications alerting staff when the cartridges have run out and about the unit’s current status (e.g. working, sleeping, off).

The unit is used with a consumable cartridge containing a reagent, which is ionised and reacted with traces of ozone, resulting in the generation of hydroxyl ‘free radicals’, which neutralise up to 99.99% of bacteria and viruses, altering their molecular structures so that they become non-viable.

Professor Hugh Pennington, Emeritus professor of bacteriology at the University of Aberdeen, and an independent advisor to Aerte, said: “Over the last 10 years we have made enormous strides in tackling the spread and prevalence of HCAIs.

“However, while large-scale operations and protocols are now in place to ensure the cleanliness of a hospital’s clinical surfaces, no universal strategy has been trialled for the air – leaving it as the last major source of transmission.

“By using products that eliminate airborne pathogens we will then have a complete solution where all possible causes of transmission have been addressed.”

Milton Keynes-based Aerte, a subsidiary of AIM listed Mid-States plc, produces disinfection products for the consumer and trade, placing a particular focus on advanced air disinfection systems. The company has harnessed its understanding of atmospheric chemistry and hydroxyl radicals in particular, to deliver products and services that ensure air quality, while reducing the risk of infectious diseases.

Aerte’s AD 2.0 devices were tested against two different bacteria (Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermis) onto six different surfaces (cotton and wood as absorbent surfaces, and polyester, stainless steel, polystyrene and vinyl). The data was analysed in BluTest Laboratories Ltd, Glasgow, UK.

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