Retroscreen collaborates with Sharp to tackle airborne viruses
Plasma cluster ion (PCI) technology has been found to be successful in inactivating 99% of airborne virus particles from a new range of air purifiers.
The tests, carried out by anti-viral research company Retroscreen Virology, were designed to measure the anti-viral properties the purifiers manufactured by The Sharp Corporation.
In principal, Sharp’s PCI technology works by splitting water molecules into charged atoms (ions) of hydrogen and oxygen. These ions are drawn to airborne particles such as viruses and upon contact, form hydroxyl. Hydroxyl is very unstable and can permanently destroy the virus by robbing it of its hydrogen atoms.
Viruses were suspended in a 1m3 box and the rate of virus removal from the air was measured. In this controlled environment, Retroscreen found that in just ten minutes, 99% of airborne viruses were inactivated when compared to controls.
Retroscreen Virology md Dr Robert Lambkin-William, said: ‘We were delighted to test Sharp’s technology and are very pleased with the results. This type of technology could be very effective in reducing the risk of infection, particularly as we approach the flu season. Retroscreen has also been involved with testing nanomaterials for their anti-viral properties, and together, this highlights how new technologies developed by physicists as well as biologists, can be extremely effective at preventing the spread of infectious diseases.’