- 24 April 2008 -

Biotech device for decontamination

Tri-Air Developments, a company co-founded by the UK's BRE (Building Research Establishment), has invented a biotechnology device with the help of microbiologists at Promanade Ltd and technology transfer specialists Inventa Partners Ltd.

Research for the device was carried out at Porton Down, a government and military science park in Wiltshire, UK. During this test the system reportedly showed its ability to kill the MRSA ‘superbug' along with other bacteria and viruses, including H5N1 and C. difficile.

Unlike air filtration systems, the UK patented unit (worldwide patents pending) is reportedly effective even without processing all of the air in a room, as the unit combines three decontamination technologies and simulates the natural purification properties of fresh air.According to Tri-Air Developments, the three decontamination technologies incorporated within the device are: non-thermal plasma; ultraviolet catalysis and OAF (Open Air Factor). By being used togther, these technologies overcome their inherent individual shortcomings.

The unit can be readily adapted for medical applications, for use within large ventilation systems or as a portable in a single room. Reportedly, commercialisation advisors PricewaterhouseCoopers are in discussion with a shortlist of major manufacturers in North America, Europe and Asia to structure rights for production.

www.tri-airdevelopments.com