Efficient Elimination of Airborne Pathogens: A Study on aerosolized Mycobacterium tuberculosis and SARS-CoV-2 using ZeBox Technology

Source avec lien : Journal of Hospital Infection, (Prépublication). 10.1016/j.jhin.2022.07.021

Malgré les preuves multifactorielles, l’élimination sûre et efficace des micro-organismes flottant librement reste un défi scientifique important. La technologie ZeBox exploite le potentiel zêta microbien pour les extraire et les éliminer de l’air libre, en utilisant un champ électrique non ionisant, en combinaison avec une surface microbicide.

Summary Background Despite multifactorial evidence, the safe and effective elimination of free-floating microorganisms remain a significant scientific challenge. ZeBox Technology exploits microbial Zeta Potential, to extract and eliminate them from free-flowing air, using a non-ionizing electric field, in combination with a microbicidal surface. Aim Evaluation of ZeBox Technology against aerosolized SARS-CoV-2 and Mycobacterium tuberculosis under controlled conditions. Methods SARS-CoV2 and Mycobacterium tuberculosis: H37Ra were used in this study. Individual microorganisms were aerosolized using a Collison nebulizer inside an air-sealed test chamber. Air samples were collected from the chamber onto a Mixed Cellulose Ester membrane, at various time points, and used for enumeration. SARS-CoV2 was enumerated using qRT-PCR, while Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra, was quantified using standard microbiological procedures. Findings We established a viable aerosolized microbial load of ∼10E9 and ∼10E6 for SARS-CoV-2 and Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra respectively inside the test chamber. Under ideal conditions, the floating microbial load was at a steady-state level of 10E9 for SARS-CoV-2 and 10E6 for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. When the ZeBox Technology enabled device was operated, the microbial load reduced significantly. A reduction of ∼10E4.7 was observed for Mycobacterium tuberculosis, while ∼10E7 for SARS-CoV2 within a short duration. The reduction in airborne SARS-CoV-2 load was qualitatively and quantitatively measured using fluorescence analysis and qRT-PCR method respectively. Conclusion This validation testifies the efficacy of the developed technology against two of the deadliest microorganism, claiming millions of lives worldwide. In conjunction with the existing reports, the present validation proved the true broad-spectrum elimination capability of ZeBox technology.

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