Ozone destruction of biofilms for high level decontamination in healthcare

Lead Research Organisation: University of Glasgow
Department Name: UNLISTED

Abstract

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Technical Summary

Ozone is one of the most powerful biocidal agents known to science: bacteria, spores, viruses and biofilms are all susceptible to destruction by ozone. Anacail’s gaseous biocide technology delivers ozone on demand and in situ by using a cold plasma technique to create ozone from the surrounding air. No feedstock gases or additional chemicals are required, and the process can be performed remotely, through sealed packages. Anacail thus offers a unique capacity: end-point decontamination of goods in their final, sealed wrapping. In collaboration with Glasgow University we envisage application in healthcare services, focused on two separate, but linked strands: reservoirs of contaminated liquid (drains), and delicately structured and lumened endoscopes. The linking theme is gas penetration of otherwise inaccessible but contaminated structures: the drain pipe, and the exterior surface and lumens in endoscopes. Disinfection is required to prevent infection spread and cross-contamination.

People

ORCID iD

Publications

10 25 50
 
Title Bactericidal efficacy of cold plasma generated ozone 
Description Ozone, generated in situ in a sealed container from outside that container by the application of IP protected plasma technology, was applied to Salmonella enteritidic NCTC 13346, Listeria monocytogenes NCTC 7973, Escherichia coli 0157 NTCT 12900 and Clostridium difficile NCTC 11209 under dirty conditions (ie in presence of standard soil 3g bovine albumin + 3g erythorcytes). We ahieved a >5 log10 reduction in viable bacterial concentration on each separate sample, after 100s treatment. This testing was carried out by the accredited lab Blu Test Laboratories. 
Type Of Material Biological samples 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact This underlines the efficacy of our novel plasma decontamination of drains and lumens 
 
Title Indirect cold plasma efficacy as in vitro fungicide: Aspergillus brasiliensis 
Description Ozone, generated in situ in a sealed container from outside that container by the application of IP protected plasma technology, was applied to Aspergillis basiliensis ATCC 16404 under dirty conditions (ie in presence of standard soil 3g bovine albumin + 3g erythorcytes). We ahieved a >4 log10 reduction in fungal concentration, after 100s treatment followed by 1 hour dwell time. This testing was carried out by the accredited lab Blu Test Laboratories. 
Type Of Material Biological samples 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact This success underlines the efficacy of the technology in decontaminating drains and lumens 
 
Title Indirect cold plasma ozone efficacy as method for inactivating biofilm bioburden 
Description Cold plasma generated ozone used in both sealed package mode and drain cleaning mode to reduce the bioburden associated with inoculated Pseudomonas biofilms on various surfaces, including the interior of HDPE plumbing pipes 
Type Of Material Biological samples 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact Testament to the efficacy of our approach in decontaminating real drains by using gaseous ozone generated in situ via a cold plasma. 
 
Title Indirect cold plasma ozone efficacy in vitro as mycobactericide: Mycobacterium terrae 
Description Ozone, generated in situ in a sealed container from outside that container by the application of IP protected plasma technology, was applied to Mycobacterium terrae under dirty conditions (ie in presence of standard soil 3g bovine albumin + 3g erythorcytes). We ahieved a >4 log10 reduction in viable virus concentration, after 100s treatment. This testing was carried out by the accredited lab Blu Test Laboratories. 
Type Of Material Biological samples 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact Testament to the in-vitro efficacy of our plasma technique for decontaminating drains and lumens 
 
Title Indirect plasma generated ozone as in vitro virucide: murine norovirus 
Description Ozone, generated in situ in a sealed container from outside that container by the application of IP protected plasma technology, was applied to murine norovirus s99/RAW 264.7 cells under dirty conditions (ie in presence of standard soil 3g bovine albumin + 3g erythorcytes). We ahieved a >4 log10 reduction in viable virus concentration, after 100s treatment. This testing was carried out by the accredited lab Blu Test Laboratories. 
Type Of Material Biological samples 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact This verifies efficacy of our method in context of decontamination of drains 
 
Description Collaboration as part of an InnovateUK award with Anacail 
Organisation Anacail Ltd
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution We conducted research into biofilm destruction in a variety of settings (including surrogate lumens, and domestic drains), and aseptic storage of treated surfaces. The goal was to demonstrate the efficacy of a commercially developed plasma system as a contribution to the case for raising investment funds.
Collaborator Contribution The commercial partner provided the technology and expert advice. We worked closely with Anacail until the company went into receivership in Dec 2019
Impact This activity was commercially sensitive, contributing to continuing investment in Anacail
Start Year 2015