PHYSICAL SCIENCES INC. — Department of Energy STTR Phase I: Many electric discharge plasma techniques for biological applications are still in the bas

Description

Many electric discharge plasma techniques for biological applications are still in the basic research stage. Of those closer to practical application, energetic singlet delta oxygen is known to destroy biological cells including bacteria and cancer cells, but present methods are limited by very low concentrations. Many practical medical and decontamination applications require the development of an atmospheric pressure, high-flux plasma source of singlet delta oxygen. Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) and its partner, Tufts University, propose to apply innovative RF microplasma technology to the generation of singlet delta oxygen at high concentrations for biological decontamination and medical applications. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: The final product will consist of a low-power, light-weight plasma source of singlet delta oxygen and other related energetic discharge effluent species, to be used in destruction of harmful biological moieties and organisms. Successful development of this innovation will enable new treatment protocols for cancer, wound debridement, disinfection, and bio-decontamination.