Microwave Disinfection System and Method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a microwave disinfection system (1) configured to kill or inactivate one or more pathogens in real time through one or more microwave irradiations. The microwave disinfection system (1) includes a microwave disinfection device (10), which includes: a control part (11) including an electronic control device (111) and a storage device (112); and a microwave irradiation part (12) controlled by the electronic control device (111) and configured to emit microwave signals. In addition, the microwave disinfection system (1) further includes a human-machine interface device (13), which is connected to the control part (11) and is configured to allow a user to configure the control part (11) by setting and storing one or more predetermined microwave irradiation parameters related to one or more predetermined microwave disinfection treatments for one or more pathogens in the storage device (112). The electronic control device (111) is configured to operate the microwave irradiation part (12) based on the predetermined microwave irradiation parameters stored in the storage device (112), so that the microwave irradiation part (12) performs the predetermined microwave disinfection treatment for the pathogens. The microwave irradiation section (12) is configured to perform one or more microwave irradiations based on the predetermined microwave irradiation parameters when operated by the electronic control device (111).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a system and method for microwave sterilization.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a system configured to kill and / or inactivate pathogens (i.e., microorganisms that cause, may cause, or are responsible for causing disease in humans, such as viruses, coronaviruses, viroids, germs, bacteria, molds (i.e., fungi), mildew, protozoa, prions, etc.) by microwave irradiation. Additionally, the present invention relates to related microwave disinfection methods. Background Art

[0003] Viral and / or bacterial infections are known to cause significant mortality, especially in elderly patients and / or those with compromised immune systems.

[0004] Viruses and bacteria can survive on different environmental surfaces for several hours, and some can even survive for days, so the risk of transmission from hands to surfaces and vice versa is very high.

[0005] This further illustrates that for particularly contagious pathogens, such as SARS-CoV-1, SARS-CoV-2, influenza viruses, or enteroviruses, transmission routes include respiratory transmission via droplets and aerosols.

[0006] To reduce the risk of respiratory transmission of viruses and bacteria, it is not enough to simply clean and disinfect surfaces and objects in the environment. It is necessary to use technologies that act on the molecular structure of pathogens, making them unable to reproduce and thus significantly reducing the risk of infection.

[0007] Known disinfection techniques involve the use of various technologies, sometimes used in combination with each other, offering high effectiveness in inactivating pathogens, but still have some limitations as their disinfection effect is temporary and they may release substances / elements that are harmful to humans and cannot be used in the presence of people.

[0008] For example, a well-known disinfection technology is based on so-called ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI), which uses ultraviolet (UV) light with a wavelength in the UV-C band (i.e. wavelengths between 100 nm and 280 nm) to alter the DNA or RNA of microorganisms and thus prevent them from multiplying or causing harm.

[0009] Unfortunately, however, UV-C radiation is harmful to humans and other life forms. Therefore, the use of UVGI devices requires the implementation of specific safety measures (such as the use of hazard warnings and / or warning devices / systems, operating equipment, risk information, etc.), and generally also requires the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as goggles and gloves.

[0010] Disinfection techniques based on the use of ozone are also known. As is known, ozone (O3) is formed from oxygen molecules (O2) during an electrical discharge. Ozone is a highly oxidizing gas with antibacterial properties that is evenly distributed throughout the environment to be treated, oxidizing all organic compounds.

[0011] Studies on the effects of ozone exposure have shown that ozone can have various effects on the respiratory tract. In particular, it may:

[0012] - irritation of the respiratory tract;

[0013] - Reduced lung function; and

[0014] -Aggravates asthma and other respiratory diseases.

[0015] In conclusion, it can be said that the same chemical properties that allow high concentrations of ozone to react with organic substances outside the human body also allow it to react with similar organic substances inside the human body, causing potential risks / damage to human tissues.

[0016] Therefore, usually, it is not possible to remain in the environment for a period of time during and after an ozone-based disinfection treatment, and the room must be ventilated before it can be occupied again (which is not always possible).

[0017] Photocatalytic technology is also well known for disinfection purposes. It is based on the activation of compounds called photocatalysts on surfaces in the presence of light, which are able to generate free radicals and reactive compounds that interact with organisms or chemicals in the environment, either in direct contact with the photocatalytic surface (via deposition) or in close proximity (in the air layer near the surface).

[0018] Photocatalysis can include the degradation of simple compounds (proteins and DNA) as well as the inhibition of viruses and bacteria.

[0019] Currently, photocatalytic technology suffers from a number of drawbacks that make it difficult to use, including low yields, the widespread need for UV radiation, and the potential release of potentially harmful partially reacted compounds.

[0020] For example, the most commonly studied photocatalyst, titanium dioxide, is only activated when irradiated with ultraviolet radiation, which is usually not available in sufficient quantities indoors, necessitating the use of specific artificial UV sources. Summary of the Invention

[0021] In view of the above, the applicant deemed it necessary to conduct a thorough study in an attempt to develop an innovative disinfection system / device that can at least partially overcome or alleviate the shortcomings and limitations of known disinfection technologies, thereby conceiving the present invention.

[0022] It is therefore a general object of the present invention to provide an innovative sterilization technique that at least partially overcomes or alleviates the disadvantages and limitations of currently known sterilization techniques.

[0023] Furthermore, a specific object of the present invention is to provide an innovative system that is able to kill and / or inactivate pathogens in real time and that can also be used in the presence of a person without causing harm or adverse effects to the human body.

[0024] These and other objects are achieved by the present invention, which relates to a microwave sterilization system and an associated microwave sterilization method, as defined in the accompanying claims.

[0025] In particular, the present invention relates to a microwave disinfection system configured to kill or inactivate one or more pathogens in real time by one or more microwave irradiations, wherein the microwave disinfection system comprises a microwave disinfection device comprising:

[0026] The control section includes the electronic control unit and the storage device; and

[0027] • A microwave radiating portion controlled by an electronic control device and configured to emit a microwave signal.

[0028] In addition, the microwave disinfection system further includes a human-machine interface device connected to the control part and configured to allow a user to configure the control part by setting and storing one or more microwave radiation parameters associated with one or more predetermined microwave disinfection treatments for one or more pathogens in the storage device.

[0029] The electronic control device is configured to operate the microwave radiation part based on predetermined microwave radiation parameters stored in the storage device so that the microwave radiation part performs a predetermined microwave disinfection process on the pathogens.

[0030] The microwave irradiation portion is configured to perform one or more microwave irradiations based on the predetermined microwave irradiation parameters when operated by the electronic control device.

[0031] In addition, the present invention also relates to a microwave disinfection method based on the use of the above-mentioned microwave disinfection system, the microwave disinfection method comprising:

[0032] performing microwave radiation testing on one or more pathogens to determine one or more microwave radiation parameters associated with one or more microwave disinfection treatments against the pathogens;

[0033] Setting and storing the determined microwave radiation parameters in a storage device via a human-machine interface device; and

[0034] Use a microwave disinfection device to perform the above microwave disinfection treatment on pathogens. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] For a better understanding of the present invention, some preferred embodiments will now be shown (provided by way of illustration only and in no way limiting, much less restrictive examples) with reference to the accompanying drawings (not to scale), in which:

[0036] - Figure 1 Schematically illustrating a microwave disinfection system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] - Figures 2 to 6 Schematically shown Figure 1 Different embodiments of the microwave disinfection system shown in ; and

[0038] - Figure 7 Shown are experimental results related to the in vitro inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 using microwave inactivation treatment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The following description is provided to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the present invention. Various modifications to the illustrated embodiments will be immediately apparent to those skilled in the art, however, the general principles disclosed herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

[0040] Therefore, the present invention should not be understood as being limited to the sole embodiment described and shown, but must be accorded the widest scope of protection according to the characteristics defined in the appended claims.

[0041] The present invention first relates to a microwave disinfection system, and in particular to a system configured to kill and / or inactivate pathogens (i.e., microorganisms that cause or may cause or are responsible for causing human diseases, such as viruses, coronaviruses, viroids, germs, bacteria, molds (i.e., fungi), mildew, protozoa, prions, etc.) in real time, wherein the microwave disinfection system can also be used in the presence of humans without causing harmful effects to the human body.

[0042] In addition, the present invention also relates to a microwave disinfection method based on the use of the microwave disinfection system.

[0043] In order to better understand the present invention, Figure 1 An example of a high-level functional architecture of a microwave disinfection system according to a preferred (but by no means limiting, let alone restrictive) embodiment of the present invention is schematically illustrated (particularly by way of a principle block diagram).

[0044] In particular, the microwave disinfection system 1 includes a microwave disinfection device 10, which includes:

[0045] a control portion 11 (conveniently implemented, for example, in the form of one or more corresponding electronic boards), comprising electronic control means 111 and storage means 112 (conveniently implemented, for example, in the form of one or more setting storage devices); and

[0046] The microwave radiation part 12 preferably comprises:

[0047] electronic signal generating means 121 (for example conveniently made in the form of one or more corresponding electronic boards), which are controlled by the electronic control means 111 ,

[0048] a signal amplification section 122 which, when in use, is directed by the electronic signal generating means 121 and controlled by the electronic control means 111 and preferably comprises electronic signal amplifying means 123 and signal filtering means 124, and

[0049] - an antenna 125 which, when in use, is directed by the signal amplification section 122 .

[0050] In addition, the microwave disinfection system 1 also includes a human-machine interface (HMI) device 13. Figure 1 In the example shown, the human machine interface (HMI) device 13 is external to the microwave sterilization device 10 and is preferably remotely connected to the control portion 11 in wireless mode.

[0051] More generally, the HMI device 13 may be connected to the control part 11 in a wired or wireless mode, for example via a connection based on Universal Serial Bus technology (USB), or via one or more networks based on Internet Protocol (IP) (conveniently via an Internet network), and / or via one or more cellular telephone networks (e.g. GSM, GPRS, UMTS, HSPA, LTE, 4.5G, 5G, etc.) and / or via one or more local, home, enterprise, public, private area networks, or via Bluetooth, etc.

[0052] Such an HMI device 13 can be conveniently implemented through a PC, a laptop, a tablet computer, a smart phone, a smart watch, etc.

[0053] according to Figure 1 As an alternative to the illustrated embodiment, the HMI device 13 can, on the contrary, be conveniently integrated into the microwave disinfection device 10, for example, the HMI device 13 can be conveniently implemented in the form of one or more displays (e.g., touch screen type) and / or one or more hard key and / or soft key type user interface (UI) devices.

[0054] The user can configure the control part 11 through the HMI device 13 in the following ways:

[0055] setting one or more predetermined microwave radiation parameters associated with one or more predetermined microwave disinfection treatments for one or more pathogens; and

[0056] Storing the predetermined microwave radiation parameters in the storage device 112 .

[0057] In other words, the HMI device 13 is configured to allow the user to set and store one or more predetermined microwave radiation parameters related to one or more predetermined microwave disinfection treatments for one or more pathogens in the storage device 112, thereby configuring the control part to perform the above-mentioned predetermined microwave disinfection treatments for the above-mentioned pathogens through the microwave radiation part 12.

[0058] Preferably, the HMI device 13 is configured to allow the user to set and store in the storage device 112 one or more corresponding predetermined microwave radiation parameters associated with one or more corresponding predetermined microwave disinfection treatments for a specific pathogen (conveniently, for each of a plurality of given pathogens), wherein the corresponding predetermined microwave radiation parameters may conveniently include one or more of the following parameters associated with microwave inactivation of the specific pathogen:

[0059] One or more predetermined microwave radiation waveforms;

[0060] one or more predetermined wavelengths of microwave radiation (i.e., one or more predetermined frequencies) and / or one or more predetermined bands of microwave radiation (i.e., one or more predetermined frequency bands);

[0061] one or more predetermined microwave irradiation time parameters (e.g., the duration of each individual microwave irradiation and the repetition frequency of the microwave irradiation);

[0062] • One or more predetermined microwave radiation powers.

[0063] Conveniently, the HMI device 13 is configured to store in the storage device 112 a respective library comprising said respective predetermined microwave radiation parameters for a specific pathogen (conveniently for each of said given pathogens).

[0064] Therefore, the electronic control device 111 is configured to operate to control the operation of the microwave radiation part 12 (in particular, to control the operation of the electronic signal generating device 121 and the signal amplification part 122) based on the predetermined microwave radiation parameters stored in the storage device 112, so that the microwave radiation part 12 performs the predetermined microwave disinfection treatment on the pathogen.

[0065] More specifically, the microwave radiation part 12 is configured to perform one or more microwave radiations based on the predetermined microwave radiation parameters when operated by the electronic control device 111, or to emit a microwave signal according to the predetermined microwave radiation parameters (for example, having a predetermined waveform, and / or a predetermined wavelength or frequency, and / or a predetermined wavelength or frequency band, and / or a predetermined time parameter, and / or a predetermined power).

[0066] like Figure 1 As shown, the microwave disinfection device 10 preferably also includes one or more presence (or proximity) sensors 14 (e.g., conveniently based on infrared - IR technology), which are configured to:

[0067] Detecting the presence of one or more persons in the vicinity of the microwave disinfection device 10 (e.g., within a predetermined distance from the latter) or in a given environment in which the microwave disinfection device 10 is installed / arranged; and

[0068] • Signaling the presence of one or more persons to the electronic control means 111 which is preferably configured to operate the microwave radiating portion 12 when the presence sensor 14 detects the presence of one or more persons.

[0069] In addition, the microwave disinfection device 10 preferably further includes one or more pathogen detectors 15, which are configured to:

[0070] detecting the presence or absence of one or more pathogens (conveniently, one or more of said given pathogens); and

[0071] sending a signal to the electronic control device 111 indicating the presence of one or more pathogens, which is preferably configured to operate the microwave radiation portion 12 based on predetermined microwave radiation parameters stored in the storage device 112 (conveniently, based on corresponding predetermined microwave radiation parameters stored in the storage device 112 for the pathogens detected by the pathogen detector 15).

[0072] Such a pathogen detector 15 can be conveniently implemented by one or more sensors of the CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) type, such as the field effect transistor disclosed in “Detection of unamplified target genes via CRISPR-Cas9 immobilized on a graphene field-effect transistor” by Reza Hajian et al., Nature Biomedical Engineering, March 25, 2019, Vol. 3, pp. 427-437, or the synthetic biosensor disclosed in “Wearable materials with embedded synthetic biology sensors for biomolecule detection” by Peter.Q.Nguyen et al., Nature Biotechnology, June 28, 2021.

[0073] The microwave disinfection device 10 can also conveniently include one or more environmental sensors 16 (for example, a temperature sensor and / or a pressure sensor and / or a humidity sensor and / or one or more pollutant / harmful element / substance detectors, etc.), and the one or more environmental sensors 16 are configured to send corresponding environmental monitoring data to the electronic control device 111, and the electronic control device 111 is conveniently configured to control the operation of the microwave radiation part 12 based on the environmental monitoring data received from the environmental sensor 16.

[0074] Conveniently, the microwave disinfection device 10 also includes a power supply (for simplicity, Figure 1 ), which is used to supply power to the control part 11 (specifically, to the electronic control device 111 and the storage device 112), the microwave radiation part 12 (specifically, to the electronic signal generating device 121 and the signal amplifying part 122), the presence sensor 14, the pathogen detector 15 and the environmental sensor 16.

[0075] Conveniently:

[0076] The electronic control device 111 can be implemented, for example, by a microcontroller having two cores with WLNA, Bluetooth, SPI, and I2C bus interfaces, so as to be able to communicate with different mobile devices and / or external HMIs, to program various logic functions of the microwave disinfection device 10 and to manage data exchange between the sensors / detectors 14, 15, 16 and other components of the microwave disinfection device 10;

[0077] the electronic signal generating means 121 may, for example, comprise a programmable synthetic frequency generator capable of generating a variable frequency signal, for example between 6 GHz and 18 GHz (e.g. by using one or more tunable local oscillators, one or more mixers, one or more digital-to-analog converters, etc.) - the management of the temporal sequence of the generated frequencies may, for example, be performed by appropriate programming of the electronic control means 111;

[0078] the electronic signal amplifying means 123 being configured to amplify the signal provided at the output of the electronic signal generating means 121 , for example to transmit a power signal of up to 10 W in continuous wave (CW) via the antenna 125 - the electronic signal amplifying means 123 can be implemented, for example, by a variable radio frequency (RF) attenuator and two amplifiers of medium and high power, respectively - the correct attenuation value can be set by the electronic control means 111 and the switching amplifier can be controlled so that the correct power value to be radiated can be sent to the antenna 125;

[0079] The output signal from the signal amplifying section 122 is sent to the antenna 125 via an RF cable, and the electromagnetic signal is radiated to a predetermined coverage area at a predetermined electric field level through the antenna 125;

[0080] The sensors / detectors 14, 15, 16 can provide information to the electronic control unit 111, which, through programmable logic, can manage different techniques for inactivating pathogens. In addition, the information provided by the sensors / detectors 14, 15, 16 can also be sent to the HMI device 13;

[0081] The power supply part can be realized by, for example, an AC / DC converter and a series of DC / DC converters capable of converting 220V AC input power voltage into DC voltages required by various devices / components of the microwave disinfection device 10 .

[0082] As mentioned above, the present invention also relates to a microwave disinfection method based on the use of the microwave disinfection system 1. The microwave disinfection method comprises:

[0083] performing microwave radiation testing on one or more pathogens to determine one or more microwave radiation parameters associated with one or more microwave disinfection treatments against the pathogens;

[0084] Setting and storing the determined microwave radiation parameters in the storage device 112 via the HMI 13 device; and

[0085] The microwave disinfection device 10 is used to perform the microwave disinfection process for pathogens.

[0086] Preferably, the microwave disinfection method comprises:

[0087] performing microwave radiation testing on specific pathogens to determine one or more corresponding microwave radiation parameters associated with one or more microwave disinfection processes for the specific pathogens;

[0088] Setting and storing the corresponding microwave radiation parameters determined for a specific pathogen in the storage device 112 via the HMI device 13; and

[0089] The microwave disinfection device 10 is used to perform the microwave disinfection process targeting the specific pathogens.

[0090] Conveniently, the microwave disinfection method comprises:

[0091] performing microwave radiation testing on a plurality of given pathogens to determine, for each of the given pathogens, one or more respective microwave radiation parameters associated with one or more respective microwave disinfection treatments for the pathogen in the plurality of given pathogens;

[0092] Setting and storing microwave radiation parameters determined for a given pathogen in the storage device 112 via the HMI device 13; and

[0093] The microwave disinfection device 10 is used to perform microwave disinfection treatment targeting the pathogens.

[0094] Conveniently, the corresponding microwave radiation parameters determined for a specific pathogen or for each of the given pathogens include or have one or more of the following parameters:

[0095] One or more microwave radiation waveforms;

[0096] one or more wavelengths of microwave radiation (i.e., one or more frequencies) and / or one or more bands of microwave radiation (i.e., one or more frequency bands);

[0097] One or more microwave radiation time parameters;

[0098] One or more microwave radiation powers.

[0099] From the above explanation, it can be concluded that the microwave disinfection system 1 is programmable and has agnostic ability to disinfect air by using microwaves, which is conveniently achieved via a technology called Microwave Resonant Absorption (MRA) - in this regard, for example, reference can be made to Yang SC. et al., "Efficient Structure Resonance Energy Transfer from Microwaves to Confined Acoustic Vibrations in Viruses", "Scientific Reports", Issue 5, 18030, December 2015. Since the emission of microwave signals will conveniently always be below a predetermined safety threshold (e.g., the maximum radiated electric field strength to which a person may be exposed as specified by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) - "ICNRIP Guidelines for Limiting Exposure to Time-Varying Electric, Magnetic, and Electromagnetic Fields (up to 300 GHz)", Health Physics 74(4), pp. 494-522, 1998), the microwave disinfection system 1 is able to disinfect pathogenic agents in the air in real time (in this context, the term "real time" conveniently refers to a period of time of approximately several minutes) using a technique that does not require evacuation of the area receiving the microwave disinfection treatment.

[0100] The size of the microwave disinfection system 1 can be conveniently used to disinfect small and medium-sized areas, preferably limited areas (such as elevators, train / subway cars, airplanes, medical places such as operating rooms, commercial places, conference rooms, offices, etc.). Because the microwave disinfection system 1 is preferably based on a software defined radio (SDR) architecture and can be loaded with settings related to the time, duration, power and frequency of microwave emission according to the pathogens to be inactivated (that is, each virus corresponds to the frequency of the microwave signal coupled with its dipole acoustic resonance), the microwave disinfection system 1 has programmable capabilities. This means that the microwave disinfection system 1 can be programmed so that new pathogens (and their variants) are compared once the characteristics of the optimal microwave transmission type for inactivating them are identified. Thus, a library of "optimized pathogen waveform inactivation microwave signals" can be created. When new viruses appear, or more generally when new pathogens appear, the library can be updated on the microwave disinfection device 10.

[0101] The microwave disinfection system 1 is preferably capable of operating in a "cross-platform" manner, i.e., it is capable of performing air analysis via dedicated sensors / detectors 14, 15, 16, and based on that analysis, it is capable of programming itself to maximize the effectiveness of air disinfection by using a library containing inactivation waveform types associated with each specific pathogen.

[0102] The microwave disinfection device 10 can also be configured to operate in two modes:

[0103] 1) Active mode, where it activates only when the room it is placed in is occupied, thus performing disinfection only when necessary, thus optimizing energy consumption; and / or

[0104] 2) Timing mode, which can be conveniently configured to periodically generate programmable and automatic microwave signals to transmit microwaves even when no one is around.

[0105] The microwave disinfection device 10 can also be connected to an external control unit through a physical interface (via USB or Ethernet or other) or wirelessly (Bluetooth or other type of RF connection) to be programmed through a special software application (also simply referred to as an application) or to exchange data and / or information about the device status or air analysis in a cross-platform mode.

[0106] As mentioned above (and as Figure 1 As shown), the microwave disinfection device 10 can conveniently include:

[0107] Power supply;

[0108] The backplane, which interfaces with the digital and analog components, the power supply, and all external connections;

[0109] One or more digital processing boards, which are the core of the system's SDR architecture and can be programmed to generate analog baseband signals;

[0110] Analog microwave components, which perform up-conversion and amplification of the signal; and

[0111] • Antenna 125, preferably an ultra-wideband (UWB) antenna, capable of radiating the generated microwave signal.

[0112] The composition of the microwave disinfection system 1 can also be conveniently optimized according to the type of environment in which it operates. In fact, depending on the type of installation, in addition to the power and frequency levels, antennas with different types of beams can be used to achieve optimal radiation and thus maximize the disinfection process. The shape and directionality of the beam can be programmed locally (for example, by pre-programming) or remotely.

[0113] In addition, since the microwave disinfection system 1 can also conveniently set a part inside the microwave disinfection device 10 that can inhale air and perform UVGI type disinfection treatment through UV-C lamps, the microwave disinfection system 1 can also conveniently perform multi-spectral treatment.

[0114] In view of the above, it is important for the present invention to study the optimal frequency and waveform for activating the acoustic resonance of specific pathogens through the energy transfer of microwave signals. In this context, it is important to study the physical structure and electrostatic characteristics of the pathogens to be inactivated. After this analysis, data can be added to the "library" of the microwave disinfection system 1 (for example, with the appropriate waveform, exposure time, power required for specific microorganisms, etc.).

[0115] The "cross-platform" capability of the microwave disinfection system 1 may conveniently include the use of sensors 15 so that pathogens of concern (ideally, all pathogens) can be detected.

[0116] The idea of creating a pathogen inactivation system using the principle of resonant microwave absorption arose from the need to create a tool that, in addition to guaranteeing effective real-time disinfection of air or surfaces, could be used in closed or semi-closed environments while people were present.

[0117] The operation of the system according to the invention is based on the ability to inactivate pathogens through the dipole coupling effect between microwave electromagnetic waves and confined acoustic vibrations (CAV). It is well known that microwave resonance absorption (MRA) occurs when confined acoustic vibrations transfer the charge of microorganisms and change their dipole moment.

[0118] The physical phenomenon of the interaction between microwaves and CAVs results in the activation of the elastic resonance of the particles through coupling with acoustic vibration modes. The direct consequence of the resonant oscillation is the molecular fragmentation of the particles, which in turn leads to the inactivation of their reproduction process.

[0119] Figure 1 The microwave disinfection system 1 shown and described above in detail makes it possible to obtain different embodiments of the system that are suitable for different operating scenarios and / or can be used for different applications, i.e. they can thus be easily installed in environments with different characteristics and dimensions and / or they can thus be advantageously used for different applications.

[0120] in this regard, Figures 2 to 4 There are schematically shown (with parts removed and shown partially for clarity) three embodiments of a microwave disinfection system 1 , more specifically a microwave disinfection device 10 , namely:

[0121] Top mounted ( Figure 2 , wherein 10A represents a microwave disinfection device 10 and is installed on the ceiling of the elevator);

[0122] Wall-mounted ( Figure 3 , wherein 10B represents a microwave disinfection device 10 and is installed on the wall of a train compartment); and

[0123] Floor type ( Figure 4, wherein 10C represents the microwave disinfection device 10 and is implemented as a device installed / placed on the floor, especially a device on the floor of a conference room, wherein the microwave disinfection device 10C can also be conveniently a mobile / portable device - for example, the microwave disinfection device 10C can conveniently have wheels).

[0124] More generally, the microwave disinfection system 1 (ie, the microwave disinfection device 10 ) can be advantageously used in any indoor environment (eg, hospitals, cafeterias, offices, workplaces, schools, airports, stations, etc.).

[0125] A further application of the microwave disinfection system 1 is the disinfection / cleaning of clothing made of non-metallic fabrics (e.g., cotton, wool, linen, etc.). In this case, since the microwave disinfection system 1 does not need to directly expose each individual side of the clothing to be treated, the microwave disinfection system 1 can be conveniently configured to operate in a manner that minimizes the disinfection / cleaning time.

[0126] Indeed, the survival time of viruses on tissues is particularly important and presents a serious disinfection challenge. For example, it is known that SARS-CoV-2 virus particles can be detected within a maximum of one day after contamination (see the report of the Institute for Superiore di Sanità (ISS): "Interim Recommendations for the Disinfection of Non-Sanitary Facilities in the Current COVID-19 Emergency: Surfaces, Indoor Environments, and Clothing" (May 15, 2020). Recommended disinfection methods are the use of medical devices (PMC) or biocidal products. Both are chemicals that lose their antiviral or antibacterial effect over time, and the environmental impact and human health risks associated with their use must also be considered.

[0127] On the other hand, the microwave disinfection system 1 provides a solution to the above problem by ensuring that the pathogens present on the fabrics are inactivated, thus enabling them to be safely reused at the end of each disinfection / cleaning cycle.

[0128] in this regard, Figure 5A and Figure 5BAn embodiment of a microwave disinfection system 1 (more specifically, a microwave disinfection device 10 ) for disinfecting / cleaning laundry and / or clothing (or more generally, any kind of object made of non-metallic fabric) is schematically shown.

[0129] In particular, Figure 5A and Figure 5B In the example of the microwave sterilization device 10 (which is described in Figure 5A and Figure 5B denoted by 10D in the figure) is implemented in the form of a top-loading washing machine, wherein:

[0130] The control section 11 and the microwave radiation section 12 are mounted in an upper cover 21 which can be closed or opened, i.e., movable between:

[0131] - a first position which closes the interior area 22 in which the basket 23 is mounted; and

[0132] - a second position in which it is raised so as to open access to the interior area 22 and the basket 23;

[0133] The antenna 125 is mounted on the upper cover 21 so as to face the inner area 22 and the basket 23;

[0134] When the upper cover 21 is opened, it rises ( Figure 5A ), fabrics or clothes (such as suits, robes, sheets, etc.) made of non-metallic fabrics to be subjected to microwave disinfection / cleaning and sterilization treatment can be placed in the basket 23;

[0135] On the contrary, when the upper cover 21 is closed ( Figure 5B ) when the fabrics or clothes in the drum 23 are subjected to microwave disinfection / cleaning and sterilization treatment.

[0136] In addition, as described above, the microwave disinfection system 1 can also conveniently have further pathogen inactivation technologies, such as an ultraviolet lighting method configured to emit ultraviolet (UV) light conveniently in the UV-C band and / or a method configured to perform an ozone-based disinfection treatment and / or a method based on photocatalytic technology.

[0137] In fact, within the microwave disinfection device 10, a further independent additional part can also be conveniently arranged, in which the air present in the environment in which the microwave disinfection device 10 is arranged is transported (for example, by a suction device) so that the transported / inhaled air is subjected to, for example, UVGI type disinfection / cleaning sterilization / sterilization treatment and then reintroduced into the environment.

[0138] This option offers the distinct advantage of being able to perform two different, mutually independent disinfection processes simultaneously using a single system / device. Furthermore, in the event of a failure in one of the two subsystems (e.g., one for microwave disinfection and the other for UVGI air disinfection / cleaning / sterilization), the other subsystem can continue to operate autonomously, allowing (e.g., sanitation personnel) to safely complete the tasks they are involved in.

[0139] in this regard, Figure 6 An embodiment of a microwave disinfection system 1 , more particularly a microwave disinfection device 10 , is schematically shown (with one part removed and another part shown for clarity of illustration) to perform a microwave or UVGI type disinfection process.

[0140] In particular, Figure 6 As shown, the microwave disinfection device 10 (in the Figure 6 Indicated by 10E in the text) include:

[0141] A first subsystem 101 , which is arranged at the upper portion of the microwave disinfection device 10E and is configured to perform one or more microwave disinfection processes (as described above); and

[0142] A second subsystem 102 , arranged in the lower portion of the microwave disinfection device 10E, comprises one or more UV lamps 103 and is configured to perform a UVGI type disinfection / sterilization / sterilization process on the air conveyed through the lower portion of the microwave disinfection device 10E.

[0143] In view of the above, one of the main features of the microwave disinfection system 1 is that it can work on a reservoir basis; in fact, each different pathogen has its own characteristic resonance frequency determined by the physical structure and electronic characteristics of the particles.

[0144] A library of frequencies (and their associated waveforms) to be used can then be created for each specific pathogen to be disinfected.

[0145] For example, the nominal resonant frequencies reported in the table below (i.e., analytically calculated—see A. Barbora, R. Minnes, “Targeted antiviral treatment using Non-ionizing Radiation Therapy for SARS-CoV-2 and viral pandemics preparedness: Technique, methods and practical notes for Clinical Application,” August 2020) allow for maximum energy transfer for influenza A, EV71, and SARS-CoV-2, thereby achieving inactivation of these pathogens.

[0146]

[0147]

[0148] The applicant conducted a first series of in vitro inactivation tests on SARS-CoV-2 treated with microwave signals, and the results were as follows: Figure 7 As shown, it can be noted that, for the virus culture samples treated identically, a higher inactivation rate was obtained at 10 GHz.

[0149] The 1 log unit drop in performance is primarily due to the fact that microwave signals cannot penetrate aqueous solutions and are therefore of limited effectiveness in this context (in this regard, see, for example, C. Wang et al., “Airborne disinfection using microwave-based technology: Energy efficient and distinct inactivation mechanism compared with waterborne disinfection,” Journal of Aerosol Science, Vol. 137, 2019).

[0150] In contrast, when treated in an aerosol, the cleaning and sterilization rate became even higher (i.e., increased by 3 log units). In this regard, the applicant also conducted a second set of experimental aerosol inactivation tests on solutions containing SARS-CoV-2 using the following test parameters:

[0151] -8-10 GHz frequency band;

[0152] -10MHz step size;

[0153] - 3.2 seconds, dedicated to each individual frequency for a total of 12 minutes of processing;

[0154] -Incident signal with a field amplitude of 100 V / m.

[0155] Inactivation was measured using cytopathology techniques by comparing the residual titer of aerosol-submitted but untreated virus samples with the residual titer of aerosol-submitted samples treated with a microwave signal according to the above settings.

[0156] The above-mentioned aerosol test showed that the inactivation percentage of SARS-CoV-2 was equal to 83%.

[0157] From the foregoing disclosure, the several novel features and numerous technical advantages of the present invention will be immediately apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0158] In particular, it is important to emphasize the fact that the system according to the invention is capable of inactivating in real time a wide range of pathogens (viruses and bacteria of various shapes and sizes) thanks to the ability to identify and activate for each of them a corresponding frequency suitable for activating the resonance effect.

[0159] The system according to the invention represents a first possible mechanism for inactivating airborne viruses without restricting the presence of personnel, when the required microwave energy (ie the maximum intensity of the radiated electric field) meets the guidelines established by ICNIRP.

[0160] Furthermore, unlike conventional disinfection methods, the system according to the present invention ensures continuous air disinfection and can operate effectively even in environments with poor or no air exchange.

[0161] The system according to the present invention can be programmed to selectively inactivate one or more pathogens depending on the contamination characteristics of the installation site, and conveniently also in multi-spectral mode by equipping the system with UV-C lamps.

[0162] Finally, thanks to the use of one or more presence sensors, the system according to the invention can be programmed to operate only when a person is present, thus allowing energy consumption to be managed optimally.

[0163] In conclusion, it is important to note that while the invention described above is directed specifically to very specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to such embodiments but includes all variations, modifications or simplifications within its scope covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A microwave disinfection system (1) configured to kill or inactivate one or more pathogens in real time by one or more microwave irradiations, wherein the microwave disinfection system (1) comprises a microwave disinfection device (10), the microwave disinfection device (10) comprising: - a control section (11), comprising an electronic control device (111) and a storage device (112); as well as - a microwave radiation section (12), controlled by the electronic control device (111) and configured to emit microwave signals; The microwave disinfection system (1) further comprises a human-machine interface device (13), the human-machine interface device (13) being connected to the control portion (11) and being configured to allow a user to configure the control portion (11) by setting and storing in the storage device (112) one or more predetermined microwave radiation parameters associated with one or more predetermined microwave disinfection treatments for one or more pathogens; wherein the electronic control device (111) is configured to operate the microwave radiation part (12) based on the predetermined microwave radiation parameters stored in the storage device (112), so that the microwave radiation part (12) performs the predetermined microwave disinfection treatment for the pathogen; wherein the microwave irradiation section (12) is configured to perform one or more microwave irradiations based on the predetermined microwave irradiation parameters when operated by the electronic control device (111), The human-machine interface device (13) is configured to allow a user to set and store one or more predetermined microwave radiation parameters associated with one or more corresponding predetermined microwave disinfection treatments for specific pathogens in the storage device (112).

2. The microwave disinfection system according to claim 1, wherein the human-machine interface device (13) is configured to allow a user to set and store one or more corresponding predetermined microwave radiation parameters associated with one or more corresponding predetermined microwave disinfection treatments for each pathogen in a plurality of given pathogens in the storage device (112).

3. The microwave disinfection system of claim 1 , wherein the corresponding predetermined microwave radiation parameters associated with the specific pathogen or each of the plurality of given pathogens include one or more of the following parameters associated with microwave inactivation of the specific pathogen or the plurality of given pathogens: One or more predetermined microwave radiation waveforms; one or more predetermined wavelengths or frequencies of microwave radiation and / or one or more predetermined wavelengths or frequencies of microwave radiation; One or more predetermined microwave radiation time parameters; • One or more predetermined microwave radiation powers.

4. The microwave disinfection system according to claim 1, wherein the human-machine interface device (13) is configured to store a corresponding library containing the corresponding predetermined microwave radiation parameters in the storage device (112) for the specific pathogen or for each pathogen in the plurality of given pathogens.

5. The microwave disinfection system according to claim 1, wherein the microwave disinfection device (10) further comprises one or more pathogen detectors (15), wherein the one or more pathogen detectors (15) are configured to: - detecting the presence of said specific pathogen or one or more pathogens from said plurality of given pathogens; and - sending a signal to the electronic control unit (111) indicating the presence of the specific pathogen or one or more pathogens of the plurality of given pathogens; wherein the electronic control device (111) is configured to operate the microwave radiation portion (12) based on the corresponding predetermined microwave radiation parameters stored in the storage device (112) for the specific pathogen or the pathogen among the plurality of given specific pathogens detected by the pathogen detector (15).

6. The microwave disinfection system according to claim 1, wherein the microwave disinfection device (10) further comprises one or more presence sensors (14), wherein the one or more presence sensors (14) are configured to: Detect the presence of one or more persons; and · signaling the presence of one or more persons to the electronic control device (111); wherein the electronic control device (111) is configured to operate the microwave radiation portion (12) when the presence sensor (14) detects the presence of one or more persons.

7. The microwave disinfection system according to claim 1, wherein the microwave disinfection device (10) further comprises one or more environmental sensors (16), the one or more environmental sensors (16) being configured to send corresponding environmental monitoring data to the electronic control device (111), and wherein the electronic control device (111) is configured to control the operation of the microwave radiation part (12) based on the environmental monitoring data received from the environmental sensors (16).

8. The microwave disinfection system according to claim 1, wherein the human-machine interface device (13): Externally connected to the microwave disinfection device (10) via wire or wireless connection; or Integrated into the microwave disinfection device (10).

9. The microwave disinfection system according to claim 1, wherein the microwave radiation part (12) comprises: Signal generating electronics (121); Electronic signal amplification device (123); as well as Antenna (125).

10. The microwave disinfection system according to claim 9, wherein the microwave radiation part (12) further comprises a signal filtering device (124).

11. The microwave disinfection method based on the use of the microwave disinfection system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the microwave disinfection method comprises: performing microwave radiation testing on one or more pathogens to determine one or more microwave radiation parameters associated with one or more microwave disinfection treatments for the pathogens; Setting and storing the determined microwave radiation parameters in the storage device (112) via the human-machine interface device (13); Utilizing the microwave disinfection device (10) to perform the microwave disinfection treatment on the pathogen; performing microwave radiation testing on a specific pathogen to determine one or more corresponding microwave radiation parameters associated with one or more microwave disinfection processes for the specific pathogen; Setting and storing corresponding microwave radiation parameters determined for the specific pathogen in the storage device (112) through the human-machine interface device (13); and Utilizing the microwave disinfection device (10) to perform the microwave disinfection treatment targeting the specific pathogens.

12. The microwave disinfection method according to claim 11, comprising: performing microwave radiation testing on a plurality of given pathogens to determine, for each of the given pathogens, one or more respective microwave radiation parameters associated with one or more respective microwave disinfection treatments for the pathogen in the plurality of given pathogens; Setting and storing the microwave radiation parameters determined for the given pathogen in the storage device (112) through the human-machine interface device (13); and Utilizing the microwave disinfection device (10) to perform microwave disinfection treatment on the given pathogen.

13. The microwave disinfection method according to claim 11, wherein the corresponding microwave radiation parameters determined for the specific pathogen or for each of the given pathogens include the following one or more parameters related to microwave inactivation of the specific pathogen or the pathogens in the plurality of given pathogens: One or more microwave radiation waveforms; one or more wavelengths or frequencies of microwave radiation and / or one or more wavelengths or frequency bands of microwave radiation; One or more microwave radiation time parameters; One or more microwave radiation powers.

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