Sterilization device for generating plasma and hydroxyl radicals

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sterilization system suitable for clinical use, such as on the human body, medical instruments, or hospital bedspaces. The present invention provides a sterilization apparatus including a microwave source arranged to generate microwave energy, a mist generator arranged to generate a stream of water mist, a gas source, a manifold connected to receive the stream of water mist from the mist generator, and a plurality of plasma applicators connected to the manifold, each plasma applicator connected to receive microwave energy from the microwave source and the stream of gas from the gas source, each plasma applicator configured to strike a plasma at a distal end thereof, the distal ends of the plurality of plasma applicators being positioned within a plasma generation region defined by the manifold, the manifold configured to direct the stream of water mist through the plasma generation region to an outlet thereof.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sterilization system suitable for clinical use, such as on the human body, medical instruments, or hospital bed spaces. For example, the present invention may provide a system that can be used to kill or treat specific bacteria and / or viruses associated with human or animal biological systems and / or the surrounding environment. The present invention is particularly useful for sterilization or decontamination of enclosed or partially enclosed spaces. [Background technology]

[0002] Bacteria are single-celled organisms that are found almost everywhere, exist in large numbers, and can divide and grow rapidly. Most bacteria are harmless, but there are three harmful groups: cocci, spiral, and bacilli. Cocci bacteria are round cells, spiral bacteria are coiled cells, and bacilli bacteria are rod-shaped. Harmful bacteria are the cause of diseases such as tetanus and typhoid fever.

[0003] Viruses can only survive and multiply by taking over other cells, i.e., they cannot survive on their own. Viruses cause diseases such as the cold, flu, mumps, and AIDS. Viruses can be transmitted through person-to-person contact or through contact with an area contaminated by respiratory droplets or other virus-carrying bodily fluids from an infected person.

[0004] Diseases can be caused by fungal spores and tiny organisms called protozoans.

[0005] Sterilization is the act or process of killing or eliminating all forms of living organisms, especially microorganisms. During the process of plasma sterilization, active agents are generated. These active agents are high-intensity ultraviolet photons and free radicals, which are atoms or groups of atoms with chemically unpaired electrons. An attractive feature of plasma sterilization is that it can achieve sterilization at relatively low temperatures (e.g., body temperature). Plasma sterilization also has the advantage of being safe for workers and patients.

[0006] Plasmas typically contain charged electrons and ions as well as chemically active species (e.g., ozone, nitrous oxide, and hydroxyl radicals). Hydroxyl radicals are much more effective at oxidizing airborne contaminants than ozone and are several times more bactericidal and fungicidal than chlorine, making them a very attractive candidate for killing bacteria or viruses and for effective decontamination of objects contained within confined spaces (e.g., objects or items associated with hospital environments).

[0007] OH radicals held within the "macromolecules" of water (eg, droplets in a mist or fog) are stable for several seconds, and they are 1000 times more effective than conventional disinfectants at comparable concentrations.

[0008] The paper by Bai et al., entitled "Experimental studies on elimination of microbial contamination by hydroxyl radicals produced by strong ionisation discharge" (Plasma Science and Technology, Vol. 10, No. 4, August 2008), examines the elimination of microbial contamination using OH radicals produced by strong ionisation discharge. In this study, the bactericidal effect against Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis was considered. 7A bacterial suspension of cfu / ml (cfu = colony forming units) was prepared and 10 μl of the bacteria in fluid form was transferred onto a 12 mm x 12 mm sterile stainless steel plate using a micropipette. The bacterial fluid was spread evenly on the plate and allowed to dry for 90 minutes. The plate was then placed in a sterile glass dish and a fixed concentration of OH radicals was sprayed onto the plate. The results from this experimental study were as follows:

[0009] 1. OH radicals can be used to cause irreversible damage to cells, ultimately killing them.

[0010] 2. The threshold potential for removing microorganisms is 1 / 10,000 of that of disinfectants used domestically and abroad.

[0011] 3. The biochemical reaction by OH is a free radical reaction, and the biochemical reaction time for removing microorganisms is about 1 second, so it meets the need for rapid removal of microbial contamination, and the lethal time is about 1 / 1000 of that for current domestic and foreign disinfectants.

[0012] 4. The lethal density of OH is about 1000 times lower than the spray density for other disinfectants, which is useful for efficiently and quickly removing microbial contamination in large spaces (e.g., bed space areas).

[0013] 5. The OH mist or fog droplets oxidize the bacteria to CO2, H2O and trace inorganic salts. The remaining OH is also decomposed to H2O and O2, so this method removes microbial contamination without contamination.

[0014] WO2009 / 060214 discloses a sterilization device controllably arranged to generate and release hydroxyl radicals. The device includes an applicator that receives RF or microwave energy, gas, and water mist in a hydroxyl radical generation region. The impedance in the hydroxyl radical generation region is controlled to be high to promote the formation of an ionizing discharge, which results in the generation of hydroxyl radicals in the presence of water mist. The applicator may be a coaxial assembly or a waveguide. A dynamic adjustment mechanism (e.g., integrated in the applicator) may control the impedance in the hydroxyl radical generation region. The delivery means for the mist, gas, and / or energy may be integrated with each other.

[0015] WO2019 / 175063 discloses a sterilization device that uses thermal or non-thermal plasma to sterilize or disinfect surgical scope devices. In one example, a plasma generating region is formed at a distal end of a coaxial transmission line. The coaxial transmission line conveys RF or microwave energy to strike and maintain the plasma. A gas passage is formed around an outer surface of the coaxial transmission line. The gas passage is in fluid communication with the plasma generating region through a notch in a cylindrical electrode mounted on the distal end of the coaxial transmission line. In some examples, water passes through a passage formed in an inner conductor of the coaxial transmission line from which it is sprayed onto the surface of an object before the plasma passes over the object. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0016] In general, the present invention provides a sterilization apparatus suitable for generating hydroxyl radicals to sterilize enclosed spaces, which combines energy, gas, and water mist supplies such that the apparatus can be easily scaled to the size of the enclosure. In particular, the sterilization apparatus provides a manifold on which multiple plasma applicators can be mounted around a plasma generation region to form an annular plasma arc through which a stream of water mist is directed to form hydroxyl radicals. [Means for solving the problem]

[0017] According to one aspect, the present invention provides a sterilization apparatus comprising a microwave source arranged to generate microwave energy, a mist generator arranged to generate a stream of water mist, a gas source, a manifold connected to receive the stream of water mist from the mist generator, and a plurality of plasma applicators connected to the manifold, each plasma applicator connected to receive microwave energy from the microwave source and a stream of gas from the gas source, each plasma applicator configured to strike a plasma at its distal end, the distal ends of the plurality of plasma applicators being located within a plasma generation region defined by the manifold, the manifold configured to direct the stream of water mist through the plasma generation region to its outlet. In use, the manifold receives the stream of water mist that is directed through the plasma generation region where there is a plasma formed using the plurality of plasma applicators. The mechanism for plasma generation is independent of the water mist delivery, which means that the plasma applicator does not need to be adapted to accommodate the stream of mist. The device can also be scalable in terms of both the size of the plasma generation region (controlled by the number of plasma applicators) and the water mist flow rate (volumes / second). The manifold may be adapted to couple water mist inputs from multiple mist generators together as well as to accommodate multiple plasma applicators.

[0018] The manifold may include a hollow body that serves as a fluid flow conduit from one or more inlets to the outlets. For example, the manifold may define a flow direction of the water mist from its inlets to its outlets. The flow direction may be aligned with the direction of the flow of the water mist received within the manifold. That is, the water mist is not substantially deflected as it travels through the manifold. This may be advantageous to obtain a large germicidal range for a given water mist flow rate.

[0019] The manifold may be formed (eg, cast) from an electrically insulating material so as not to interfere with the delivery of microwave energy.

[0020] Each plasma applicator may extend transversely to the flow of the water mist through the plasma generating region. For example, the manifold may include multiple transverse ports (i.e., ports on its sides) that receive the plasma applicators. Thus, with this arrangement, the direction in which energy is injected into the plasma generating region may be perpendicular to the flow of the water mist.

[0021] The plurality of plasma applicators may include one or more pairs of plasma applicators facing each other on opposite sides of the plasma generating region. The plasma generating region may include or consist of a space between the one or more pairs of plasma applicators. The plurality of plasma applicators may be disposed around the plasma generating region such that their corresponding plasma arcs join to form a ring.

[0022] Each plasma applicator may be configured to strike the plasma using only microwave energy. However, in other embodiments, the apparatus may include an RF source arranged to provide a pulse of RF energy to strike the plasma and maintain it using microwave energy. An example of an RF strike and microwave sustain setup is given in WO2019 / 175063.

[0023] In an arrangement in which the plasma can be struck using only microwave energy, each plasma applicator may include a conductive tube and an elongated conductive member extending along a longitudinal axis of the conductive tube. The conductive tube and the elongated conductive member may provide a first coaxial transmission line at a proximal end of the plasma applicator and a second coaxial transmission line at a distal end of the plasma applicator. The first coaxial transmission line may be configured as a quarter-wave impedance transformer. The quarter-wave impedance transformation may operate to transform a first impedance (e.g., of a coaxial cable feeding the plasma applicator) to a second impedance (e.g., the impedance of the second coaxial transmission line). The second coaxial transmission line may be configured with a higher impedance than the first coaxial transmission line. The impedance of the first and second coaxial transmission lines may be determined by the geometry of the structure (e.g., the relative size of the diameter of the elongated conductive member and the inner diameter of the conductive tube). The impedance of the second coaxial transmission line may be selected to establish an electric field at its distal end suitable for striking a plasma in the gas flowing through the plasma applicator. The flow of gas received by each plasma applicator may pass between a conductive tube and an elongated conductive member, which also serves as a dielectric (insulating) material for the first and second coaxial transmission lines.

[0024] A sleeve of insulating material (e.g., quartz, etc.) may be attached to the distal end of the conductive tube. The sleeve may help focus the electric field at the distal end of the second coaxial transmission line, thereby facilitating a plasma strike at the desired location.

[0025] Each plasma applicator may include a gas inlet tube configured to deliver a flow of gas to a space between the conductive tube and the elongated conductive member. The gas inlet tube may extend transversely to a longitudinal axis of the conductive tube.

[0026] Each plasma applicator may include a proximal connector configured to connect to a coaxial cable carrying microwave energy from a microwave source. The proximal connector may be configured to electrically connect an inner conductor of the coaxial cable to the elongated conductive member and an outer conductor of the coaxial cable to the conductive tube. In this way, the microwave energy may be delivered along the longitudinal axis of the conductive tube, which may aid in efficient coupling. Meanwhile, the gas inlet tube may be disposed transversely to the longitudinal axis, which may be advantageous since it does not interfere with the delivery of microwave energy.

[0027] The microwave source may be a generator capable of generating microwave energy having a power suitable for striking the plasma. In one example, the microwave source includes a magnetron. The microwave source may further include a waveguide coaxial adapter that couples energy from the magnetron to one or more coaxial cables that connect to the multiple plasma applicators. In another example, the microwave source may include an oscillator and a power amplifier.

[0028] The mist generator may include any suitable means for generating a mist of water droplets or water vapor. For example, the mist generator may be an ultrasonic atomizer that applies ultrasonic vibrations to a water source to generate fine water droplets. In another example, the mist generator may operate to heat water to generate water vapor.

[0029] The apparatus may include multiple mist generators, and the manifold includes multiple inlet ports, each inlet port connectable to a corresponding mist generator, and thus the apparatus may be scalable by adapting the manifold to receive a desired number of mist generator inputs.

[0030] A gas source may be connected to deliver a gas flow to the or each mist generator. The gas flow may carry the water mist formed by the mist generator to form a water mist stream. In this way, the flow rate of the mist may be controllable. This may be particularly desirable when there are multiple mist generators. For example, it may be useful to be able to independently control the gas flow rate to each mist generator to ensure that a uniform flow is received within the manifold.

[0031] Preferably, the gas source is a source of argon gas, but any other suitable gas may be selected, such as carbon dioxide, helium, nitrogen, a mixture of air and any one of these gases (e.g., 10% air / 90% helium).

[0032] The sterilization device may be configured for use with an enclosure. For example, the outlet of the manifold may be coupleable to an enclosure (e.g., a box, a room, a vehicle, etc.). The enclosure may define a space to be sterilized. The device may be scaled to the size of the enclosure. For example, the number of mist generators, the flow rate of gas, and the number of plasma applicators, all factors, may be adapted depending on the enclosure. By providing a manifold that can combine inputs from multiple individual components, the device of the present invention facilitates the ability to adapt to a variety of environments.

[0033] As used herein, the term "inner" means radially closer to the center (e.g., axis) of the coaxial cable, the probe tip, and / or the applicator, and the term "outer" means radially farther from the center (axis) of the coaxial cable, the probe tip, and / or the applicator.

[0034] The term "conductive" is used herein to mean electrically conductive, unless the context indicates otherwise.

[0035] As used herein, the terms "proximal" and "distal" refer to the ends of the applicator. In use, the proximal end is closer to a generator for delivering RF and / or microwave energy, while the distal end is further from the generator.

[0036] "Microwave" may be used broadly herein to denote the frequency range 400 MHz to 100 GHz, but preferably to denote the range 1 GHz to 60 GHz. Specific frequencies contemplated are 915 MHz, 2.45 GHz, 3.3 GHz, 5.8 GHz, 10 GHz, 14.5 GHz, and 25 GHz. In contrast, "radio frequency" or "RF" is used herein to denote a frequency range at least three orders of magnitude lower, for example, up to 300 MHz, preferably 10 kHz to 1 MHz, and most preferably 400 kHz. Microwave frequencies may be adjusted to optimize the microwave energy delivered. For example, a probe tip may be designed to operate at a particular frequency (e.g., 900 MHz), but the most efficient frequency in use may be different (e.g., 866 MHz).

[0037] Features of the present invention will now be described in the following detailed description of examples of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0038] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a sterilization apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of a supply manifold suitable for use with the sterilization apparatus of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of the supply manifold of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 2 is a schematic side view of a plasma applicator suitable for use with the sterilization apparatus of FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the plasma applicator of FIG. 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0039] The present invention relates to a device for sterilization using hydroxyl radicals generated by forming a plasma in the presence of a water mist.

[0040] 1 is a schematic diagram of a sterilization apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The sterilization apparatus 100 operates to combine supplies from a microwave source 102, a mist generator 104, and a gas source 106 to generate a stream 108 of hydroxyl radicals into an enclosure 110 to be sterilized.

[0041] The microwave source 102 may be any suitable microwave generator for outputting microwave energy (i.e., electromagnetic energy having a frequency in the range of 400 MHz to 100 GHz, preferably in the range of 1 GHz to 60 GHz). For example, it may be a magnetron arranged to output microwave energy having a frequency of 2.45 GHz. In other embodiments, the microwave source may include an oscillator and a power amplifier. The microwave source 102 may be configured to output microwave energy having a power of 200 W or more, preferably 500 W or more, such as 800 W.

[0042] The mist generator 104 may include one or more ultrasonic atomizers, in which a fine mist of water droplets is obtained by applying ultrasonic energy to a container storing liquid water (e.g., distilled water). Alternatively, the mist generator 104 may include a device for producing water vapor (steam) by applying heat to the stored water.

[0043] The gas source 106 may include a canister of pressurized inert gas (e.g., argon, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, etc.). Alternatively, the sterilizer may operate with air as the gas medium against which the plasma is struck. In this example, the gas source may include a fan or other means for generating a gas flow that can be directed.

[0044] In this example, the gas source 106 has a first connection 112 that supplies a first gas flow to the mist generator 104. The first gas flow carries mist or water vapor from the mist generator 104 and carries it through a mist conduit 114 towards the enclosure 110. If there are multiple mist generators 104, the first connection 112 may have multiple branches and there may be multiple mist conduits 114.

[0045] The enclosure 110 may be any space requiring sterilization. It may be a box or room (e.g., an operating room or hospital suite) or a vehicle (e.g., an ambulance, etc.). The flow rate from the device into the enclosure 110 may be adjustable, for example, to facilitate the spread of hydroxyl radicals within the enclosed volume.

[0046] The sterilization apparatus 100 further includes a manifold 116 configured to combine microwave energy, mist, and gas to generate the stream of hydroxyl radicals 108. In this embodiment, the manifold 116 defines an interior volume that acts as a plasma generating region 124 in a manner described in more detail below. The manifold 116 includes a number of proximal inlet ports 118 connected to the mist conduits 114 and an outlet port 120 through which the stream of hydroxyl radicals 108 travels into the enclosure 110. The inlet ports 118 feed into the plasma generating region 124. The outlet port 120 is an outlet opening for the plasma generating region 124. The inlet ports 118 may be aligned with the outlet ports 120 in the sense that the direction in which the stream of mist from the mist conduits 114 enters the manifold 116 is aligned (e.g., parallel) with the direction in which the stream of hydroxyl radicals 108 exits the manifold 116.

[0047] The manifold 116 further includes a number of lateral ports 122 disposed on either side of the plasma generating region 124. In this example, there is a pair of lateral ports 122 disposed on opposing sides of the manifold 116. Each lateral port 122 is configured to receive a plasma applicator 126. Each plasma applicator 126 is connected to receive microwave energy from the microwave source 102, such as via a corresponding coaxial cable 128, for example. As will be described in more detail below with reference to Figures 4 and 5, each plasma applicator 126 is configured to form an electric field at its distal end capable of striking a plasma in the gas flowing through the manifold 116. Each plasma applicator 126 extends through its corresponding lateral port 122 such that its distal end is within the plasma generating region 124.

[0048] In this example, the gas source 106 further includes a second connection 130 that provides a separate gas supply to each plasma applicator 126. If there are multiple plasma applicators 126, the second connection 130 may include multiple branches. With this arrangement, gas enters the plasma generating region 124 from both the mist conduit 114 and the plasma applicators 126.

[0049] In use, gas is supplied through both the first connection 112 and the second connection 130. Mist is formed by the mist generator 104 and carried in the gas from the first connection 112. It then flows through the mist conduit 114 into the manifold 116. Meanwhile, gas flows from the second connection 130 through the plasma applicator 126 and into the plasma generating region 124. Microwave energy supplied from the microwave source 102 forms an electric field in the plasma generating region 124 to strike a plasma in the gas. The plasma applicator 126 may be positioned around the plasma generating region 124 such that an annular plasma arc is visible at the exit port 120.

[0050] 2 is a schematic plan view of a manifold 116 that can be used in embodiments of the present invention. Features already described are given the same reference numerals and will not be described again. In this example, four mist conduits 114 are received at the proximal side of a funnel element 136. The funnel element 136 acts to combine the flow from each mist conduit 114 into a single tube 138 that extends from the distal side of the funnel element 136. A plasma generation region 124 is formed within the tube 138. At the distal end of the tube 138 is an exit port 120 that leads to an enclosure (not shown).

[0051] Similarly, the lateral ports 122 through which the plasma applicators 126 extend into the plasma generating region 124 are formed in the side of the tube 138. Each plasma applicator 126 includes a proximal connector 134 that is connectable to a coaxial cable 128. As previously mentioned, each plasma applicator 126 has its own dedicated gas supply that enters through a gas inlet tube 132. The gas inlet tube 132 extends transversely to the direction in which the plasma applicator 126 extends into the plasma generating region 124. In FIG. 2, the direction of the gas inlet tube 132 is into the page.

[0052] FIG. 3 shows a front view of the manifold 116 shown in FIG. 2. Features already described are given the same reference numbers and their description will not be repeated. In this example, there are two plasma applicators 126 on each side of the plasma generating region 124, arranged one on top of the other. In this view, the portion of the plasma applicator 126 that extends into the tube 138 is visible through the exit port. The opposing plasma applicators 126 are spaced apart by a distance w, which in this example is 3 mm. However, the distance may be selected to a scale appropriate to the size of the plasma arc formed by the combination of gas flow rate and microwave energy level provided. The plasma ring formed during operation is shown diagrammatically by dotted line 140. It can be seen that the mist flow from the mist conduit passes through and around the plasma ring, resulting in the formation of hydroxyl radicals in the gas flow to enhance sterilization.

[0053] FIG. 4 is a side view of a plasma applicator 200 that can be used in the apparatus described above. The plasma applicator 200 is a generally elongated cylindrical member defined by a conductive tube 206 (e.g., copper or the like). A connector 204 is attached to the proximal end of the conductive tube 206 to receive a coaxial cable 202. Thus, microwave energy transmitted along the coaxial cable 202 can be delivered into the conductive tube 206 in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the conductive tube 206. The conductive tube 206 is open at its distal end. A gas supply tube 210 is attached to the conductive tube 206 on the side toward its proximal end. The gas supply tube 210 defines a flow path that passes into the interior volume of the conductive tube 206. The flow path is angled relative to the axis of the conductive tube 206. In this example, the flow path is disposed transverse to the axis. Gas delivered through the gas supply tube 210 flows through the conductive tube 206 and exits at its distal end. A quartz tube 208 is attached at its distal end coaxially to the conductive tube 206. The quartz tube 208 protrudes beyond the distal end of the conductive tube 108 and overlaps the inner surface of the conductive tube along its distal length (as shown in FIG. 5).

[0054] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view through the plasma applicator 200 shown in FIG. The plasma applicator 200 includes an elongated conductive member 212 that extends coaxially through an interior volume with a conductive tube 260. A proximal end of the elongated conductive member 212 is connected to the inner conductor of the coaxial cable 202. The elongated conductive member 212 has a proximal portion 214 and a distal portion 216 of different diameters. In this example, the diameter a of the proximal portion 214 is larger than the diameter c of the distal portion 216. The distal portion 216 terminates at a distal tip 218 (which is rounded in this example). Together with the conductive tube 206, the proximal portion 214 and the distal portion 216 define a first coaxial transmission line and a second coaxial transmission line, respectively.

[0055] The plasma applicator 200 includes a quarter-wave transformer disposed to increase the impedance at its distal tip to facilitate plasma strike by the transmitted microwave energy. The quarter-wave transformer may be provided by the first coaxial transmission line defined above (i.e., by the conductive tube 206 and the proximal portion 214 of the elongated conductive member 212).

[0056] The operation of the quarter-wave transformer will now be described. The coaxial cable 202 may be of any conventional type and is shown in Figure 5 to have an impedance Z0, which may be 50 Ω. The outer conductor of the coaxial cable is electrically connected to a conductive tube 206, which has a uniform inner diameter b along its length. The inner conductor of the coaxial cable 202 is electrically connected to an elongated conductive member 212.

[0057] Impedance of the first coaxial transmission line

[0058]

number

[0059] can be expressed as follows:

[0060]

number

[0061] Impedance of the second coaxial transmission line

[0062]

number

[0063] can be expressed as follows:

[0064]

number

[0065] The first coaxial transmission line has a length L1 and the second coaxial transmission line has a length L2. Both L1 and L2 are arranged to be odd integer multiples of a quarter wavelength of the microwave energy carried by the coaxial cable 202. For example, if the frequency of the microwave energy is 2.45 GHz, L1 and L2 may be 30.6 mm, thus making the total length of the plasma applicator itself 6-8 cm.

[0066] As a result, the impedance Z1 of the junction of the first coaxial transmission line and the second coaxial transmission line can be expressed as:

[0067]

number

[0068] And the impedance Z2 at the distal tip 218 of the second coaxial transmission line can be expressed as:

[0069]

number

[0070] By substituting and simplifying the above equation, Z2 can be expressed as follows:

[0071]

number

[0072] For an input power P at the proximal end of the plasma applicator 200, assuming minimal energy loss along the first and second coaxial transmission lines, the voltage V at the distal tip is may be expressed as follows:

[0073]

number

[0074] where M is the voltage multiplication factor equal to:

[0075]

number

[0076] In one example, the dimensions for the plasma applicator 200 may be as follows: a=6.5 mm, b=12.5 mm, c=1 mm. This results in a voltage multiplication factor equal to 3.862. With Z0=50 Ω and an input power P=250 W, the voltage at the distal tip 218 is 431.8 V. It can therefore be seen that this structure is effective to provide a voltage capable of generating an electric field at the distal end of the applicator that is high enough to cause an electrical breakdown of the gas conveyed through the conductive tube 206.

[0077] 5, the gas supply tube 210 is positioned a distance d from the proximal end of the conductive tube 206. The distance d may be selected to ensure that the gas supply tube does not affect the transmission of microwave energy by the first and second coaxial transmission lines. In one example, the distance d is 15 mm.

[0078] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or in the following claims, or in the accompanying drawings, and expressed in their specific form or in the form of means for performing a disclosed function, or methods or processes for obtaining a disclosed result, may be utilized separately, or in any combination of such features, as appropriate, to realize the invention in diverse forms thereof.

[0079] Although the present invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments set forth above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when this disclosure is presented. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the present invention set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Various modifications to the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0080] For the avoidance of any doubt, any theoretical explanations given herein are given for the purpose of enhancing the understanding of the reader, and the inventors do not wish to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations.

[0081] Throughout this specification, including the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the terms "have," "comprise," and "include," as well as variations such as "having," "comprises," "including," and "compring," are understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step, or group of integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other integers or steps, or group of integers or steps.

[0082] It should be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value and / or to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values ​​are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term "about" with respect to numerical values ​​is optional and may mean, for example, + / - 10%.

[0083] The terms "preferred" and "preferably" are used herein to refer to embodiments of the invention that may provide certain benefits, under some circumstances. It will be understood, however, that other embodiments may also be preferred, under the same or different circumstances. Thus, the description of one or more preferred embodiments does not mean or imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the disclosure or from the claims.

Claims

1. A sterilization apparatus comprising: a microwave source arranged to generate microwave energy; a mist generator arranged to generate a stream of water mist; A gas supply source; a manifold connected to receive the flow of water mist from the mist generator; a plurality of plasma applicators connected to the manifold; each plasma applicator is connected to receive microwave energy from the microwave source and a flow of gas from the gas source; Each plasma applicator is configured to strike a plasma at a distal end thereof; the distal ends of the plurality of plasma applicators are disposed within a plasma generating region defined by the manifold; The sterilization apparatus, wherein the manifold is configured to direct the flow of the water mist through the plasma generating region and to an outlet thereof.

2. 2. The sterilizer of claim 1, wherein a flow direction of the water mist from an inlet of the manifold to its outlet is aligned with a flow direction of the water mist received into the manifold.

3. 3. The sterilization apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein each plasma applicator extends transversely to a flow of the water mist through the plasma generating region.

4. The sterilization apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of plasma applicators include one or more pairs of plasma applicators facing each other on opposite sides of the plasma generation region.

5. Each plasma applicator is A conductive tube; an elongated conductive member extending along a longitudinal axis of the conductive tube; the conductive tube and elongated conductive member provide a first coaxial transmission line at a proximal end of the plasma applicator and a second coaxial transmission line at a distal end of the plasma applicator; The sterilization apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first coaxial transmission line is configured as a quarter-wave impedance transformer.

6. 6. The sterilization apparatus of claim 5, wherein the second coaxial transmission line is configured with a higher impedance than the first coaxial transmission line.

7. 7. A sterilization apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the gas flow received by each plasma applicator passes between the conductive tube and an elongated conductive member.

8. 8. The sterilization apparatus of claim 7, wherein each plasma applicator includes a gas inlet tube configured to deliver the flow of gas to a space between the conductive tube and the elongated conductive member, the gas inlet tube extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the conductive tube.

9. 9. The sterilization apparatus of any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein each plasma applicator includes a proximal connector configured to connect to a coaxial cable that carries the microwave energy from the microwave source, the proximal connector configured to electrically connect an inner conductor of the coaxial cable to the elongated conductive member and an outer conductor of the coaxial cable to the conductive tube.

10. The sterilization apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the microwave source includes a magnetron.

11. The sterilizer according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the mist generator includes an ultrasonic spray device.

12. A sterilisation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising a plurality of mist generators, the manifold comprising a plurality of inlet ports, each inlet port being connectable to a corresponding mist generator.

13. The sterilization apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the gas supply is connected to deliver a gas flow to the mist generator, and the gas flow carries the water mist formed by the mist generator to form the water mist flow.

14. The sterilization apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the gas is argon, nitrogen, or carbon dioxide.

15. A sterilisation apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the outlet of the manifold is connectable to an enclosure defining a space to be sterilised.

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