Microwave-Assisted Surface Decontamination Using Low-Concentration Chemistry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing decontamination methods for biological agents on surfaces are hazardous, damaging to surfaces, and impractical for wide-area applications, lacking effective and safe solutions that can achieve at least 6-log reduction without high chemical toxicity or environmental harm.
Innovation Solution
Using benign chemical formulations followed by microwave irradiation to generate reactive oxidative species, such as singlet oxygen and hydroxyl radicals, to decontaminate surfaces, employing directed energy enhancers (DEE) like copper (II) chloride, ascorbic acid, and percarbonate-based stain remover (PCSR), with microwave frequencies between 2.35 GHz and 2.65 GHz, achieving at least 6-log reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chlorine dioxide (CD) is used for decontamination, then decontamination effectiveness is improved, but surface damage and human toxicity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies microwave energy to convert the harmful effects of chemical decontaminants into beneficial effects. The microwave irradiation activates the decontaminant solution to generate reactive oxygen species that effectively kill biological agents, while the low concentration of chemicals minimizes surface damage and toxicity. This transforms the potentially harmful combination of chemicals and energy into a safe and effective decontamination process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the decontaminant solution by exposing it to microwave radiation. The microwave energy alters the molecular state of the water and chemical compounds in the solution, generating highly reactive species without requiring high concentrations of toxic chemicals. This parameter change enables effective decontamination with minimal chemical usage.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) is used for decontamination, then human toxicity is reduced, but decontamination effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses microwave irradiation to change the physical and chemical parameters of the decontaminant solution, transforming low-concentration chemicals into highly reactive species. This parameter change enables the system to achieve high decontamination effectiveness while maintaining low human toxicity, as the reactive species are generated only during microwave exposure and dissipate quickly afterward.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical system of high-concentration chemical decontamination with a system that uses electromagnetic energy (microwaves) to activate low-concentration chemicals. This substitution allows for effective decontamination with minimal chemical usage, reducing both toxicity and environmental impact.
3Reliability
If high concentration chemicals are used for decontamination, then decontamination effectiveness is improved, but environmental harm and surface damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of high-concentration chemical application with an electromagnetic energy-based system. Microwave irradiation activates low-concentration decontaminant solutions to generate reactive oxygen species that are highly effective at killing biological agents. This substitution dramatically reduces the amount of chemical needed, minimizing environmental harm and surface damage while maintaining decontamination effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the concentration parameter of the decontaminant solution from high to low, and uses microwave energy to change the reactivity parameter. The low-concentration solution would normally be ineffective, but microwave irradiation transforms it into a highly reactive state, achieving effective decontamination with minimal chemical usage and reduced environmental impact.
4Reliability
If manual wiping with liquid disinfectants is used for decontamination, then decontamination effectiveness is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of wiping surfaces with liquid disinfectants with an automated system that uses microwave irradiation. The microwave system can treat large areas quickly without requiring manual labor, dramatically improving productivity while maintaining or enhancing decontamination effectiveness through the generation of reactive oxygen species.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic microwave irradiation to activate the decontaminant solution on surfaces. The microwave energy is applied in controlled pulses or continuous exposure for short durations, efficiently generating reactive species that rapidly kill biological agents. This periodic energy input achieves effective decontamination much faster than manual wiping methods.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method effectively reduces biological contaminants like Bacillus anthracis spores and mold spores by 6-log without surface damage or human toxicity, using low chemical concentrations and ambient temperatures, suitable for both enclosed and wide-area decontamination.
Implementation Method 1
exposing to radio frequency irradiation (microwaves) for short periods of time
Implementation Method 2
generate reactive oxidative species, such as singlet oxygen and hydroxyl radicals
Implementation Method 3
employing directed energy enhancers (DEE) like copper (II) chloride, ascorbic acid, and percarbonate-based stain remover (PCSR)
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are microwave assisted methods and systems for decontaminating a variety of contaminated surfaces. The systems and methods comprise treating the surfaces with benign chemical formulations followed by exposing to microwave irradiation for short periods of time to achieve at least 6-log reduction in biological contaminants including spores of B. anthracis, B. thuringiensis, and P. roqueforti. Chemical formulations may comprise copper (II) chloride in water. The formulations may include a surfactant such as a polyethylene sorbitol ester surfactant.