Non-Thermal Plasma System for Respiratory Pathogen Inactivation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatment methods for viral, bacterial, and fungal infections in the oral cavity and respiratory tract are limited, particularly during pandemics, and there is an urgent need for improved treatment options that can rapidly inactivate pathogens.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a plasma source and a species directing member to generate and guide reactive species into the oral cavity and respiratory tract, using a non-thermal plasma to inactivate viruses, bacteria, and fungi, with adjustable plasma composition and gas flow to enhance treatment efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional treatment methods are used for viral, bacterial, and fungal infections, then treatment options are limited and pathogen inactivation is insufficient, but new treatment approaches are needed to rapidly inactivate pathogens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the treatment by introducing non-thermal plasma with controlled reactive species composition. The plasma source generates reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) with specific concentrations by adjusting gas flow rates, power levels, and treatment duration, enabling effective pathogen inactivation while maintaining tissue safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical or chemical treatment methods with a plasma-based system. The plasma source generates reactive species through electrical discharge in a gas medium, substituting traditional antibiotics, antivirals, or surgical interventions with a physical-chemical plasma treatment that can rapidly inactivate multiple pathogen types simultaneously
2Reliability
If plasma is generated directly inside the body, then pathogen inactivation is effective, but tissue damage from thermal effects and uncontrolled reactive species may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a duct as an intermediary component that transports reactive species from the plasma source to the treatment location. The duct allows controlled delivery of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species while maintaining physical separation between the plasma source and sensitive tissues, preventing direct thermal exposure and enabling precise spatial control of the treatment zone
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating reactive species delivery to specific target areas through the duct system. The plasma source generates reactive species that are channeled through the duct to reach only the intended treatment location (e.g., infected tissues or airways), ensuring high local efficacy while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues
3Productivity
If reactive species are generated in high concentration, then pathogen inactivation is rapid and effective, but control and delivery of reactive species becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The duct serves as a control mechanism that manages the transport of high-concentration reactive species from the plasma source to the treatment site. By controlling duct dimensions, gas flow rates, and treatment timing, the system delivers high concentrations of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species effectively while maintaining manageable system complexity through simple geometric parameters and flow control
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 system effectively inactivates pathogens in the oral cavity and respiratory tract, including coronaviruses like SARS-CoV-2, by generating reactive species that reduce infection severity and spread.
Implementation Method 1
The plasma source (4) generates reactive species in a gas, in particular non-thermal plasma
Implementation Method 2
The reactive species have the potential to inactivate viruses, bacteria and/or fungi
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 2
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A system for treating and/or preventing a viral, bacterial and/or fungal infection in the oral cavity and/or along the respiratory tract, in particular the interior of the nose, throat, trachea and/or lungs, of a patient by reactive species generated by plasma as well as a plasma for such use is disclosed. The system comprises a plasma source generating reactive species in a gas, the plasma source being configured to be located outside a body of the patient, and a species directing member forming at least one duct for guiding at least a part of the reactive species generated by the plasma source into the oral cavity and/or the respiratory tract.