Vuerich R, Martinelli V, Vodret S, Bertani I, Carletti T, Zentilin L, Venturi V, Marcello A, Zacchigna S. A new laser device for ultra-rapid and sustainable aerosol sterilization. Environ Int. 2022 Jun;164:107272. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107272. Epub 2022 May 2. PMID: 35526297; PMCID: PMC9060718.
- This study describes a new laser device able to sterilise droplets containing either viruses or bacteria.
- A new system was developed, mimicking human droplet formation and preserving bacterial and viral viability.
- This evidenced the efficacy of 10,600 nm laser light to kill two aerosol transmitted human pathogens, Legionella pneumophila and SARS-CoV-2.
- A minimal exposure time of <15 ms was required for the inactivation of over 99% pathogens in the aerosol; which is a key element in the design of a device that is safe and can be used in preventing inter-individual transmission.
- This may give an advantage over existing devices, which mainly aim at either purifying incoming air by filtration or sterilising solid surfaces.