Decontamination of air using ultrathin copper alloy filters modified with a dielectric layer for capture and inactivation of microbes

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Air is significant in disseminating pathogens with food processing and clinical environments. To date the mainair decontamination approach is to use HEPA filters that physically remove microbes from air streams. Themain disadvantage of HEPA filters is energy requirement for force air through filters coupled with theaccumulation and failure of filters over time. Alternative systems include UV/ionizing based devices theretention time is too short to ensure microbial inactivation. In the following project will develop andcharacterize ultrathin air filters based on a novel copper alloy coated with a dielectric conducting polymerlayer. The filters to be developed capture microbial cells then inactivate through a combination of copper ionsand antimicrobials within the dielectric layer. The performance of filters will be assessed through determiningthe capture efficacy of model microbes under different flow rates, relative humidity and organic loading. Filterconfiguration and holding potential will be optimized along with antimicrobial agent incorporated into thedielectric layer. One potential restriction of copper based filters is through excessive corrosion and this will beaddressed through evaluation of different polymer layers. The performance of the optimized filter will beassessed through verification studies with a cost-benefit analysis being performed in relation to currentlyavailable HRPA filter systems. The project will train a HQP in a diverse range of techniques includingmicrobiology, material science, polymer chemistry and electrochemistry. The deliverable of the work will be todemonstrate ultrathin air purification systems that can be subsequently developed into commercial units tomaintain air quality in different settings such as those encountered in food processing and clinicalenvironments.