Cold atmospheric plasma inactivation of aerosolized microdroplets containing bacteria and purified SARS-CoV-2 RNA to contrast airborne indoor transmission

Abstract

One of the major concerns in the COVID-19 pandemic is related to the possible transmission in poorly ventilated spaces of SARS-CoV-2 through aerosol microdroplets, which can remain in the air for long periods of time and be transmitted to others over distances '1 m. Cold atmospheric pressure plasmas can represent a promising solution, thanks to their ability in producing a blend of many reactive species, which can inactivate the airborne aerosolized microorganisms. In this study, a dielectric barrier discharge plasma source is used to directly inactivate suitably produced bioaerosols containing Staphylococcus epidermidis or purified SARS-CoV-2 RNA flowing through it. Results show that for low residence times ('0.2 s) in the plasma region a 3.7 log R on bacterial bioaerosol and degradation of viral RNA can be achieved.