Eliminate viruses bacteria in air HEPA UV-C | Aerobiotix

White Paper:

Elimination of Aerosolized Virus in Single-Pass Testing using
Aerobiotix Ultraviolet Air Handling System

Study Location
Research Triangle Institute (RTI) Center for Microbial Community Systems
and Health Research
North Carolina USA

Introduction

The Research Triangle Institute (RTI) Center for Microbial Community Systems and Health Research conducted a series of tests to determine the efficiency of viral inactivation by the Aerobiotix in –room recirculating air cleaner. The unit provided by Aerobiotix was installed in RTI’s high-flow test rig. MS2 virus test organisms were utilized. The airflow was a constant 450 cubic feet per minute (cfm).

The MS2 virus is an Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteriophage that roughly approximates the aerosol-related physical characteristics of human viruses. Individual virus particles of health-threatening agents may be somewhat smaller or larger than MS2.

Introduction

The Research Triangle Institute (RTI) Center for Microbial Community Systems and Health Research conducted a series of tests to determine the efficiency of viral inactivation by the Aerobiotix in–room recirculating air cleaner. The unit provided by Aerobiotix was installed in RTI’s high-flow test rig. MS2 virus test organisms were utilized. The airflow was a constant 450 cubic feet per minute (cfm).

The MS2 virus is an Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteriophage that roughly approximates the aerosol-related physical characteristics of human viruses. Individual virus particles of health-threatening agents may be somewhat smaller or larger than MS2.

Single Pass In-duct Test Method

The testing was performed in a test duct similar to that illustrated in Figure 1. The test duct provides steady air flow and aerosol drying and neutralization along with sampling ports for bioaerosol sample collection. The cross section of the duct is 0.61 m by 0.61 m (24 in. by 24 in.). The locations of the major components, including the sampling probes, device section, the bioaerosol generator (site of aerosol injection) and samplers are shown.

The unit was installed as shown in Figure 2. There is a 24 x 18 inch air intake at the lower front of the unit and a 24 x 12 inch clean air exhaust at the top of the unit. Transitions were manufactured to connect the air intake and clean air exhaust to the rig. The unit was mounted with the air intake facing upstream so that all the incoming challenge bioaerosol was required to pass through the air intake of the unit and exit through the clean air exhaust.

Schematic of a test apparatus. The unit is placed in the device section.

Figure 1. Schematic of a test apparatus. The unit is placed in the device section.

View of the ESP unit installed in the test duct Get rid of viruses and bacteria in the air using HEPA and UV-C Illuvia HUAIRS

Figure 2. View of the ESP unit installed in the test duct. Air flow in thes test duct is from left to right.

The device tested consisted of a MERV 11 prefilter, a blower unit, a UV reactor which combines UVC lamps with a UV transmissible solid filtration media (glass cylinders), and a HEPA post filter. The blower was on for all of the test runs. For testing purposes, the unit was operated in the following modes:

  • “full on” (MERV 11 filter, UV, glass cylinders, and HEPA filter),
  • “UV only” (MERV 11 and HEPA filters removed),
  • “no device” control test mode (MERV 11 and HEPA filters removed, UV off, and glass
    cylinders removed).

Fresh cultures of MS2 virus were prepared and checked for quality before each run. The challenge bioaerosol suspensions were aerosolized using a Collison modified MRE-type six jet nebulizer (BGI, Waltham, MA). The output of the nebulizer was mixed with clean, dry air prior to its entry into the test duct to create the dry bioaerosol challenge. The organisms were aerosolized in water and tests were conducted at room temperature.

For each round of sampling, six upstream and six downstream bioaerosol samples were taken. A standard sampling time was determined and used for all organisms to facilitate direct comparisons. Bioaerosol samples were collected from the air stream with sampling probes positioned within the test duct at both the upstream and downstream sampling sites.

The MS2 virus was aerosolized in water and sampling was accomplished using all-glass impingers (AGI’s) containing impinger fluid. After sampling, the impinger fluid was analyzed for viable virions by a standard plaque assay.

For each run, the challenge bioaerosol was injected upstream of the device. A “device off” transmission test was performed for the organism, to determine the microorganism loss that would occur simply as a result of deposition or inactivation in the test duct. To obtain an accurate understanding of potential organism loss naturally occurring in the air flow through the device, both the MERV 11, HEPA filters, and cylinders were removed for the “device off” tests conducted. The performance of the device is reported as the efficiency of the device in inactivating the organism, corrected to account for the loss of organisms observed with the “device off.”

Test Protocol:

1) Turn on the test duct blower and adjust flow to 450 CFM.
2) Turn ON the Collison nebulizer and drying air and run for at least 5 minutes.
3) Supply power to the air cleaner unit.
4) Collect upstream and downstream bioaerosol samples.
5) Turn OFF Collison and air cleaner.

For the “device off” test, the unit was completely shut off, MERV 11 and HEPA filters (as well as the glass cylinders) were removed and step 3 was omitted.

Single Pass In-duct Test Results

Table 1 presents the efficiency results for the air cleaner. The inactivation efficiencies were calculated as shown in the equation2 below:

Airborne Inactivation Efficiency (%) = 100 (1- Corrected Survival Rate)

The calculation of the test organism survival rate (culturable transmission) was based on the ratio of the downstream to upstream culturable organism counts. To remove system bias, the Survival Rate was corrected by the results of the “device off” transmission test. The “device off” transmission rate was calculated in the same manner as the survival rate. The “device off” value was 1.07 for MS2.

Inactivation efficiencies for bioaerosols Get rid of viruses and bacteria in the air using HEPA and UV-C Illuvia HUAIRS

Table 1. Inactivation efficiencies for bioaerosols

All samples were collected for 10 seconds upstream and 1 minute downstream. Three samples were collected simultaneously from up and down stream ports followed by another three within 5 minutes of the first set. The difference indicates the time needed to change out impingers and the device and rig continue to run during this time. The average of the 6 upstream samples and the average of the 6 downstream samples for each run was generally used in the calculations (outliers were not included).

Results tabulated above indicate that the MS2 virus inactivation efficiency of the Aerobiotix air cleaner was 100% observed when the unit was operated in “full on” mode.

References

1. Macher, J.M. 1989. Positive Hole Correction of Multiple-jet Impactors for Collecting Viable Microorganisms, American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal. 50: 561-568.

2. Foarde, K.K., Myers, Eric A., Hanley, James T., Ensor, David S., and Roessler, Peter F, 1999. “Methodology to Perform Clean Air Delivery Rate Type Determinations with Microbiological Aerosols”, Aerosol Science and Technology, 30:235-245.

JASON-TODD-VP-SALES-AEROBIOTIX

JASON TODD

Sr. Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing

Jason leads our global sales team and brings over 18 years of Medical Device experience to Aerobiotix. Jason has led top performing National and Regional Sales teams, selling disruptive technology in the Cardiovascular space with Getinge, Surgical Robotics at Hansen Medical and most recently in the Biologics space with Axogen. Jason received his Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Indianapolis.

MELISSA-GIETZEN-VP-GLOBAL-MARKETING-AEROBIOTIX

MELISSA GIETZEN, MBA

Vice President of Global Marketing

Melissa Gietzen, MBA is a highly skilled strategic marketing professional with over 20 years’ experience in the healthcare industry. She has significant expertise in strategic planning, capital budgeting, service improvement projects, and creating strong successful brands in the orthopedic, cardiac & ophthalmology markets. Melissa holds a undergraduate degree in Management and Organization Development and a masters degree in Business Administration.

DAVID KIRSCHMAN, M.D. President and CEO

DAVID KIRSCHMAN, M.D.

President and CEO

The founder and CEO is David Kirschman, M.D., a former physician with extensive experience as CEO, Director, Chief Scientific Officer and operator in the orthopedic and biologic medical device space. Dr. Kirschman holds 55 issued US Patents for a wide range of medical devices. He received his BS in Biological Science cum laude from Colorado State University and M.D. from University of Colorado School of Medicine.

GREGORY CARROLL PH.D. Director Scientific Affairs

GREGORY CARROLL PH.D.

Director Scientific Affairs

Dr. Carroll has extensive experience in ultraviolet and photonic science. Prior to joining Aerobiotix, he led the research and development group at Sunstar Engineering. He has a Ph.D. in chemistry from Columbia University and did his postdoctoral fellowship under Nobel laureate Prof. Ben Feringa at the University of Groningen, Netherlands, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

TONY EMBREE Chief Commercial Officer

TONY EMBREE

Chief Commercial Officer

Tony leads our global sales organization and commercialization strategy. Prior joining Aerobiotix, he was Senior Manager of Strategy at Stryker. He has led sales and marketing teams in multiple organizations including SurgiCount Medical, part of Patient Safety Technologies, INC (PSTX) as it expanded from 8 hospitals in 2008 to user base of 330 hospitals at time of acquisition in 2013.

COURTNEY ADAMS, Ph.D. VP of Clinical and Medical Affairs

COURTNEY ADAMS, Ph.D.

VP of Clinical and Medical Affairs

Dr. Adams leads our global clinical research and education initiatives as well as developing key opinion leaders to support our clinical mission. Prior to joining Aerobiotix, she held leading research and medical affairs roles at Biogen, Axogen, and MedPace. Dr. Adams holds Ph.D. in Pharmacology from University of Cincinnati.

ANTHONY DEFALCO Vice President of Engineering

ANTHONY DEFALCO

Vice President of Engineering

Anthony is a topflight medical device product development engineer and leader, experienced in the development and implementation of orthopedic, environmental, and electromechanical systems.

NATHAN UTZ Vice President of Client Services

NATHAN UTZ

Vice President of Strategic Accounts

Nathan brings a high level of commitment to servicing and building client relations. Nathan has previously held leadership roles in the medical device industry.

MICHAEL SCHMITZ Chief Financial Officer

MICHAEL SCHMITZ

Chief Financial Officer

Mr. Schmitz is a highly experienced financial practitioner with financial leadership roles in diverse industries including manufacturing and technology as well as a background in public accounting. He received his BS in accounting, cum laude, from the Miami University of Ohio. Mr. Schmitz is a certified public accountant and certified management accountant.