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Controlled Clinical Trial
. 2022 Sep 20;17(9):e0273937.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273937. eCollection 2022.

Decontamination of Geobacillus Stearothermophilus using the Arca Aerosolized Hydrogen Peroxide decontamination system

Loren Benjamin Mead  1   2 , Tanner Mathison  1 , Garry Osborne  1 , Anne Marie Richards  1
Affiliations
Controlled Clinical Trial

Decontamination of Geobacillus Stearothermophilus using the Arca Aerosolized Hydrogen Peroxide decontamination system

Loren Benjamin Mead et al. PLoS One. .

Abstract

Introduction: In response to the limited supply of personal protective equipment during the pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2, recent studies demonstrate that gaseous H2O2 is an effective decontaminant of N95 filtering facepiece respirators to enable reuse of these items in a clinical setting. This paper evaluates the efficacy of the Arca Aerosolized Hydrogen Peroxide Decontamination System (Arca), a novel aerosolized H2O2 decontamination system, using biologic indicator testing.

Materials and methods: The Arca produces and circulates H2O2 aerosol inside of a sealed stainless steel chamber. The Arca's decontamination efficacy was evaluated in 8 decontamination trials with 2 H2O2 concentrations (3% and 12%) and 4 decontamination cycle durations (45, 60, 90, and 120 minutes). Efficacy was evaluated by testing: 1) the concentration in parts per million (ppm) of H2O2 produced inside the chamber and the concentration in ppm of H2O2 vented from the chamber, and 2) the decontamination of Mesa Biologic Indicator filter strips (BI) inoculated with Geobacillus Stearothermophilus. Control tests were conducted by submerging BI strips in 3mL of 3% and 12% H2O2 for 120 minutes (negative controls) and by not exposing one BI strip to H2O2 (positive control).

Results: Greater than 5000 ppm of H2O2 was detected on the concentration strips inside the chamber for each of the eight decontamination trials. No vented H2O2 was detected on the external concentration strips after any decontamination trial. No growth was observed for any of the negative controls after seven days. The positive control was positive for growth.

Conclusion: The Arca Aerosolized Hydrogen Peroxide Decontamination System is effective at decontaminating bacterial G. Stearothermophilus at a cycle time of 45 minutes utilizing 6mL of 3% H2O2 solution.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors of this publication are members of Abaton’s Board of Directors, which could be perceived as a competing interest. However, the authors do not receive a salary or any gifts-in-kind for their service on the Board, and Abaton is a 501(c)3 non profit. The Arca device design has not, nor ever will be submitted for patent. The intention of the authors is to disseminate the design as an open source document for replication in locations where it might be of assistance. The authors further declare that they in no way financially or otherwise benefitted from the grant funding and personal donations made to Abaton. This does not alter our adherence to PLOS ONE policies on sharing data and materials.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1. Nebulizer Venturi tube design [21].
Fig 2
Fig 2. Arca interior demonstrating mesh rack, circulating fans, and Venturi tube nozzle.
Fig 3
Fig 3. Arca exterior showing nebulizer (top), condenser unit (bottom), and electronics housing (left).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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