AAPlasma is proud to announce that we have been chosen by the Defense Logistics Agency to receive funding for our project “Pulsed Plasma Treatment for Rapid In-Between-Patient Disinfection of Non-Invasive Ventilation Systems and Personal Protection Equipment After COVID-19 Use” as part of their Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funding.

In this project, AAPlasma will be working with the DLA to address the incredible demand for a rapid PPE disinfection process that includes COVID-19 contamination. To do this, we will be developing a non-equilibrium (“cold”) plasma-based system that builds on previously-successful technology and is capable of achieving in-between-patient decontamination of PPE. This will allow for rapid reuse of these invaluable tools during COVID-19 and potential future pandemics.

Current methods for disinfecting personal protective equipment (PPE) such as N95 masks and garments typically demand long turnaround times, resulting in the inability to reuse these instrumental tools during times of high stress, as can be seen in the COVID-19 pandemic. Our system will significantly reduce these turnaround times, making sure that healthcare workers have access to these vital resources in times of high stress. 

AAPlasma is proud to be able to play a part in responding to the unprecedented needs of the country during the COVID-19 pandemic. We thank the Defense Logistics Agency for helping us to protect the nation’s healthcare workers in this and future pandemics.