Grants and Contributions:

Grant or Award spanning more than one fiscal year (2017-2018 to 2018-2019).

Air is significant in disseminating pathogens with food processing and clinical environments. To date the mainx000D
air decontamination approach is to use HEPA filters that physically remove microbes from air streams. Thex000D
main disadvantage of HEPA filters is energy requirement for force air through filters coupled with thex000D
accumulation and failure of filters over time. Alternative systems include UV/ionizing based devices thex000D
retention time is too short to ensure microbial inactivation. In the following project will develop andx000D
characterize ultrathin air filters based on a novel copper alloy coated with a dielectric conducting polymerx000D
layer. The filters to be developed capture microbial cells then inactivate through a combination of copper ionsx000D
and antimicrobials within the dielectric layer. The performance of filters will be assessed through determiningx000D
the capture efficacy of model microbes under different flow rates, relative humidity and organic loading. Filterx000D
configuration and holding potential will be optimized along with antimicrobial agent incorporated into thex000D
dielectric layer. One potential restriction of copper based filters is through excessive corrosion and this will bex000D
addressed through evaluation of different polymer layers. The performance of the optimized filter will bex000D
assessed through verification studies with a cost-benefit analysis being performed in relation to currentlyx000D
available HRPA filter systems. The project will train a HQP in a diverse range of techniques includingx000D
microbiology, material science, polymer chemistry and electrochemistry. The deliverable of the work will be tox000D
demonstrate ultrathin air purification systems that can be subsequently developed into commercial units tox000D
maintain air quality in different settings such as those encountered in food processing and clinicalx000D
environments.