Flexible plasma applicators based on fibrous layers

#This disclosure relates generally to a flexible plasma applicator and the applications thereof.

#Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), also referred to as nosocomial infections, are among the most significant cause of morbidity and mortality in healthcare settings, such as in hospitals, throughout the developed and developing world. At any given time, approximately 7% of hospitalized patients in developed countries, and about 10% of those hospitalized patients in developing countries, will acquire at least one HAI. For example, in 2011, in the United States, approximately 721,800 HAIs were reported in hospitals. Of those, approximately 721,800 reported HAIs, approximately 75,000 of those patients died during their hospitalization. Put differently, over approximately 10% of those individuals who were diagnosed with at least one HAI in 2011 in the US died during hospitalization. Furthermore, international public health crises, such as the 2014 West African Ebola virus outbreak, and the rapidly growing number of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including multi-drug resistant and extensively-drug resistant bacteria, represent a significant area of public health concern worth addressing in a cost-effective manner.

#Existing plasma generators are typically capable of sanitizing medical devices and killing microbes in atmospheric conditions. However, these plasma-based generators use rigid components which are not capable of bending or conforming to irregularly shaped objects. This lack of flexibility limits potential use and applications. Furthermore, existing plasma generators are expensive and not ecologically friendly for single use in contaminated or sterile environments. Accordingly, there is a need for flexible, economical plasma-based applicators.

#FIG. 1 represents an exemplary plasma applicator utilizing dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) technology of the present invention.

#FIG. 2 represents an exemplary structure of the substrate layers, with optional interior polymeric layers and optional polymeric coating represented.

#FIG. 3 represents an exemplary structure of a plasma applicator in a circular configuration and portraying an optional “honeycomb” design.

#There are numerous potential underlying causes for HAIs. However, a significant number of HAIs are directly attributable to improper or insufficient sanitation and/or disinfection practices in healthcare settings, such as in a hospital. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 40% of HAIs are caused by poor hand hygiene. This may result in cross-contamination and spread of infectious agents, including both pathogenic agents such as E. coli and opportunistic agents, such as fungus or yeast, or opportunistic bacteria such as Clostridium difficile (C. difficile). Many HAIs are caused by drug-resistant bacteria, i.e., methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). A significant number of bacterial HAIs are Gram-negative bacteria, and a significant number of Gram-negative bacterial infections are antibiotic-resistant. Gram-negative bacterial infections that are common in hospital settings include bacterial pneumonia, bloodstream infections, wound or surgical site infections, and bacterial meningitis. In general, invasive surgery carries a much higher risk than non-invasive surgical procedures in acquiring HAIs.

#“Plasma” is defined herein as the fundamental state of matter characterized by a quasi-neutral collection of electrons, positive ions, and neutrals capable of collective behavior. Plasma is further characterized by a lack of molecular bonds. The presence of a significant number of charge carriers renders plasma electrically conductive so that it responds strongly to magnetic fields. Plasma does not have a definite shape or volume, like gasses. However, unlike gases, plasma may form structures such as filaments, beams, and layers under the influence of a magnetic field. Sanitation by plasma discharge generally occurs through three synergistic mechanisms: free radical interactions, UV/VUV radiative effects, and volatilization.

#The plasma applicators of the present invention utilize dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) technology that allows for plasma discharge to reach material surface. DBD is defined herein as is the gas-discharge between two electrodes, separated by one or more dielectric layers and a gas-filled gap. The plasma applicators of the present invention operate at atmospheric pressure, room temperature, at an alternating current (AC) voltage of about 1 kV to about 100 kV, and a frequency greater than 1 kHz, for example from about 2 kHz to about 10 kHz, although no set frequency is required over 1 kHz.