University of Southampton uses space tech to curb hospital infections

Published by

Daniel Face

Scientists from the University of Southampton are using space technology to control infections in hospitals, while also helping to reduce their carbon emissions.

Project PASTA (Plasma Air Sterilisation and Treatment Apparatus) utilises the same plasma technology used to de-orbit satellites, such as on the Space X Falcon 9 flight.

Developed by Dr Minkwan Kim, associate professor in astronautics, it’s now been adapted for use on Earth – with prototypes currently being trialled at Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester.

“In space, we’re using the application’s physical momentum, while on Earth, we’re looking at the chemical characteristics to kill pathogens and viruses that commonly cause healthcare-associated infections”, said Dr Kim.

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“More than 300,000 patients a year in England acquire an airborne virus while receiving medical treatment in hospital.

“Our main aim is to address that problem directly, helping to protect both patients and staff within hospital environments.

“When plasma is generated, it also generates reactive species. This makes pathogens believe they’re exposed to external threats, leading them to over-produce hydroperoxide – a cell-damaging agent – which kills the pathogen.”

Traditional air handling systems rely on filtration and ventilation which, as Dr Kim explained, leaves patients exposed to airborne pathogens.

“A plasma treatment system eliminates this concern, as we’re treating the air inside the hospital and properly sterilising it.”

As well as improvements to air quality, Dr Kim believes PASTA could help shrink a hospital’s carbon footprint.

“By improving the energy efficiency of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, PASTA has the potential to significantly reduce emissions we see coming from hospitals.

“In fact, our findings estimate that we could reduce a hospital’s energy bill by at least 50 per cent compared to current filter systems – as well as the added bonus of noise reduction caused by their fans.”

The project was funded by the NHS Future Hospital Initiative Programme of the European Space Agency.

Daniel Face

Born and raised in Berkshire, Dan fell into journalism after completing his bachelor’s degree in English at UCL. Writing for The Business Magazine and local Biz News sites has given him the opportunity to chat with all manner of small business owners and share their success stories with a wider audience. Outside of work, Dan enjoys live music, board games and quiz shows, and is making a slow but persistent effort to learn Spanish.