Converting Microwave Ovens into Plasma-Generating Decontamination Units for N-95 Respirators
D. N. Ruzic, C. Oh, J. V. Puthussery, D. Patel, Z. Jeckell, V. Verma, T. H. Nguyen
Abstract
We show how a common microwave oven, a coat-hanger and a coffee cup can be used to decontaminate N-95 respirators in 30 seconds. Tulane virus in the artificial saliva was reduced by >3 log and Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores were reduced by >6 log. Respirators maintained filtration and fit even after 10 cycles. Filtration and fit tests performed by the CDC confirmed there was no damage to the respirators. Spectroscopy of the plasma reveals that OH and C-containing radicals as the most prevalent active species.
02 /Specification & Classification
Click any tag to browse matching papers- Research Focus
- Approach
Reproducibility ledger
Nobody has reported trying to reproduce this paper yet. Did you replicate an experiment or run the code? Your report saves the next lab a week.
Sign in to file a reproducibility report.
Related papers
- Dry heat sterilization as a method to recycle N95 respirator masks: the importance of fit
J. G. Yuen, A. C. Marschilok, … K. Shroyer·bioRxiv·Sep 15, 2021
- Development and Application of Decontamination Methods for the Re-Use of Laboratory Grade Plastic Pipette Tips
Sang Hyuk Lee, William Kastor, … Enusha Karunasena·PLoS ONEPeer-reviewed·Dec 31, 2024
- Clean Air Travel: Evaluation of Mask-Free Alternatives to N95 During the Delhi "Air Emergency"
Devabhaktuni Srikrishna·bioRxiv·Jan 1, 2026
- The new silicone N99 half-piece respirator, VJR-NMU N99: A novel and effective tool to prevent COVID-19
T. Trakarnvanich, A. Manomaipiboon, … P. Boonyapatkul·bioRxiv·Jul 23, 2020
- Distributed Compact Plasma Reactor Sterilization for Planetary Protection in Space Missions
B. Choudhury, T. Revazishvili, … S. Portugal·bioRxiv·Nov 14, 2022
- Rapidly self-sterilizing PPE capable of 99.9% SARS-CoV-2 deactivation in 30 seconds
A. A. Zinn, M. Izadjoo, … R. M. Stoltenberg·bioRxiv·Nov 16, 2020