Plasma powder sterilization apparatus and methods

摘要

Systems and methods for plasma sterilization are described. The sterilization method includes placing a substance to be sterilized in a rotating chamber (e.g., drum) and exposing the substance to a radio frequency (RF) plasma. The mixing of the substance and plasma is further promoted by generating a magnetic field that produces a force on the substance in a direction opposite to the rotational direction of the chamber. In other aspects, the chamber may have a gas permeable wall. In addition, the substance may be exposed to acoustic shock waves produced by a modulating RF generator.

主权项

1. A method of sterilizing a substance, comprising:
placing the substance in a rotating chamber; irradiating the substance with a RF plasma; applying a force not caused by rotation of the rotating chamber to increase contact of the substance with the RF plasma; and wherein the force comprises a magnetic field that causes the RF plasma to rotate in a direction opposite to that of the chamber.