Distributed compact plasma reactor sterilization for Planetary protection and contamination control for space missions

SurfPlasma aims to develop a safe, smart, portable, non-thermal, and energy efficient sterilization system, the Active Plasma Sterilizer (APSTM), with inbuilt ozone mixing and rapid ozone removal arrangement. Potential NASA applications include sterilization of heat-sensitive spacecraft components, ground-based contamination control and in-flight cross-contamination control. The approach is to employ dielectric barrier discharge (DBD)plasma using a proprietary miniature reactor, called Compact Portable Plasma Reactors (CPPR), for efficient decontamination. CPPRs are compact, lightweight and energy efficient, with the unique ability to both generate and distribute ozone. In Phase I, we have demonstrated that the APS prototype V0 can achieve 4 to 5 log reductions of pathogenic bacteria on 4 NASA relevant materials, simultaneously at 11 locations distributed inside the APS within 30 minutes using 13.2 W total power consumption. Also, successful ozone penetration for complex fabric layers was established; a catalyst was selected for complete ozone decomposition; and SEM analyses showed no significant degradation of the 4 tested materials during APS operation.Importantly, a strong commercialization interest was identifiedfrominvestor, manufacturer, distributor, and field test partners. In Phase II, product technical objectives will aim at advancing the APS prototype for (a) building prototype V1 (smart system) with integrated surface detection, temperature and humidity sensors, ozone decomposition module, control panel and display, (b) performing additional sterilization tests based on the Biological Challenge List by NASA-JPL and (c) obtaining material compatibility data sheet for the APS. Deliverables include detailed analysis and a prototype for NASA testing. In parallel to RD efforts, SurfPlasma will work with a commercialization team of industry experts with established investing, manufacturing, distributing and field test experience during Phase II and beyond. Advanced materials and electronics are highly sensitive to Dry Heat Microbial Reduction and Vapor Phase Hydrogen Peroxide sterilization technologies currently approved by NASA. This calls for more reliable, safer technologies for space application. Published research and Phase I data show that dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) generated ozone will be suitable to meet that need. SurfPlasma’s innovation consists of a portable, rapidly deployable, non-thermal, smart sterilization system called Active Plasma Sterilizer (APS) which consists of compact, lightweight, and energy-efficient DBD reactors with inbuilt ozone distribution system, ozone penetration mechanism and a catalytic ozone decomposition arrangement. In contrast to existing large, heavy-weight and inefficient DBD systems, the APS uses patented technology - the Compact Portable Plasma Reactor, which is lightweight, and energy-efficient. Potential applications include sterilization of spacecraft components, ground-based contamination control that can withstand testing operations and in-flight cross-contamination control. The main goal of the Phase II project is to build and test a portable, non-thermal, superior safety, cost competitive, smart, and rapid decontamination system: Active Plasma Sterilizer (APS) for adhering to NASA sterilization needs while being compatible with relevant materials. Using the Phase I results as a baseline, this project aims at advancing the APS prototype through iterative testing and design modifications geared towards addressing sterilization modalities beyond time and temperature, cleaning of adhesive surfaces and cleaning protocols beyond alcohol and bleach as stated in the recent 2020 NASA Technology Taxonomy report. Furthermore, focus will be on increasing sterilization capabilities while reducing volume, power, and costs. The technical objectives identified are: (a) building prototype V1 (smart system) with integrated surface detection, temperature and humidity sensors, ozone decomposition module, control panel and display, (b) performing additional sterilization tests based on the Biological Challenge List by NASA-JPL and (c) obtaining material compatibility data sheet for the APS. Deliverables include data of detailed prototype analysis and prototype for testing. Additionally, we will advance commercialization of the APS during Phase II with the help of our investor, manufacturer, distributor and field test partners, along with customer feedback.

Potential NASA applications of the lightweight, portable Active Plasma Sterilizer (APS) include safe, effective, and non-thermal sterilization of tools and equipment for contamination control. The APS is suitable for decontamination on ground facilities or on space missions, on the Moon or Mars. The APS will be useful for sensitive tools and equipment that would otherwise be damaged by existing decontamination systems using high temperature (DHMR) and harsh chemicals (VHP); and for equipment with hidden surfaces where UV light would not work. Non-NASA applications of the APS includes (a) medical device manufacturing industry, (b) hospitals and clinics and (c) food and beverage industry. The APS addresses the broad medical and societal need for a superior safety, fast, non-thermal, convenient, user-friendly, and cost-effective decontamination solution for preventing pathogen spread and reducing HAIs hospital acquired infections.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.