Low-power plasma array technology for combined odor and airborne pathogen treatment
A proprietary non-thermal plasma reactor design that simultaneously addresses chemical and biological air contaminants in a single platform. Scalable modular arrays enable treatment of virtually any air flow rate, targeting applications in indoor air quality, healthcare facilities, agricultural settings, and commercial buildings.
Overview
This solution leverages non-thermal plasma technology to deliver multifaceted air treatment, simultaneously addressing particulate matter, gaseous odors, and airborne pathogens. The approach combines electrostatic precipitation for particle removal, oxidative destruction of odor-causing compounds, and direct plasma inactivation of airborne viruses and bacteria. A proprietary reactor design, licensed to startup Taza Aya, enables modular arrays that scale to virtually any air flow requirement, making the technology suitable for diverse environments where healthful indoor air is a priority.
Technical specifications
- Non-thermal plasma generation at low power, producing reactive species that oxidize volatile organic compounds responsible for odors
- Electrostatic precipitation for removal of airborne particulate matter
- Direct plasma inactivation of airborne pathogens, including demonstrated efficacy against bacteriophage MS2 and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus
- Electro-hydrodynamic flow manipulation using plasma-generated electric fields to enhance air movement and treatment coverage
- Modular reactor architecture allowing multiple unitary modules to be arranged in multiplexed arrays for scalable deployment
- Validated test compounds including limonene (a common fragrance compound) for odor treatment and bacteriophage MS2 as a viral surrogate
Technology readiness level
The underlying science has been validated through peer-reviewed research, including the first reported plasma inactivation of an airborne human/animal disease virus (PRRS) in 2020. A proprietary reactor design has been licensed to startup Taza Aya, which has fabricated a functional unitary plasma reactor module. The proposed project aims to evaluate combined chemical and biological remediation efficacy using established surrogate organisms and compounds. The technology is positioned for further validation and scaling toward commercial deployment across multiple indoor air quality applications.
About University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is a comprehensive public research university based in Ann Arbor with additional campuses in Dearborn and Flint, known for a broad, interdisciplinary research enterprise and a major academic health system. Industry partners engage through co-located facilities, including a large north campus research complex with shared labs and incubator space, plus on-campus testbeds for rapid prototyping and validation. Proximity to Detroit’s mobility and manufacturing base, plus dedicated business engagement teams, streamlines sponsored research and access to talent. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NIH, NSF, DOE, and DoD, alongside state and industry sponsorship. A centralized tech transfer office manages IP, licensing, and startup support, with corporate memberships and flexible agreements.
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