Pluma

What it does

Pluma is a portable bactericidal cleaning device utilizing plasma-activated water (PAW) generated by mixing water mist with non-thermal plasma (NTP) from corona discharge. The antimicrobial effect resulted from the reactive species in PAW.

Your inspiration

During the pandemic, a massive number of disinfectants were consumed worldwide. However, in remote areas where accessing disinfectants, clean water and infrastructure are difficult, local residents faced challenges in maintaining personal hygiene. Even if the pandemic is over, the accessibility issue still remains due to lack of infrastructure and resources. Therefore, a portable, accessible, eco-friendly solution that shields the barrier between people and harmful bacteria is beneficial. By merging plasma technology with portable design, we delivered a palm-sized cleaning solution with laboratory-grade sterilization using just air and water.

How it works

Firstly, Pluma will generate atmospheric non-thermal plasma (NTP) through corona discharge using the in-built small-scale high voltage generator. Reactive species such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) will be transferred to the chamber by “ion wind” , a flow of air induced by the kinetic energy of ionized air. At the same time, a micro pump pushes ~10 millilitres of water into the ultrasonic nebulizer, producing micro mist droplets then delivers them to the chamber. Secondly, the water mist and the reactive species from NTP react in the chamber to form plasma-activated water (PAW) droplets, forming long‐lived aqueous reactive species such as H2O2, NO3−, NO2− and O3, which endow the PAW droplet with bactericidal properties. Finally, the “ion wind” from corona discharge will continue to push the PAW droplet out from the nozzle, delivering the bactericidal reactive species to the processing surface.

Design process

We discovered that plasma cleaning has received considerable attention in recent years but there is a lack of plasma cleaning equipment on the market that is easily accessible and portable for ordinary consumers. We have reviewed lots of NTP sources, NTP sourced from corona discharge was eventually selected due to its unique advantage of “ion wind” and ease of manufacturing. We started our lo-fi prototyping with plastic bottles and verified the feasibility of ion wind-driven water mist. To verify whether PAW was correctly generated and its bactericidal effect, we built a proper engineering prototype and carried out bio-testing in the lab. The results of the first round of bio-tests confirmed the generation of PAW but its bactericidal effect was not ideal. Based on the testing results and using CFD simulation, we redesigned the engineering prototype, reducing its volume by 36% and improving the NTP-water mist mixing effect inside the chamber. The redesigned six-outlet nozzle can spray PAW more evenly on the treatment surface. The second round of bio-tests shows great improvement in bactericidal effectiveness, indicated by a significant reduction in colony count. We also built a look-like prototype for user testing, to gain feedback on the user experience and usage intuitiveness.

How it is different

Pluma is a truly portable cleaning device that does not require or consume any chemical cleaning agents. The only input source to achieve bactericidal effect is air with a small amount of water. Pluma provides an accessible option for user with limited access to traditional disinfectants while still delivers lab-grade sterilization. As Pluma only consume air, small amount of water and little electric energy, the water-efficient and chemical free characteristics make it also a sustainable solution. This is truly important given that the large consumption of chemical disinfectants back in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Future plans

Our product offers significant advantages including water conservation, high efficiency, and environmental friendliness. In London, we plan to establish partnerships with local outdoor sports clubs, tourism companies, rescue organizations, and environmental agencies, generating revenue through device sales, subscription services, and complementary consumables. Over the next five years, we will achieve steady growth through technological innovation, channel expansion, and ecosystem collaboration, while actively contributing to humanitarian aid and sustainable development efforts.

Awards