MS2 bacteriophage was aerosolized into a sealed 16m3 environmental bioaerosol chamber, containing the Violett M, using a Collison 24-Jet Nebulizer. The MS2 bioaerosols had a mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) averaging at 0.7µm (700nm). Bioaerosol samples were taken, with impingers, at multiple time points throughout each trial, to quantify the reduction rate capability of the air purification device over time. The impinger samples were serially diluted, plated, incubated, and enumerated in triplicate to yield viable bioaerosol concentrations for each of the sampling timepoints. Chamber control trial data, or the natural loss rate, was subtracted from the device trial data to yield the net log reduction for each of the bioaerosol challenges.
The device achieved an average log reduction of -6.77 +/- 0.09 in 60 minutes. This equates to a net log reduction of 6.42 +/- 0.09 (> 99.999961%) when accounting for control losses. These results show that the Violett M device is extremely effective at the rapid removal of viral bioaerosols from room air, achieving a 4-net log (99.99%) reduction within thirty-five (35) minutes.
In conclusion, the Violett M device achieved >4 net log reduction of MS2 bacteriophage bioaerosols within about thirty-five minutes and a 6.42 net log (>99.9999%) reduction within sixty (60) minutes of operation. It is anticipated that such a reduction should reduce the likelihood of individuals being exposed to and contracting airborne infectious diseases in any enclosed environment, medical or otherwise.