Cold atmospheric plasma inactivation of aerosolized microdroplets containing bacteria and purified SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA to contrast airborne indoor transmission

Abstract One of the major concerns in the COVID‐19 pandemic is related to the possible transmission in poorly ventilated spaces of SARS‐CoV‐2 through aerosol microdroplets, which can remain in the air for long periods of time and be transmitted to others over distances >1 m. Cold atmospheric pressure plasmas can represent a promising solution, thanks to their ability in producing a blend of many reactive species, which can inactivate the airborne aerosolized microorganisms. In this study, a dielectric barrier discharge plasma source is used to directly inactivate suitably produced bioaerosols containing Staphylococcus epidermidis or purified SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA flowing through it. Results show that for low residence times (<0.2 s) in the plasma region a 3.7 log R on bacterial bioaerosol and degradation of viral RNA can be achieved.