Arann Healthcare undergoes first major clinical trials
Invent client company Arann Healthcare has developed a new method of disinfecting surfaces using plasma technology and is due to commence it’s first clinical trials this year. The Radica system promises and efficient, quick,safe and portable method for the destruction of harmful bacteria and so-called ‘super-bugs that are resistant to most antibiotics.
The plasma technology has already been proven in laboratory tests at UCD and in its first clinical trials it will be used to disinfect hospital mattresses. CEO Paul Maguire explains that the system works by using ordinary air and a plasma gas discharge to create highly reactive radicals that are pumped into a plastic bag in which the object to be disinfected is placed.”Radicals in the plasma attach themselves to the DNA of any bacteria present, destroying the DNA and killing the bacteria. The Radicals are then pumped out of the bag and reconverted into ordinary breathable air” he said.
Arann Healthcare comprises a team of four PhD graduates, Paul Maguire, Felipe Soberon, Shane Glynn and Stephen Daniels. The company was founded last February and the new venture is funded by the AIB Seed Capital Fund, private investments and a €200,000 investment by Enterprise Ireland. Having previously set up a company Lexas and successfully commercialising its technology Maguire hopes to achieve similar success second time round.
Extracts from Technology Ireland
