JP2023529594A - Mobile system and decontamination method for microwave-assisted surface decontamination - Google Patents

Abstract

A mobile decontamination system and microwave-assisted decontamination method for decontaminating various contaminated surfaces located external to the system are disclosed. The system and method comprises treating a surface with a non-hazardous chemical formulation followed by brief exposure to microwave radiation to obtain B. Ancilasis, B. thuringiensis, and P. thuringiensis. Provides at least a 6-log reduction in biological contaminants, including Roqueforti viruses and spores. The formulation has percarbonate and surfactant in water. [Selection diagram] Figure 1

Description

Related application

This application is related to and claims the benefit of US Provisional Application No. 63/032726, filed June 1, 2020, entitled "Microwave Assisted Methods and Systems for Surface Decontamination."

Federally funded research and development

This disclosure was made in part with US Government support under Contract No. HSHQDC-14-C-00050 awarded by the US Department of Homeland Security. The US Government may have certain rights in this disclosure.

This disclosure relates to methods and systems for decontaminating a variety of contaminated surfaces, both in enclosed structures and large areas. Specifically, the system and method involve treating the surface with a non-toxic chemical formulation followed by brief exposure to radiofrequency radiation (microwaves).

A recent report from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and its partners (N. van Doremalen, et al., 2020) indicates that the virus that causes the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is present in numbers in aerosols and on surfaces. It has been shown to be stable for hours to days. Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was detectable in aerosols for up to 3 hours, on copper for up to 4 hours, on cardboard for up to 24 hours, and on plastics and stainless steel for up to 2-3 days. The results provide important information about the stability of SARS-CoV-2, which causes the COVID-19 disease, and that people can become infected with the virus in the air or after coming into contact with contaminated objects. It suggests. On cardboard, SARS-CoV-2 had a longer half-life than SARS-CoV-1. The estimated half-life of SARS-CoV-2 was about 5.6 hours for stainless steel and about 6.8 hours for plastic. Rapid and effective surface decontamination methods are needed to limit the spread of COVID-19.

The commercial aviation industry lost billions of dollars in revenue during the SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) epidemic. The only approved method for decontamination of commercial aircraft is for personnel in protective clothing with respirators to manually clean all surfaces on the aircraft using a liquid disinfectant (such as diluted bleach). Wipe off with This is a laborious and time-consuming process, and is impractical when a large number of aircraft require decontamination. Other market segments, such as the travel and hospitality markets, have similar needs to deal with the pollution of cruise ships, buses, trains, and other shared environments. Decontamination of military aircraft using hot, humid air has been tested. Reportedly, 3-4 days of treatment were required to destroy spores using hot and humid levels. This approach also damages critical systems within the aircraft. Under pandemic or biological attack situations, there is a great risk of contamination of aircraft or Airborne Landing Point (APOD) sites. Traditional oxidative decontaminants can embrittle aircraft aluminum and damage APOD sensitive equipment.

Looking to the healthcare market, cleaning and disinfection functions are routine throughout the healthcare industry. Hospital rooms, operating rooms, and isolation rooms for highly infectious patients require regular disinfection or, in some cases, thorough sterilization. Target organisms are usually bacteria, bacterial spores, and viruses rather than fungi. Ventilation systems may also require regular disinfection. Decontamination of entire buildings is expensive and difficult. The Bio-response Operational Testing and Evaluation (BOTE) project is a medium-sized building scale to respond to B. anthracis spore release from early public health and law enforcement through environmental remediation. It was a multi-agency effort designed to test and evaluate agency research. First responders also face decontamination or disinfection issues. It is also difficult to decontaminate ambulances transporting patients with infectious diseases such as Ebola virus disease and patients infected with the new coronavirus (such as COVID-19 patients). This is because ambulances need to be repaired before they can resume service.

Fumigants have been used to decontaminate surfaces exposed to agents released in enclosed structures, such as the 2001 Amerithrax attack carried out through the mail. A major challenge during decontamination of the US Hart Senate Building was to maintain a minimum temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit and a minimum relative humidity of 65% RH for consistent and effective use of the decontamination agent chlorine dioxide (CD). was that it needed to be maintained. At conditions outside this range, CD readily decomposes to produce chlorine. Chlorine is very reactive and damages surfaces. Moreover, CD is toxic to humans. A CD concentration of about 700 ppm was used for many hours. CD has an OSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 0.1 ppm, a 15-minute short-term exposure limit (STEL) of 0.25 ppm, and a NIOSH immediate injury to life and health (IDLH) level of 5 ppm. Significant damage to building surfaces was reported as a result of this cleanup.

The use of other fumigants is also problematic. For example, vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) at a concentration of 200 ppm is slightly less toxic than CD with 1 ppm PEL, 2 ppm STEL, and 75 ppm IDLH. Other examples of fumigants for decontamination are methyl bromide and formaldehyde. Methyl bromide is a well-known and very potent greenhouse gas that requires full coverage of the structure to minimize its release to the atmosphere. Formaldehyde is used only in limited applications, such as decontamination of small rooms and labware. Formaldehyde is a well-known carcinogen, toxic (0.75ppm for PEL, 2ppm for STEL) and usually leaves a solid polymer residue, which should be removed from all surfaces to prevent long-term outgassing. There is a need to. Fumigants also do not help decontaminate surfaces in a wide range of outdoor release scenarios.

To decontaminate a wide range of (outdoor) surfaces, oxidation has been attempted to deactivate surface biothreats. Oxidants include hydroxyl radicals, gaseous oxygen, ozone, hydrogen peroxide, and hypochlorites (such as sodium hypochlorite and calcium hypochlorite), which may be generated on-site if desired. bleach), and at least one of chlorine. However, these chemicals damage surfaces and are generally toxic to humans. Because of these undesirable sequelae, for example, the U.S. Department of Defense has attempted to use hot soapy water to biologically decontaminate land vehicles, and has used a combination of hot air and high humidity for extended periods of time. and decontaminated the inside of the aircraft. These approaches are not effective at destroying biological contaminants. Additionally, if the biothreat were to spread over a wide area, hazardous materials teams would find it difficult to decontaminate their equipment and vehicles.

Extensive surface decontamination by first exposing the surface to chemicals such as sodium hypochlorite (bleach) and then microwave radiation to produce highly reactive oxidizing species that kill biological agents. Dyeing has also been attempted. For example, Raytheon and Los Alamos National Laboratory sprayed surfaces with diluted household bleach (0.025% sodium hypochlorite) or carbon black, then used 95 GHz irradiation to 6-log killing (reduction, >99.999% reduction) of B. anthracis (Stern) spores on complex surfaces was demonstrated by activating the treated surfaces for 5 to 120 seconds. A greater than 6-log reduction in B. anthracis was seen at exposure times greater than 5 seconds. In this hybrid approach, chemicals used prior to exposure to radio frequency radiation such as microwaves can be considered directed energy enhancers (“DEE”). When exposed to RF irradiation, DEE chemicals have biocidal properties and produce oxygen-containing radicals that kill biological contaminants. These reactive species can be continuously generated by treating contaminated surfaces with DEE chemicals and exposing them to RF radiation. This hybrid approach has two distinct advantages over other technologies. That is, (1) Very low concentrations of decontaminants can be used, which greatly reduces costs and reduces material compatibility and environmental contamination issues. (2) Temporary active biocide species (oxygen containing radicals) can be continuously regenerated to prevent the need for reapplication due to interaction with materials. However, bleach is harmful to surfaces. Additionally, because carbon black is conductive, it tends to penetrate surface devices (such as computers) and cause electrical shorts.

US Patent Application Publication No. 20180007922 "Method and System for Microwave Decontamination of Food Surfaces" describes a method and system for decontaminating the surface of food such as pieces of meat. The method includes treating the food and/or piece of meat with microwaves in the range of 0.5-18 GHz, such as 4-18 GHz. This method was used to treat pieces of meat surface contaminated with Clostridium botulinum spores or Clostridium botulinum vegetative cells. US Pat. No. 6,797,242, "Chemical and Biological Decontamination System," discloses a system that produces singlet delta oxygen that neutralizes chemical and biological contaminants. This system can decontaminate large volumes of contaminated air and is not limited by air humidity. U.S. Pat. No. 7,629,918, "Multifunctional Radio Frequency Directed Energy System," includes a radio frequency transmitter and antenna that directs high power electromagnetic energy to a target sufficient to cause high energy damage or destruction of the target. It discloses a system of provision. U.S. Pat. No. 8,943,744, "Apparatus and Method Using Microwave Energy for Insect and Pest Control," describes a method for using microwave energy to treat loci infested with insects or other small pests. Apparatus is disclosed. The device has a microwave energy source, a transmission element, and an antenna connected to a power supply and power controller. Methods of using such devices for treatment of infected sites are also disclosed. Lai et al. (2005) disclose a portable microwave plasma torch operating with air flow for biowarfare agent decontamination. Emission spectroscopy of the plasma torch has shown that reactive atomic oxygen is abundantly produced that can effectively oxidize biological agents. Bacillus cereus was selected as a simulant for the biological agent Bacillus anthracis spores in decontamination experiments. Experimental results showed that all spores were killed in less than 8 seconds at a distance of 3 cm from the torch nozzle, 12 seconds at a distance of 4 cm, and less than 16 seconds at a distance of 5 cm.

Since then, the threat posed by aerosolized biological agents has remained a major concern of the US government due to the potentially dire consequences to life and property. Two major threat scenarios of particular concern are: (1) release of pathogens within enclosed structures (such as office buildings, airports, mass transit facilities, etc.) where HVAC systems can effectively distribute pathogens throughout the structure; and (2) towns and cities. It is a broad-spectrum release of a drug throughout a residential area such as Exposure to the released aerosolized drug can result in mass casualties. It is extremely difficult to protect citizens from initial exposure in a wide area release. Safe, effective, and environmentally friendly solutions are needed to mitigate the long-term effects associated with re-aerosolization and exposure to surface-bound agents, and to minimize damage to surfaces. A method and system that does not use hazardous chemicals to rapidly decontaminate surfaces at low cost, without causing material damage to the surface or side effects to humans, both in confined structures and large areas. There is a need. There is a need for DEE chemical formulations with low chemical toxicity, minimal corrosion, and high environmental tolerance. It is desirable to reduce biological contaminants by at least a 6-log reduction using low temperature, preferably near ambient temperature processing methods.

Exemplary methods and systems are disclosed for decontaminating various surfaces in both enclosed structures and large areas. Specifically, the system and method comprise treating the surface with a non-toxic chemical formulation and then briefly exposing the surface to radiofrequency radiation (microwaves).

Disclosed is a mobile decontamination system for treating contaminated surfaces located external to the system, the mobile decontamination system including one or more on-board tanks directed to each of the on-board tanks. The one or more on-board tanks for storing a DEE formulation and removably connected to the fluid manifold for spraying the DEE formulation at a predetermined spray rate to substantially remove the contaminated surface. a sprayer subsystem having a plurality of nozzles in fluid communication with the one or more storage tanks and a radio frequency (RF) subsystem for forming a coated surface to form a coated surface; a radio frequency (RF) subsystem as described above, having a microwave generator configured to generate microwave radiation and a plurality of pyramidal horn antennas for directing the microwave radiation onto the coated surface; and driven by a motor. at least one of computer vision, GPS, ultrasonic proximity sensors, optical sensors, sonar sensors, and gyroscopes; a robot platform control system; a power supply; and a control system arranged in bi-directional communication with the spray subsystem, the RF subsystem, the movement subsystem, and the power supply. The nozzle may comprise at least one of a flat fan nozzle, an extended range flat fan nozzle, an even flat fan nozzle, a twin orifice flat fan nozzle, a flood nozzle, a hollow cone orifice nozzle, and a full cone orifice nozzle. The microwave RF radiation can be characterized by frequencies between about 2.35 GHz and about 2.65 GHz. The microwave radiation can be characterized by a frequency of approximately 2.45 GHz. The system can be configured to be remotely controlled by a human operator. The system may be configured to operate substantially autonomously. The microwave generator can generate microwave RF radiation at a power density between about 1 W/cm ² and about 2 W/cm ² . The DEE formulation may have about 2.5 wt% PCSR in water. The control system is configured to control movement of the robotic mobility platform using input from at least one of computer vision, GPS, ultrasonic proximity sensors, optical sensors, sonar sensors, and gyroscopes. good The control system supplies power to the microwave generator, transfers a predetermined amount of DEE formulation from the tank to the plurality of nozzles, and controls the above so as to control at least one of the focusing operation of the plurality of nozzles, the transmission of microwave radiation from the microwave generator through the plurality of horn antennas, and the focusing operation of the microwave radiation onto the coated surface. Good to be configured. The control system utilizes an initial amount of DEE formulation in the one or more tanks, a spray rate from the one or more nozzles and a spray time corresponding to the one or more spray rates to Or it can be configured to measure the amount of DEE remaining in multiple tanks. It can further comprise a data acquisition component and a data transfer component for transferring data to a remote server. The above data include the composition of the DEE formulation, the amount of DEE formulation used to treat the contaminated surface, the amount of DEE formulation remaining in one or more tanks, the microwave radiation used. frequency of microwave radiation, power density of microwave radiation, microwave radiation treatment time, and type of contaminant. The system power supply is in electrical communication with at least one of a battery pack on board the system, a power supply available onboard the aircraft, and a power supply available for ground support when the aircraft is parked at an airport. good to be able The system may be powered by a suitable battery pack located on-board the system.

A method of treating a contaminated surface located external to the system is disclosed, the system comprising the steps of: providing the mobile decontamination system; spraying a DEE formulation onto the contaminated surface; substantially coating the contaminated surface to form a coated surface, wherein the DEE formulation has a PCSR of about 2.5% by weight in water; to microwave irradiation for a predetermined exposure time to substantially decontaminate the coated surface to produce a treated surface, wherein the treated surface has at least a 6-log reduction in and the above step characterized by a reduction in contaminants of The DEE formulation may further have about 1% by weight surfactant. The contaminated surface may comprise at least one of metal, concrete, plastic, and wood. The contaminated surfaces may comprise at least one of surfaces in hospital rooms, aircraft, and office buildings. The surface contaminants include 229E (alphacoronavirus), NL63 (alphacoronavirus), OC43 (betacoronavirus), HKU1 (betacoronavirus), MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV, and SARS-coronavirus-2. You may have at least one of The microwave radiation can be characterized by frequencies between about 2.35 GHz and about 2.65 GHz. The microwave radiation can be characterized by a frequency of approximately 2.45 GHz. The microwave irradiation can be characterized by a heat output of about 500W to about 2000W. The predetermined exposure time for microwave radiation exposure can be between about 10 seconds and about 45 seconds. The predetermined exposure time for microwave radiation exposure can be between about 15 seconds and about 30 seconds.

A microwave-assisted surface decontamination method for treating a surface contaminated with a contaminant is disclosed, the microwave-assisted surface decontamination method comprising spraying a DEE formulation onto the contaminated surface to remove the contaminated surface. substantially coating the surface to form a coated surface, wherein the DEE formulation has a PCSR of about 2.5% by weight in water; and exposing the coated surface to microwave radiation for a predetermined exposure time to substantially decontaminate the coated surface and produce a treated surface, wherein The cleaned surface is characterized by a contaminant reduction of at least a 6-log reduction. The predetermined hold time can be between about 15 seconds and about 45 seconds.

A DEE formulation for use in microwave-assisted surface decontamination is disclosed, which may have about 2.5 wt% PCSR in water. The formulation may further have about 1% by weight of surfactant in water.

Other features and advantages of this disclosure will be set forth, in part, in the following description and accompanying drawings, in which preferred aspects of the disclosure are set forth and illustrated, and, in part, with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will become apparent to, or can be learned by, practice of this disclosure to those skilled in the art from a consideration of the following detailed description taken in conjunction. The advantages of this disclosure may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

The above-described aspects and many attendant advantages of this disclosure will be more readily appreciated as they become better understood by reference to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. .
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary microwave-assisted method for surface decontamination. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary microwave assisted device for surface decontamination. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another exemplary microwave assisted apparatus for surface decontamination; FIG. 4 is a perspective view (exploded view) of an exemplary microwave assisted decontamination device with a graphical user interface. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary microwave assisted decontamination device with a graphical user interface;

All reference numbers, identifiers and callouts in the figures are incorporated herein by this reference as if fully set forth herein. The omission of numbering of figure elements is not intended as a waiver of any right. Unnumbered references are sometimes identified by letters in figures and appendices.

The following detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings that form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific examples in which the disclosed systems and methods can be implemented. These examples, which should be understood as "examples" or "options", are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. The embodiments may be combined, other embodiments may be utilized, and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

In this disclosure, the singular notation (equivalent to the English terms "a" or "an") is used to include one or more and the term "or" is used to specifically indicate Used to refer to a non-exclusive "or" unless otherwise specified. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology used herein and not otherwise defined is for the purpose of description only and is not intended to be limiting. Unless otherwise specified in this disclosure, for purposes of interpreting ranges for the term "about," the margin of error associated with the values disclosed (dimensions, operating conditions, etc.) is ±10% of the values given in this disclosure. %. The margin of error associated with values disclosed as percentages is ±1% of the indicated percentages. The word "substantially" used before certain words includes "a substantial part of the specified range" and "a large part but not all of what is specified". meaning is included.

detailed description

Specific aspects of the present invention are described below in considerable detail for purposes of explaining the organization, principles, and operation of the disclosed method and system. However, various modifications may be made and the scope of the invention is not limited to the exemplary aspects described.

Treatment of contaminated surfaces with exemplary DEE formulations disclosed herein followed by exposure to RF irradiation may be used to destroy viruses such as the MS2 bacteriophage, which is responsible for SARS. - commonly used as a surrogate for pathogenic human viruses such as Coronavirus-2. These exemplary treatment methods may be used to destroy viruses such as the MS2 bacteriophage, which are used as surrogates for pathogenic human viruses such as SARS-coronavirus-2. The virus is at least one of 229E (alphacoronavirus), NL63 (alphacoronavirus), OC43 (betacoronavirus), HKU1 (betacoronavirus), MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV, and SARS-coronavirus-2 Good to have one. MS2 bacteriophage viruses are considerably more difficult to inactivate or destroy than enveloped viruses such as SARS-coronavirus-2. Without being bound by theory, MS2 bacteriophage can infect bacterial hosts such as E. coli. Once inside the host cell, they can hijack the host cell and use the cell's resources to multiply into new phages. Once assembly of the MS2 phage is complete, the host cell is lysed. The DEE formulations disclosed herein are effective in destroying viruses on a variety of surfaces when the treated surfaces are exposed to RF radiation. An exemplary DEE formulation for killing viruses can have about 2.5% by weight PerCarbonate based Stain Remover (PSCR) in water. An exemplary PCSR is commercially available OxiClean (Church & Dwight Co., Inc.). PCSR preferably has about 66% by weight sodium percarbonate (eg, 2Na ₂ CO ₃ :3H ₂ O ₂ , sodium carbonate peroxide hydride) and about 34% by weight sodium carbonate. The exemplary DEE formulation-treated surface can then be exposed to RF radiation at about 2.45 GHz for about 10 seconds to about 45 seconds. Alternatively, the surface treated with the exemplary DEE formulation can be exposed to RF radiation of about 2.45 GHz for about 15 seconds to about 30 seconds. Further details are provided in Example 1 of this disclosure. DEE formulations may also have copper and iron salts in water. Further, exemplary DEE formulations for decontamination of virus-contaminated surfaces may be unbleached. Exemplary DEE formulations for viral decontamination may be free of surfactants. For decontamination of porous surfaces such as virus-contaminated wood, an exemplary DEE formulation may have a surfactant to ensure penetration of the DEE formulation into the pores. Exemplary surfactants may include commercially available Tween 80 (Sigma Aldrich) surfactant, also known as polysorbate 80, PEG(80) sorbitan monooleate, and polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate. It is a known polyethylene sorbitol ester. Tween 80 is a virtually harmless chemical used in detergents, soaps, cosmetics, mouthwashes and ice creams. The surfactant may have a calculated molecular weight of 1310 Daltons. Typically, the fatty acid composition is about 70% by weight oleic acid, with the remainder primarily linoleic, palmitic, and stearic acids. The oleic acid concentration is typically ≧58.0% by weight. Exemplary DEE formulations and treatment methods can be used to decontaminate surfaces contaminated with pathogenic human viruses such as SARS-Coronavirus-2.

An exemplary mobile decontamination system 200 (FIGS. 2-5), which may be in the form of a mobile cart 201, is disclosed. The system may have a container (not shown) that holds a predetermined amount of the DEE formulation and fluidic components (eg, pumps, valves, etc.) for transferring the DEE formulation from the container to the manifold 204. , the manifold 204 is in fluid communication with one or more spray nozzles 202 . An exemplary DEE formulation has about 2.5% by weight percarbonate-based stain remover (PSCR) in water. An exemplary PCSR is commercially available OxiClean (Church & Dwight Co., Inc.). Another exemplary DEE formulation has about 2.5% PCR and about 1% surfactant by weight in water. Surfactants spread chemicals on a surface. Exemplary surfactants can include commercially available Tween 80 (Sigma Aldrich) surfactant. The orientation of the nozzle 202 can be adjusted to ensure that the contaminated surface is quickly and completely (or substantially completely) exposed to the DEE formulation spray. Microwave radiation (e.g., frequencies of about 2.35 GHz to about 2.65 GHz, preferably about 2.45 GHz) from a microwave generator (not shown) is applied to the atomized surface using a pyramidal horn antenna 203. Good to direct to. The orientation of the antenna may also be adjusted/varying to quickly irradiate DEE-sprayed contaminated surfaces. DEE formulation containers and microwave generators can be housed within cart 201 and accessed using door 205 . The cart may incorporate a fan system 206 (FIG. 3) having one or more fans 207 to disperse the DEE formulation exiting one or more nozzles 202 . Spray nozzle 202 may comprise a small scale agricultural sprayer or nozzle. The flow or spray patterns from these nozzles have been well characterized, and different types of nozzles can be selected to provide the required efficiencies to rapidly cover or treat contaminated surfaces or areas with DEE formulations. , can produce a precise spray pattern. Nozzle types may include, but are not limited to, flat fan nozzles, extended range flat fan nozzles, flat fan nozzles, twin orifice-flat fan nozzles, flood nozzles, hollow cone orifice nozzles, and full cone orifice nozzles. not. Exemplary system 200 can include an atomizer subsystem with nozzle 202, pump 208, fan system 206, manifold 204, and DEE formulation container 209 (FIG. 4). In an exemplary system, multiple containers 209 can be used. Pump 208 may comprise at least one of a centrifugal pump, a diaphragm pump, a piston pump, a roller pump, and an irrigation pump.

One or more fans 207 may be removably attached to the cart to decontaminate small spaces within the enclosed structure. Alternatively, fan system 206 may be attached to a cart for decontamination of larger spaces or large areas. The tether is configured to provide two-way communication with the control system (system master controller). The airflow output from one or more fans 207 may be scaled according to the size of the space to be decontaminated. Preferably, the one or more fans 207 have an airflow rating of between about 150 cubic feet per minute and about 250 cubic feet per minute to optimize the distribution and deposition of the DEE formulation onto the contaminated surface. Changed to be good. In addition to one or more fans, fan system 206 may include power components for operating the fans and control components for communicating with the system master controller. Components such as a power supply, magnetron, controller and microwave transmission elements, and a controller for transfer and atomization of the DEE formulation are preferably housed within cart 201 . A master controller can control cart movement, spraying, fan system operation, and microwave treatment steps. Commercially available magnetrons such as resonant cavity magnetrons designed for domestic microwave ovens rated from 500 W to 2 kW may be used. Exemplary system 200 can be used to substantially decontaminate surfaces in enclosed areas (eg, rooms). The system may be scaled up to treat large areas (eg, 1 km ² ) of surface. For a typical DEE formulation containing about 1 wt% surfactant and about 1 wt% PCSR in water, about 2500 kg DEE (2000 kg solid PCSR such as OxiClean and 500 kg Tween 80 surfactant) formulation: It may be sufficient to decontaminate an area of 1 ^km2 , which is 10 times less chemical than would be required if conventional chemicals such as Spor-Klenz were used without microwave irradiation. Equivalent to a reduction. Spor-Klenz may have about 6% hydrogen peroxide solution, and about 0.525% hypochlorite solution (Steris Life Sciences) is used. For an exemplary DEE formulation containing 0.06M copper(II) chloride in water, 2500 kg of copper(II) chloride would be sufficient to substantially decontaminate a 1 ^km2 area of surface. The exemplary DEE formulations disclosed herein are benign to both surfaces and humans. The DEE formulation nebulizer may be in the form of an aerosol. Antenna 203 may be operated using RF control system 210 , power converter 211 , and one or more power sources 212 . The exemplary cart 200 uses a control system 210, which may have an RF subsystem with an antenna 203 and one or more power sources (microwave generators) 212, to determine the frequency of RF radiation. Parameters including at least one of bandwidth, power density (W/cm ² or mW/cm ² ), and RF irradiation exposure time can be adjusted.

Cart 201 may be configured to be remotely operated by a human operator. A cart can be substantially autonomous. In other words, it should be able to sense the environment and move with minimal human input. Although it may use multiple sensors to sense its surroundings and for navigation, including radar, computer vision, GPS, ultrasonic proximity sensors, optical sensors, sonar, and gyroscopes, It is not limited to this. The robotic locomotion subsystem may have a substructure including sensors, motors, and wheels within the cart 201 . The cart 201 and nebulizer subsystem, RF subsystem, and movement subsystem can be controlled using a graphical user interface 213 and control system 210 that interact with each other. System 200 can be built on a robotic platform such as a six-wheel drive (6WD) all-terrain robotic platform (SuperDroid Robots, Fuquay-Varina, NC). The motors and drivetrain of the robot platform can be controlled using a robot platform control system, which can be configured to receive instructions from and communicate with control system 210 . The atomizer subsystem and control system 210 uses at least one of an initial amount of DEE formulation, one or more spray rates from the nozzle 202, and a spray time corresponding to the one or more spray rates. can be configured to measure the amount of DEE remaining in container 209. During the treatment of the surface, the spray rate can be constant or varied using a given spray protocol. When the predetermined consumption is reached, control system 210 may issue an alert via user interface 213 and either replace container 209 or refill container 209 . Power converter 211 may be used to power the robotic locomotion subsystem, for example, using the 100V, 400Hz power available on military and commercial aircraft, or 28VDC on military aircraft. DEE container 209, control system 210, microwave generator 213, and power converter 211 may be contained within cart 201 (FIGS. 4-5). In another exemplary cart 201 with multiple DEE formulation containers 209, one or more different DEE formulations can be provided in one or more containers.

Microwave generators are commercially available that produce microwave radiation at about 2.45 GHz. For example, such generators are used in domestic microwave ovens. For aircraft decontamination, an important consideration in choosing the microwave frequency and power density is to avoid damaging the aircraft electronics during the decontamination process. For example, military aircraft electronics must be tested to meet the MIL-STD-461G standard. Radars, communication systems, and jammers are all part of the airspace under combat operations. The ASR-9 aircraft surveillance radar used by the Federal Aviation Administration operates between approximately 2.7 GHz and approximately 2.9 GHz. The required RF power density using a commercial microwave generator outputting microwave RF radiation at about 2.45 GHz is characterized by an upper limit of between about 1 W/ ^cm2 and about 2 W/ ^cm2 . good Since the RF power density decreases as a function of 1/ ^R2 , where R is the distance from the RF generator, assuming a power density of 1 W/ ^cm2 at 10 cm from the contaminated surface of the aircraft, the power density is At a distance of 10 m it becomes 0.1 mW/cm ² , which is significantly lower than the transmitted power density near a mobile phone.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary method 100 for microwave-assisted surface decontamination using exemplary DEE formulations disclosed herein. The type of surface and nature of the decontaminating agent can be determined in step 101 . An approximate concentration of contaminants may also be determined in step 101 . Exemplary surfaces may comprise at least one of metal, concrete, plastic, and wood. Exemplary contaminants (spores and/or vegetative cells) are B. anthracis, B. thuringiensis, and P. roqueforti. Based on the information gathered in step 101, exemplary DEE formulations disclosed herein may be selected for surface coating in step 102. In addition to previously disclosed DEE formulations, other DEE formulations effective for decontaminating various types of surfaces may have PCSR, copper(II) chloride and bleach in water. . DEE formulations may have from about 1% to about 10% by weight PCSR, from about 0.05M to about 0.1M copper(II) chloride, and at least about 100 ppm bleach, the balance being water. be. Other DEE formulations may have from about 1% to about 10% by weight PCSR, about 0.06M copper(II) chloride, and at least about 250 ppm bleach, with the balance being water. The bleach content is preferably from about 250 ppm to about 1000 ppm. The selected DEE formulation may then be applied to the contaminated surface in step 103 by spraying or other suitable means. Subsequently, in step 104, the contaminated surface coated with the DEE formulation can be exposed to radio frequency (microwave) radiation. The method can have a hold time defined as the period between coating the surface with the DEE formulation and exposing the coated surface to RF radiation in step 104 . The irradiation frequency is preferably 2.45 GHz, which can be generated using a commercial microwave generator. The coated surface can be exposed to irradiation for at least 10 seconds. The exposure time can be between about 10 seconds and about 120 seconds. Alternatively, the exposure time can be between about 30 seconds and about 60 seconds. At least one of a sample of the treated surface and one or more calibrated test sample strips can be analyzed in step 105 to determine the concentration of contaminants. One or more test sample strips can be placed adjacent to the surface to be decontaminated. Examples of test sample strips include, but are not limited to, the biological indicator spore strips provided by Mesalabs (Bozeman, Montana). If at least a 6-log reduction in contaminants is achieved, the surface is considered decontaminated and method 100 can be stopped. At least one of steps 103 and 104 may be repeated at step 106 if step 105 indicates that additional processing is required. At step 106, the DEE formulation may be modified (eg, other DEE formulations may be used) to facilitate destruction of surface contaminants. The duration of microwave irradiation exposure may also be extended to achieve at least a 6-log reduction in biological contaminants.

Exemplary directed energy enhancers (“DEE”) generate reactive oxidizing species (oxygen radicals including but not limited to singlet oxygen, OH, OOH radicals, etc.) when exposed to radio frequency radiation. These oxidized species then destroy biological agents, including but not limited to Bacillus anthracis (anthrax) in the form of spores or vegetative species and molds (eg, Penicillium roqueforti). Spores are generally heat, drought, chemical and radiation resistant. Bacteria can form endospores about 6-8 hours after exposure to adverse conditions. Normally growing cells that form endospores are called vegetative cells. Spores are metabolically inactive and dehydrated.

An exemplary DEE chemical composition may comprise at least one of copper (II) chloride, ascorbic acid, and salt in water. The salt concentration may be between about 0.5M and about 1.5M, preferably about 1M. 1M generally means that 1 liter of solution contains 1 mole of solute. Salts may include sodium chloride. Copper(II) chloride dihydrate may be used to generate copper(II) ions in solution. The concentration of copper(II) chloride may be between about 0.05M and about 1M, preferably between about 0.06M and 0.6M. The concentration of ascorbic acid may be about 1M. These chemicals are commonly available food additives, household chemicals, and approved insecticides and fungicides. For example, copper salts may be a common biocide/fungicide suitable for use in certified organic foods. Ascorbic acid is the chemical component of vitamin C. While not wishing to be bound by any theory, these exemplary compositions produce reactive oxidizing species when exposed to radio frequency (microwave) radiation, making them highly effective DEE chemical formulations. is.

In addition to copper(II) salts, other salts may be used to generate metal ions in solution. Exemplary metal salts include casserite (tin oxide), manganite (manganese oxide), transition metal oxides including iron, chromium and cobalt oxides, nickel oxide, zinc oxide, lanthanide oxides, p-doped and n-doped silicon. semiconductors such as, but not limited to, gallium arsenide, indium tin oxide, silicon carbide, and at least one or mixtures of nitrides and oxides of refractory metals.

Another exemplary DEE chemical composition may have about 0.6 M copper (II) chloride and about 0.1 M ascorbic acid in water. Another exemplary DEE chemical composition may have about 0.6 M copper(II) chloride, about 0.1 M ascorbic acid, and about 1 wt % surfactant, with the balance being water. . Another exemplary DEE chemical composition has about 0.6M copper(II) chloride, about 0.1M ascorbic acid, about 1% by weight surfactant, and about 1M salt in water. good.

Other exemplary DEE chemical compositions may have at least one of a surfactant and a percarbonate-based stain remover (“PCSR”). An exemplary PCSR is commercially available OxiClean (Church & Dwight Co., Inc.). PCSR preferably has about 66% by weight sodium percarbonate (eg, 2Na ₂ CO ₃ :3H ₂ O ₂ ) and about 34% by weight sodium carbonate. Surfactant concentrations in exemplary DEE formulations may range from about 1% to 10% by weight, preferably about 1% by weight. PCSR concentrations in exemplary DEE formulations can be between about 1% and about 10% by weight.

Other exemplary DEE formulations may have at least one of copper (II) chloride, surfactants, PCSR, and sodium chloride in water. The sodium chloride concentration in the DEE formulation may be between about 0.5M and about 1.5M, preferably about 1M. The concentration of copper(II) chloride may be between about 0.05M and about 1M. Surfactant concentrations may be between about 0.5% and about 1% by weight. Surfactant concentration may be about 1% by weight. The PCSR concentration can be between about 1% and about 10% by weight. Another exemplary DEE composition is about 0.06M copper(II) chloride, about 1% by weight surfactant, between about 1% and about 10% by weight PCSR, and about 1M It's good to have salt. Salts may include sodium chloride.

Other exemplary DEE compositions may have at least one of surfactants and bleaches in the water. An exemplary bleach is Concentrated Clorox Regular Bleach having about 6% by weight sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). Surfactant concentrations may be between about 0.5% and about 1% by weight. The bleach concentration may be between about 1% and 10% by weight.

Other exemplary compositions may have at least one of copper (II) chloride, surfactant, bleach, and sodium chloride in water. Surfactant concentrations may be between about 0.5% and about 1% by weight. The bleach composition may be about 1% to 10% by weight. The sodium chloride composition can be between about 0.5M and about 1M. The copper (II) chloride concentration may be between about 0.05M and 1M. Another exemplary composition is about 0.06 M copper (II) chloride, about 1 M sodium chloride, about 1% by weight surfactant, and about 1% to about 10% by weight bleach in water. Good to have medicine.

Other exemplary compositions may have at least one of copper(II) chloride, ascorbic acid, and surfactants in water. Surfactant concentrations may be between about 0.5% and about 1% by weight. Ascorbic acid concentration can be between about 0.01M and about 1M. The copper (II) chloride concentration may be between about 0.05M and 1M. Other exemplary DEE compositions may have about 0.06M copper (II) chloride in water. Other exemplary DEE compositions may have about 0.06M copper (II) chloride, about 1M sodium chloride, and about 0.1M ascorbic acid.

Other exemplary compositions may have at least one of copper(II) chloride, hydrogen peroxide, and a surfactant in water. Surfactant concentrations may be between about 0.5% and about 1% by weight. The hydrogen peroxide concentration can be between about 0.01M and about 1M. The copper (II) chloride concentration may be between about 0.05M and 1M. Another exemplary composition may have about 0.06M copper(II) chloride, about 1M sodium chloride, about 1% by weight surfactant, and about 0.1M hydrogen peroxide.

Other exemplary DEE compositions may have at least one of surfactant and PCSR in the water. Surfactant concentrations may be between about 0.5% and about 1% by weight. The PCSR concentration can be between about 1% and about 10% by weight. Another exemplary composition may have about 1% by weight surfactant and about 10% by weight PCSR in water. Other exemplary compositions may have about 1 wt% surfactant and about 1 wt% PCSR in water.

Microwave radiation may have a frequency of less than about 300 MHz and at least about 300 GHz, such as from about 300 MHz to about 300 GHz, from about 1 GHz to about 125 GHz, or from about 2.4 GHz to about 95 GHz. The frequency can be substantially a single frequency, such as, for example, about 2.4 GHz, about 10 GHz, about 50 GHz, or about 95 GHz. Alternatively, the frequency may vary over a range during the exposure period, such as from about 1 GHz to about 125 GHz, or from about 2.4 GHz to about 95 GHz. In some embodiments, approximately 2.45 GHz is used to process extended surfaces such as the ground or building surfaces. In another embodiment, about 95 GHz is used to treat delicate surfaces and/or surfaces with complex shapes.

The Raytheon Company is developing a series of full-scale, field-deployable 95 GHz systems to support the Active Denial System (the US Department of Defense's Non-Lethal Weapons Program). These systems can be used to decontaminate surfaces using the exemplary methods disclosed herein. The 95 GHz system is characterized by output powers of 100 W (Watts), 400 W and 100,000 W. The 100W system is a fixed focus and fixed power output continuous wave system. The power density can be adjusted by changing the target-to-antenna distance. The 400W system is a variable focus and variable power, pulsed output system and can change the average power by changing the duty cycle. A 100 kW system is a large vehicle mounted system with considerable range (greater than 500 m) and the ability to change its power output.

While not wishing to be bound by any particular theory, irradiation of an exemplary DEE formulation sprayed onto a contaminated surface is likely due to decomposition of hydrogen peroxide released from PCSR in solution, resulting in highly reactive At least one of singlet oxygen and hydroxyl radicals (including but not limited to OH, OOH radicals) can be generated. This destroys biological contaminants. Copper(II) chloride is produced by over-treatment following a chloride-promoted copper-Fenton-type process in which copper transitions from Cu2 ⁺ to various oxidation states (a redox mechanism) during peroxide decomposition and is continuously regenerated in the process. It may function as a catalyst for oxide decomposition. Decomposition of hydrogen peroxide using transition metal elements is commonly known as Fenton chemistry. Cu ²⁺ can be oxidized to Cu ³⁺ during peroxide decomposition by microwave irradiation and reduced back to Cu ²⁺ . Alternatively, Cu ²⁺ may be reduced to Cu ⁺ and re-oxidized to Cu ²⁺ according to the Cu-Fenton process. Microwave irradiation is believed to accelerate the underlying redox chemistry.

Exemplary decontamination systems and methods can be used to mitigate insect infestation in the hospitality market in an environmentally friendly manner. Of particular interest is the remediation of bed bug (Cimex lectularius) infestations. Further, exemplary decontamination systems and methods include hospital room decontamination, defense sector equipment decontamination, commercial aircraft decontamination, and third party decontamination, including when the contaminant is a virus such as the COVID-19 coronavirus. Can be used to decontaminate one responder/hazmat equipment.

Contaminated surfaces include, but are not limited to, concrete, wood, dirt, galvanized metal, glass, plastic, and painted wallboard. These surfaces can be treated using the methods disclosed herein to achieve at least a 6-log reduction of biological contaminants such as the anthrax mimetic B. thuringiensis. . Decontamination methods can be used over a wide range of ambient temperatures and humidity, particularly cold/low humidity (about 0°C to about 25°C and about 5% to about 40% RH relative humidity), normal/medium humidity (about 20°C to about 30°C). °C and 40% to 50% RH), and high temperature/humidity conditions (about 30°C to about 50°C and relative humidity of about 50% to about 95% RH).

Example 1: Destruction of MS2 Bacteriophage Virus Using a Representative DEE Formulation and Exposure to RF (Microwave) Radiation at Approximately 2.45 GHz For Active MS2 Bacteriophage Virus (ZeptoMetric Corp., Catalog No. 0810066) Enumeration plaque assay was performed using the E. coli host cell strain C3000 (ATCC 15597). Briefly, MS2 bacteriophage were pipetted onto glass disc coupons containing E. coli grown on agar to mimic common surfaces such as buildings, public places, etc. and allowed to dry. Glass discs were treated with an exemplary DEE formulation having about 2.5% by weight percarbonate-based stain remover (PSCR) in water. An exemplary PCSR is commercially available OxiClean (Church & Dwight Co., Inc.). PCSR preferably has about 66% by weight sodium percarbonate (eg, 2Na ₂ CO ₃ :3H ₂ O ₂ , sodium carbonate peroxide hydride) and about 34% by weight sodium carbonate. The glass disc was then exposed to RF microwave radiation at about 2.45 GHz for about 15 seconds to about 30 seconds. A >6-log reduction in MS2 was observed with this treatment, indicating that MS2 virus was inactivated with high levels of efficacy at both treatment times of 15 and 30 seconds. A control test was performed using glass discs containing MS2 treated with water. No reduction in MS2 virus count was observed upon exposure to RF radiation at approximately 2.45 GHz. Similarly, treatment of glass discs with MS2, which contains an exemplary DEE formulation having a PSCR of about 2.5% by weight, resulted in an increase in virus counts when the discs were not exposed to RF radiation at about 2.45 GHz. No significant reduction was seen.

The abstract is at 37C. F. R. It is provided to comply with §1.72(b) to enable the reader to quickly determine the nature and gist of the technical disclosure from a cursory overview. It shall not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Although this disclosure has been described with respect to preferred modes of carrying it out, those skilled in the art will appreciate that many modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. Accordingly, it is not intended that the scope of this disclosure be limited by the preceding description.

It should also be understood that various changes can be made without departing from the essence of this disclosure. Such changes are also implicitly included in the description. They remain within the scope of this disclosure. It should be understood that this disclosure is intended to result in patents covering the many aspects of the disclosure both independently and as a system as a whole and both in method and apparatus mode.

Moreover, each of the various elements of this disclosure and claims may also be accomplished in a variety of ways. This disclosure is to be understood to encompass each such variation, whether it is any apparatus implementation variation, method or process implementation, or merely a variation of any of these elements.

In particular, it is to be understood that each element word may be represented by equivalent device or method terms, even if only the function or result is the same. Such equivalent, broader, or more general terms should be considered included in the description of each element or act. Such terms can be substituted where necessary to make explicit the implicitly broad scope to which this disclosure is entitled. It should be understood that all actions may be expressed as a means for taking that action or as an element that causes that action. Similarly, each physical element disclosed should be understood to encompass a disclosure of the action that that physical element facilitates.

Further, for each term used, unless its usage in this application is inconsistent with such interpretation, for example, at least the latest edition of the standard technical dictionary recognized by the art and Random House Webster's Unbridged Dictionary. Common dictionary definitions, contained in one, should be understood to be incorporated herein for each term and all definitions, alternative terms, and synonyms.

Furthermore, the use of the transitional phrases "comprising" and "comprise" are used to maintain the "open-ended" claims herein, in accordance with conventional claim construction. Thus, unless the context requires otherwise, "comprising" is intended to mean including a recited element or step or group of elements or steps, but may also include other elements or steps or elements or elements or elements or steps. It is not meant to exclude groups of steps. Such terms should be interpreted in the broadest manner to provide applicants with the broadest coverage legally permissible.

[References]
1. Lai W. et al. "Decontamination of biological warfare agents by a microwave plasma torch," Physics of Plasmas 12, 023501 (2005).
2. N. van Doremalen, et al. Aerosol and surface stability of HCoV-19 (SARS-CoV-2) compared to SARS-CoV-1. N. Engl. J. Med. 2020; 382:1564-1567.

Claims (28)

A mobile decontamination system for treating a contaminated surface located outside the system, comprising:
one or more on-board tanks for storing a directed energy enhancer (DEE) formulation in each of the on-board tanks;
the one or more storage tanks removably connected to the fluid manifold for spraying the DEE formulation at a predetermined spray rate and substantially coating the contaminated surface to form a coated surface; an atomizer subsystem having a plurality of nozzles in fluid communication;
A radio frequency (RF) subsystem, a microwave generator configured to generate microwave radiation of a predetermined frequency, and a plurality of pyramidal horn antennas for directing the microwave radiation onto the coated surface. the radio frequency (RF) subsystem having
a locomotion subsystem having at least one of a motor driven wheeled undercarriage, computer vision, GPS, ultrasonic proximity sensors, optical sensors, sonar sensors, and gyroscopes; and a robotic platform control system;
a power supply;
A mobile decontamination system, comprising: the spray subsystem, the RF subsystem, the mobile subsystem, and a control system arranged in bi-directional communication with the power supply. 2. The nozzle of claim 1, wherein the nozzle comprises at least one of a flat fan nozzle, an extended range flat fan nozzle, an even flat fan nozzle, a twin orifice flat fan nozzle, a flood nozzle, a hollow cone orifice nozzle, and a full cone orifice nozzle. system. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein said microwave RF radiation is characterized by frequencies between about 2.35 GHz and about 2.65 GHz. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said microwave irradiation is characterized by a frequency of approximately 2.45 GHz. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein said system is configured to be remotely controlled by a human operator. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein said system is configured to operate substantially autonomously. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the microwave generator produces microwave RF radiation at a power density between about 1 W/ ^cm2 and about 2 W/ ^cm2 . 2. The system of claim 1, wherein said DEE formulation has a PCSR in water of about 2.5% by weight. The control system is configured to control movement of the robotic mobility platform using input from at least one of computer vision, GPS, ultrasonic proximity sensors, optical sensors, sonar sensors, and gyroscopes. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein: the control system to ensure power to the microwave generator, transfer of a predetermined amount of DEE formulation from the tank to the plurality of nozzles, and coating of the contaminated surface; so as to control at least one of the focusing operation of the plurality of nozzles, the transmission of microwave radiation from the microwave generator through the plurality of horn antennas, and the focusing operation of the microwave radiation onto the coated surface. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the system comprises: The control system utilizes an initial amount of DEE formulation in the one or more tanks, a spray rate from the one or more nozzles, and a spray time corresponding to the one or more spray rates to 11. The system of claim 10, which measures the amount of DEE remaining in a plurality of tanks. 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a data acquisition component and a data transfer component for transferring data to a remote server. If the above data are the composition of the DEE formulation, the amount of DEE formulation used to treat the contaminated surface, the amount of DEE formulation remaining in the tank or tanks, microwave radiation used. 13. The system of claim 12, comprising at least one of a frequency of microwave radiation, a power density of microwave radiation, a microwave radiation treatment time, and a type of contaminant. The system power supply is in electrical communication with at least one of a battery pack on board the system, a power supply available onboard the aircraft, and a power supply available for ground support when the aircraft is parked at an airport. 2. The system of claim 1, capable of A method of treating a contaminated surface located outside the mobile decontamination system of claim 1, comprising:
providing the mobile decontamination system;
spraying a DEE formulation onto the contaminated surface to substantially coat the contaminated surface to form a coated surface, wherein the DEE formulation is about 2.5% in water; the above step having a weight % PCSR;
exposing the coated surface to microwave radiation for a predetermined exposure time to substantially decontaminate the coated surface and produce a treated surface, the treated surface comprising: characterized by a contaminant reduction of at least a 6-log reduction. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein said DEE formulation further comprises about 1% by weight surfactant. 16. The method of Claim 15, wherein the contaminated surface comprises at least one of metal, concrete, plastic, and wood. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the contaminated surfaces comprise at least one of hospital rooms, aircraft, and surfaces in office buildings. The surface contaminants are 229E (alphacoronavirus), NL63 (alphacoronavirus), OC43 (betacoronavirus), HKU1 (betacoronavirus), MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV, and SARS-coronavirus-2. 16. The method of claim 15, comprising at least one of: 16. The method of Claim 15, wherein said microwave irradiation is characterized by a frequency between about 2.35 GHz and about 2.65 GHz. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein said microwave irradiation is characterized by a frequency of approximately 2.45 GHz. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein said microwave irradiation is characterized by a heat output of about 500W to about 2000W. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the predetermined exposure time for microwave radiation exposure is between about 10 seconds and about 45 seconds. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the predetermined exposure time for microwave radiation exposure is between about 15 seconds and about 30 seconds. In a microwave assisted surface decontamination method for treating surfaces contaminated with contaminants, comprising:
spraying a DEE formulation onto the contaminated surface to substantially coat the contaminated surface to form a coated surface, wherein the DEE formulation is about 2.5% in water; the above step having a weight % PCSR;
waiting for a predetermined holding time;
exposing the coated surface to microwave radiation for a predetermined exposure time to substantially decontaminate the coated surface and produce a treated surface, wherein the treated surface comprises and the above steps characterized by a contaminant reduction of at least a 6-log reduction. 26. The method of Claim 25, wherein the predetermined hold time is between about 15 seconds and about 45 seconds. A DEE formulation for use in microwave-assisted surface decontamination having about 2.5 wt% PCSR in water. 28. The formulation of claim 27, wherein said formulation further has about 1% by weight surfactant in water.

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