NASA Technology Makes Safer Food that Lasts Longer

Space and commercial technology is about to appear in new refrigerators and home air purification systems. Vegetables will last longer, smells will be eliminated, mold annihilated, and dangerous bacteria destroyed. Used for about 20 years in space and commercial applications the AiroCide photocatalytic air purifying systems are becoming available for consumer applications. These units are commonly found in hospitals.

Eliminates ethylene gas and kills E. coli and Salmonella bacteria

This simple but fantastic technology promises to push peoples quality of life to new levels. The AiroCide system is capable of completely eliminating airborne bacteria, viruses, volatile organic compounds, mold, fungi, mycotoxins and odors. It is estimated that the E. coli bacteria kills about 500 people a year and causes 20,000 people to become ill. Even pet dander and dust mites are eliminated. With widespread use of this technology those numbers should be radically reduced.

Developed by NASA funding

Scientists working at the Wisconsin Center for Space Automation and Robotics, discovered an ethylene reduction device developed for use in a plant growth unit. Funded by several NASA agencies the scientists were able to develop the device to eliminate ethylene from the plant's environment. Ethylene causes plants, such as vegetables, to rot quicker and become inedible. Ethylene builds up to toxic levels very fast in closed environments.

No harmful side effects

The side effects of conventional air purifying technology is sometimes as bad as the cure. Many commercial units put out Ozone as a by-product. The AiroCide unit has no filters, produces no chemicals or harmful by-products. Trace amounts of water and carbon dioxide are the only compounds that are formed from ultraviolet light exposure in the ethylene scrubbing process.

Many commercial and consumer applications

The air filtration technology has many applications. All food storage facilities and containers can benefit from the tech. Offices, hotels, grocery stores, food preparation factories, operating rooms, and homes can, and are being made safer from the units. In the coming years millions of lives will potentially be saved and much more food made available from use of these devices.

Conclusion

It is surprising that it has taken 20 years for the AiroCide technology to become available for consumer use. The cost of the technology is low compared to it's benefits. In any case, NASA has done it again with another one of it's spin-off technologies using our tax dollars. Thanks also goes to KES Science and Technology, Inc. who makes the AiroCide photocatalytic air purifying systems. The world is a healthier place to live in because of NASA's and KES's existence and is getting even better.

KES Science & Technology, Inc., kesscience.com
Tech Briefs - Spinoff, techbriefs.com