Digital antibiotics

Important results from the project

The vision is to have complementary and sustainable alternative to current anti pathogens’ drugs and equipment. Specifically for this feasibility project was to investigate electro-physical means of targeting disease-causing microorganisms, such as those responsible for hospital-acquired infections. Investigations were done on harvesting energy from ambient sources for ‘air’ based experiments and on half-cell printed battery for aqueous media. These would allow for less or no batteries and/or power cables thus usable as portable energy source in labs, hospitals, in field.

Expected long term effects

To demonstrate energy harvesting, radio frequency was identified as a promising transduction method. Prototypes at two frequencies were developed and tested with common pathogens. Antiviral air surface experiments and field strength evaluations are ongoing. Printed battery was also manufactured, and open voltage measured in aqueous environment. Collaboration with a Swedish healthcare company provided industry-standard know-how for aqueous tests. Interdisciplinary cooperation is essential for developing new concepts and technologies.

Approach and implementation

The feasibility project was successfully executed through excellent cooperation via digital and physical meetings, emails, planning experimental setups, and exchanging technologies. This collaboration enabled the successful assessment of two electrical measurement systems, energy harvesting, and printed batteries as potential portable electrical systems with significant potential.