**2.4 Versatility**

## *2.4.1 Large enclosure decontamination*

The HHP device offers the ability to decontaminate enclosed spaces as large as 14,000 ft<sup>3</sup> (396 m3 ) by itself or wirelessly pair up to 25 devices together to treat spaces as large as 350,000 ft<sup>3</sup> (9,911 m<sup>3</sup> ) at once. Although the EPA approvals are for 3,682 ft3 (103 m<sup>3</sup> ) due to the size limitation of the testing laboratory, efficacy of bacterial spores are documented in much larger spaces [41]. The small, compact design also reaches tall ceilings efficaciously, as noted in studies where 6-log10 reductions of *Geobacillus stearothermophilus* challenged indicators were proven at 21 ft. However, all treated spaces are to be validated with 6-log10 biological indicators for optimal application.

### *2.4.2 Attachments*

Since many life science facilities are made up of diversely sized spaces and needs, the next generation of Pulse technology device was developed. Retaining the core fogging unit's design, the new attachment model offers the ability to fog, hand spray, or port in, all from the same unit. This fogging model can disinfect large open spaces with a hand sprayer (with proper personal protective equipment). The device can also port into enclosed spaces, such as labs or mobile equipment, with extension nozzles, or it can connect to various enclosures found within laboratories.

## *2.4.3 Scalable decontamination*

To enable decontamination of small enclosures, the HHP system pairs with a mobile cart designed to attach to biological safety cabinets, isolators, incubators, filters, and filter housings (**Figure 4a**) [42]. This modular pairing delivers low concentration H2O2 solution to the closed system environment, extracts vapor once decontamination has been achieved, and conditions the space to return it to its normal operating environment. No disassembly of lab equipment is required. The system achieves decontamination of the entire chamber, including filters, and contents. The rolling cart weighs approximately 50 pounds (22 kg) and includes a pullout tray to house the HHP fogging device. For scalable applications, the fogging device can fog a whole laboratory or be coupled to the mobile cart as needed for smaller enclosures.

### *2.4.4 Facility integration*

The HHP system also enables integration with a laboratory or stand-alone chamber. This modular design allows for custom installation into facilities—including integrated nozzles and touchscreen operation—to provide decontamination to these essential spaces (**Figure 4b**). For facilities requiring unified operation of environmental or electronic controls, the HHP system works in tandem with smart integration technology to provide remote operation, automation, and mounted disinfection for one or more enclosed spaces at a time. Decontamination chamber or washer integration includes cycles of less than 120 minutes, including aeration. This chamber integration enables users to operate the entire chamber from one common point, the display screen. It is suitable for coupling with chambers from a variety of manufacturers.

*Hybrid Hydrogen Peroxide for Viral Disinfection DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.100237*

#### **Figure 4.**

*Scalability and Integration. A. Modular cart coupled with hybrid hydrogen peroxide (HHP) device, shown here decontaminating a glove box. B. HHP system integration for decontamination of a laboratory or chamber and its contents.*

### *2.4.5 HHP applications*

During the 2020–2021 COVID-19 pandemic, the HHP system was approved by the EPA for use against SARS-CoV-2 through the Emerging Viral Pathogen designation due to its sporicidal efficacy [37]. As a result, the HHP system was used in many different environments as a tool for mitigating risk to personnel, research, and equipment. Healthcare facilities faced with shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) employed the system to decontaminate and safely reuse PPE until the supply could be reestablished. Life science facilities incorporated the HHP system for decontaminating manufacturing spaces where vaccine work was taking place. The HHP system was also instrumental in multiple military applications, significantly aided by the portable design and accessible use. Some prior and ongoing uses include disinfection of manufacturing facilities with a need for sterilization, sterile processing facilities, drug manufacturing facilities, vivariums, laboratory contents, laboratories with interstitial spaces, laboratory filter housings, compounding pharmacies, surgical suites, healthcare patient rooms, ambulances, equipment for service providers, biological safety cabinets, isolator filters, and gnotobiotics.

### **3. HHP testing efficacy data**

#### **3.1 Introduction**

Studies performed with Pulse technology demonstrate high-level pathogen disinfection across a variety of tested viruses, bacteria, and bacterial spores. The data presented here include a mixture of peer-reviewed studies, Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)-regulated testing, and real-world applications where disinfection can be further complicated by condition-dependent factors such as biofilms, soil loads, and surface type (porous/non-porous), all of which can protect and harbor infectious pathogens [13, 43]. Across the body of this work, the target of high-level disinfection is not only to reduce the present contamination, but to reduce it sufficiently to prevent an infectious dose or the potential for colony regrowth. The work presented here demonstrates the HHP system's ability to decontaminate, destroying microbial pathogens. This complete decontamination is critical as any surviving pathogens have the potential to interfere with or invalidate research, contaminate sterile products, and cause health hazards.
