It is no secret that our highly intellectual town is a beehive of innovation and invention. In a “college town” like Gainesville, we enjoy a unique concentration of thought leaders who continue to bring our “Gatortown” to national and global attention.
One such breakthrough comes from Surfplasma, Inc., founded by University of Florida Professor Dr. Subrata Roy. The company is pioneering research in activated plasma—the fourth state of matter—for sterilizing solid surfaces and water. Plasma generates reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), powerful agents that break down microbial cell walls, DNA, and biofilms.
As antibiotic resistance and infection control challenges rise, plasma-based sterilization offers a safe, non-chemical, low-temperature solution ideal for heat-sensitive instruments and PPE. Supported by NASA and the National Science Foundation, Roy’s team has developed a compact, plug-and-play sterilization device that uses standard power, produces no harmful gases, and delivers a 6-log (99.9999%) reduction in pathogens such as E. coli, Marsa and Staphylococcus aureus as well as the COVID 19 virus.
Bob Snyder, CEO of Proteois Technology, a beta tester, noted the device “surpassed our needs in cost, ease of use, and effectiveness.” Surfplasma is now inviting local clinics and surgical centers to join its next testing phase.