A robotic system for cleaning surfaces to prevent virus spread
Official title: An Engineered Robotic Plasma Array for Large Area Surface Decontamination
Funded at Boise State University · NIH-10194138 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new robot that uses special technology to clean surfaces in hospitals and clinics, helping to kill germs like the virus that causes COVID-19, so that these places can be safer for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boise State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boise, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2021 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2021 |
| Award (this year) | $530,650 |
| NIH project number | 1R21EB031257-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10194138 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients receiving care in medical facilities where surface contamination poses a risk of infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not in healthcare settings or those who do not have a risk of exposure to infectious diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel robotic plasma array designed to decontaminate large surface areas in medical facilities, targeting pathogens like SARS-CoV-2 and other infectious agents. The approach utilizes cold atmospheric-pressure plasma (CAP) technology, which has shown promise in inactivating bacteria and is being explored for its antiviral properties. By automating the decontamination process, the research aims to reduce the reliance on traditional cleaning methods that consume significant resources and time. This could lead to safer environments in hospitals and clinics, minimizing the risk of disease transmission through contaminated surfaces.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance infection control in healthcare settings, reducing the spread of infectious diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that cold atmospheric-pressure plasma can effectively inactivate bacterial pathogens, but its application for viral decontamination is still being explored.
Where this research is happening
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Boise State University
Boise, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Browning, Jim — Boise State University
- Study coordinator: Browning, Jim
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Healthy Idaho Clinical & Translational Research Development Program
A multi-institution effort in Idaho to build clinical and translational research capacity and workforce to address local health needs.
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Healthy Idaho Health Research Core supports translational projects
A Boise State University program funds and guides health research projects in Idaho to turn ideas into bigger health improvements for local communities.
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Healthy Idaho Clinical and Translational Research Design and Data Management
A program to strengthen how clinical and translational studies are planned, run, and using health data across Idaho, helping researchers design better studies and use EHR data responsibly.
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Healthy Idaho community engagement for translational research
A Boise State University program aims to strengthen ties between researchers and Idaho communities to support research that meets local health needs.
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Healthy Idaho professional development for clinical and translational research
A program to help Idaho investigators build skills and mentoring networks to conduct high-quality clinical and translational research.
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Healthy Idaho Clinical & Translational Research Development Administrative Core
A funded administrative core in Idaho helps coordinate and support clinical and translational research to improve health across the state.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.