Researchers turn powerful, viscous disinfectants into breathable mist for the first time

A team of engineers and physicians in San Diego have developed a device that diffuses potent disinfectants for airborne delivery. Notably, the device works on a range of disinfectants that have never been atomized before, such as triethylene glycol, or TEG. In a study published in the August issue of Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, the team used the device to atomize disinfectants onto environmental surfaces contaminated with bacteria and showed that it effectively eliminated 100 percent of bacteria that commonly cause hospital-acquired infections. In addition, atomized bleach solution, ethanol, and TEG completely eliminated highly multi-drug resistant strains of bacteria including K. pneumoniae.