Huge volumes of hydroxyl radicals contained in water are released into the air. These hydroxyl radicals can remove hydrogen contained in airborne bacteria*¹, inhibiting their effect. The greater the volume of hydroxyl radicals, the greater the effect*¹ expected.
How hydroxyl radicals contained in water inhibit the activity of bacteria
Hydroxyl radicals contained in water reach bacteria.
Radicals remove hydrogen from proteins in bacteria.
Proteins in bacteria are denatured (OH+H=H2O) and bacterial activity is inhibited.
Hydroxyl radicals contained in water live longer and spread more widely
Hydroxyl radicals contained in water are surrounded by about 1,000 times*² more water (by volume) than general negative ions. Further, whereas the lifespan of general negative ions ranges from just tens of seconds to 100 seconds, the lifespan of hydroxyl radicals contained in water is about 600 seconds (Panasonic research). Hydroxyl radicals contained in water have a longer lifespan and disperse across a wider area.
|
General negative ion |
Hydroxyl radicals contained in water | |
|---|---|---|
|
Ion |
 |
 |
|
Extended lifespan mechanism |
 General negative ions do not readily reach bacteria because they tend to bind to the abundant oxygen and nitrogen in air. |
 Hydroxyl radicals contained in water do not bind to oxygen or nitrogen, as these elements do not readily dissolve in water, so they reach and inhibit bacteria. |
|
Air flow analysis of dispersion trajectory |
 The lifespan of general negative ions is tens of seconds to 100 seconds. |
 The lifespan of hydroxyl radicals contained in water is about 600 seconds. |
Penetrates deep into fibres
Nano-sized hydroxyl radicals contained in water penetrate deep into fibres, surrounding allergens*³ (pollen, mite faeces/carcasses, etc.), inhibiting their activities.
Steam particles are 6,000 nm, while hydroxyl radicals contained in water are 5 to 20 nm in diameter (Panasonic research).
Hydroxyl radicals contained in water penetrate deep into fibres to surround and inhibit the activity of allergens (pollen, mite faeces/carcasses, etc.).
Mildly acidic, gentle on skin and hair
Hydroxyl radicals contained in water are mildly acidic and gentle on the human body. The effect on skin and hair has been confirmed.*⁴
Safety verification
|
Test purpose |
Test name |
Testing organisation |
|---|---|---|
|
Impact on chromosomes |
Chromosome abnormality test using cultured cells |
Japan Bioassay Research Center*⁵ |
|
Impact on respiratory organs |
Repeated administration toxicity test |
Life Science Research Laboratory*⁶ |
|
Toxicological and carcinogenic impact |
Chronic toxicity and carcinogenicity combined test |
Food and Drug Safety Center, Hatano Research Institute |
|
Impact on DNA |
Comet Assay |
Food and Drug Safety Center, Hatano Research Institute |
|
Impact on male and female fertility and unborn children |
Simplified reproductive toxicity test |
Food and Drug Safety Center, Hatano Research Institute |
The technology of hydroxyl radicals contained in water is expected to have many applications
