The air that I breathe: Improving cognitive function

Med-Tech Innovation News caught up with Dr Connor Bryant, founder of MedicAir, a producer of medical grade air purifiers to help improve cognitive function.

First of all, tell us about MedicAir, how did you start out and end up in the medtech space?

MedicAir is a UK based company manufacturing medical grade air purification technology, on a mission to provide clean and safe air to all indoor spaces. 

We started off in 2019 as dentists, developing MedicAir specifically for the dental profession, inspired by South Korea’s approach to dental hygiene. When the pandemic hit, we ramped up production and our product, available across the UK, most of Europe, the US and Australia, is already significantly disrupting the impact of airborne viruses such as influenza and, of course, COVID-19.

Tell us about the product itself and what technology is behind it?

The product is a medical grade air purification technology that removes 99.9% of MS2 virus (COVID surrogate) diseases within an area of 27.5m^3 in 30 minutes. An on-screen display shows air quality levels, relative humidity and room temperature.

The product plugs into a socket and operates with minimal noise, whilst using the same power as a fan, so users do not have to worry about electricity costs or disruption. The filters only require changing approximately once a year which can be done simply, meaning no engineer is required - a common necessity with other air filtration systems.

What is it made of and how does it remove contaminants?

MedicAir’s unique system eliminates invisible contaminants through a five-stage filtration process. The tech includes an anti-bacterial coated HEPA-13 filter with a 6.7m2 surface area and filters out 99.95% of all particles down to 0.3 microns, whilst the activated carbon layer removes harmful VOCs and odours. The 24W UVC bulb targets viruses and other microscopic contaminants. The unit disperses clean air that is filtered for viruses, bacteria and particulates.

How would you define your role in the medtech/healthcare space?

We are a company founded in science, by scientists, and we are passionate about research and development being at the forefront of our thinking. We see our role as innovators in the medtech space with an ability to quickly pivot according to market requirements.

What results have you seen because of the product?

MedicAir’s technology is based on peer reviews; MedicAir commissioned testing by leading industry player, Airmid Health Group, the environmental test chamber assessment demonstrated that. When challenged with MS2, the air purifier was capable of reducing the average airborne concentration of the virus from 7.52 to 4.41 Log10 PFU/m3 after 60 minutes of operation. Calculating the percentage reduction based on the PFU/m3 results, there was a 99.9 % reduction of airborne MS2 within 30 minutes of MedicAir operating.

Anything else you’d like to add?

We have experienced a YOY growth exceeding 1000% from January to May of this year, following increased public concern for air quality particularly within medical facilities, schools, offices, and restaurants is behind the company’s rapid growth. MedicAir devices can be found in NHS and private hospitals in all major cities across the UK, as well as care homes, dental practices, warehouses, and offices.

However, the MedicAir system is not just about solving the COVID problem, it is equally successful in combating the effects of hay fever, asthma and allergic reactions to dust and pet dander. Our products are designed to fit seamlessly into any environment, enabling the user to safely continue with everyday activities in the safe and certain knowledge of premium quality air.

We are passionate about clean air and believe it is a fundamental human right. Clearly, it took a pandemic for many of us to realise just how important clean, hygienic air is and we now need to shift our focus from reactionary to preventative.