Emblation Ltd would like to repurpose the microwave generators it has to create a prototype air filtration system that renders viral particles in air inactive. In order to validate the prototype works, a test rig will be designed and manufactured to fit into a class II biosafety cabinet. Existing filtration methods do not destroy the virus particles but the novel use of microwave energy can be applied to vibrate the particles sufficient to inactivate them. The technology can be applied to large scale air handling systems in hospitals or small-scale residential products for care homes, helping stop the spread of coronavirus by the airborne route. The project will take 6 months to complete.

Emblation is an established manufacturer of microwave medical devices and wishes to shrink the volume of one of its products to a handheld device and make a step reduction in its cost of goods. With a smaller and cheaper device, adoption rates will increase and new markets can be addressed. ArQana Technologies is an experienced designer and supplier of microwave source components based in Singapore. Offering a range of amplifiers, control components and transistors, arQana specialises in semiconductor component designs that can meet Emblation’s needs to improve the efficiency on generating microwave energy at a significantly lower cost than the existing product implementation.

The primary objective of the project is to explore the feasibility of a new treatment for cervical precancerous disease and genital warts by designing new applicators and repurposing an existing product used to treat verrucas. All three diseases are caused by infection with human papillomaviruses (HPV) but differ in the exact type of HPV involved. The objective will be met through a combination of experiments, analysis and developing the hypothesis of how microwaves interact with HPV-associated lesions in a therapeutic manner. This innovative approach to treating HPV-associated disease needs preclinical work before ethical approval could be sought for an in-human trial. The subsequent product will treat the HPV disease rather than removing the affected tissues which will be less invasive and could reduce reinfection. There is substantial scope for other application areas that involve HPV infections in and on the body e.g. oral lesions and other pre-cancerous infections. Emblation will assess the business models needed to fully commercialise this new application in UK, EU and US markets. The feasibility of the new applicators will be made through discussions with clinicians, patients and technical interface analysis.

It is estimated that 1 in 3 people over 60 years old in the UK has at least one actinic keratosis (AK) lesion. Actinic keratoses are the first appearance of a non-melanoma skin cancer. With a deficit of more than 200 dermatologists in the UK, the ability to diagnose and treat is being diminished. Up to 25% of GP workload is skin based and with an ageing population the crisis in dermatology needs treatments that are effective, decentralised and time efficient. Existing treatments fail to balance effectiveness, side effects and cost. Emblation wish to repurpose a portable microwave platform for use in treating AK. Already a highly effective treatment for plantar warts, through a combined destructive and immune response effect, the potential to treat AK needs to be explored. Measurements of the physical properties of AK will also be taken in order to adapt and develop the current product’s hand piece antenna (the part applied to the skin). Studies in a lab will help determine the dose to treat AK cells on humans in a small trial, in addition to investigating the healing mechanisms at play. The results and experimental data will provide a starting point for a Randomised Control Trial (RCT) after the project. An RCT is high risk and cost without this project .