Our Technology
Microbial Remediation of Plant Material
Cold Plasma Group has developed a patent-pending technology which uses cold plasma treatments for the sterilization of plant material. We offer “smart” plasma machines equipped with remediation cycles which are effective, yet gentle, maintaining excellent product quality. We currently offer multiple products specializing in the remediation of cannabis.
Cold Plasma Sterilization Mechanisms
Plasma, the 4th state of matter, can be described as a luminous cloud formed as result of an electrical discharge initiated in a gas. Electrons, ions, free radicals, and light particles are formed as a result, all with excess energy.
The interactions of radicals containing oxygen and nitrogen are responsible for killing microbes through:
the disruption, piercing, or etching of the membranes or shells of microorganisms.
the denaturation of proteins, the damage to lipids or DNA, leading to impaired cell function.
Albeit a less important player, UV radiation is also present in the plasma cloud. This contributes to the break-down of the membranes, shells and of other components, such as DNA strands.
Benefits of Cold Plasma Sterilization
Plasma machines are compact, easy-to-use, and scalable.
Plasma treatments are safe, organic, and free of chemicals, heat, or ionizing radiation.
6log (99.9999%) to 4log (99.99%) reductions can be achieved using plasma treatments for many microbial species, including yeast and mold spores.
Treatments with our plasma cycles are effective, yet gentle. The appearance, nose, trichomes, cannabinoids, and colour of flowers remain unaltered.
How do Remediation Technologies Compare?
Gamma Irradiation
Ionizing Radiation • Bulk Treatment
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No AMRadV Required: ❌
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Organic Compatible: ❌
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Log Reduction: 4–6 Log
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Cost: 💸 High CAPEX / OPEX
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Cycle Time: Several Hours (Facility Dependent)
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Notes: Limited availability. May degrade terpenes/moisture.
E-beam Irradiation
Ionizing Radiation • Bulk Treatment
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No AMRadV Required: ❌
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Organic Compatible: ❌
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Log Reduction: 4–6 Log
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Cost: 💸 High CAPEX / OPEX
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Cycle Time: Several (Facility Dependent)
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Notes: Similar to gamma. Terpene loss concerns.
X-Ray Irradiation
Ionizing Radiation • Bulk Treatment
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No AMRadV Required: ❌
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Organic Compatible: ❌
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Log Reduction: 4 Log
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Cost: 💸 High CAPEX / OPEX
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Cycle Time: 3 - 6 Hours
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Notes: Similar to gamma. Terpene loss concerns. Long cycle time.
UV Irradiation
Non-Ionizing Radiation • Surface Treatment
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No AMRadV Required: ✅
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Organic Compatible: ❌
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Log Reduction: 2 Log
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Cost: 💡 Moderate CAPEX / Low OPEX
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Cycle Time: 1 - 3 Hours
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Notes: Line of sight treatment. Uniformity issues. Poor quality preservation.
Ozone, Hydrogen Peroxide Vapour
ROS Radicals • Surface Treatment
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No AMRadV Required: ✅
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Organic Compatible: ❌
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Log Reduction: 2 Log
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Cost: 💡 Moderate CAPEX / Moderate OPEX
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Cycle Time: 2 - 6 Hours
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Notes: Long cycle time. Exposes product to chemicals. Poor quality preservation.
MW / RF Treatment
Non-Ionizing Radiation • Bulk Treatment
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No AMRadV Required: ✅
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Organic Compatible: ✅
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Log Reduction: 3 Log
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Cost: 💸 Moderate CAPEX / High OPEX
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Cycle Time: 1 - 3 Hours
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Notes: Uniformity issues. Heat generation impacting product quality.
Cold Plasma Treatment
ROS/RNS + UV • Surface Treatment
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No AMRadV Required: ✅
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Organic Compatible: ✅
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Log Reduction: 4 - 5 Log
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Cost: 💡 Moderate CAPEX / Low OPEX
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Cycle Time: 0.5 - 1.5 Hours
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Notes: Uniform Treatment. Clean process. Good cannabinoid preservation.