BELMONT, Mass., June 7, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Kronos Advanced Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB:KNOS) today announced that a team of senior researchers at the Disinfection Research Institute Sterilization Laboratory in Moscow found that the Kronos technology completely disinfected a room contaminated with Bacteriophage -- a microorganism which lives in the E. Coli bacteria. Bacteriophage is widely used in virus testing because the microorganism's biological structure and size shares many functional similarities with a wide range of viruses.
The most recent testing continues a series of studies by the Sterilization Laboratory surrounding the Kronos technology's ability to disinfect air containing different kinds of bacterial and viral microorganisms. Previous testing results have proven Kronos technology's bacteriological efficacy by completely disinfecting air contaminated with vegetative and spore forms of Bacillus and Staphylococcus, as well as Anthrax, Anthrax spores and E. Coli spores.
"Given Kronos' ability to completely decontaminate a room infected with the Bacteriophage, I believe that the technology could decontaminate rooms infected with other viruses. Examples of clinically relevant viruses include Avian Flu and SARS," said Dr. Victor Yuzbashev, leading researcher of the study and PhD in Medicine. "It is also my opinion that in addition to destroying viruses, the Kronos technology is the most efficient and affordable way of fighting dangerous pathogens in hospitals, as well as in other health care-related environments."
"Kronos has already proven its ability to completely destroy different strains of dangerous bacteria and biohazards including Anthrax. We believe the ability to also destroy viruses places Kronos at the forefront of technologies designed to provide higher quality, safer indoor air," stated Kronos President and Chief Executive Officer Daniel R. Dwight.
Mr. Dwight noted that the most recent testing comes amid rising concerns surrounding human-to-human virus transmission and bio-terrorism. He also highlighted the technology's ability to significantly improve the way businesses, governments and health care providers protect and defend their people against airborne threats as well as mitigate the resulting health care costs.
Testing Results
During the testing, a Kronos air purification device was placed in a contaminated room (30 m3 in size). The air circulation, movement and purification was provided by the Kronos technology and used in conjunction with a ventilator that was necessary to ensure the microorganism stayed alive during the testing.
Key results include:
-- 100% decontamination in a room infected with Bacteriophage MS2;
-- The room contaminated with the Bacteriophage was on average over
two tests 76.0% disinfected in 15 minutes, 94.5% in 30 minutes
and 100% in less than 45 minutes.
Background
Viruses exist in two distinct states. When not in contact with a host cell, the virus remains entirely dormant. During this time there are no internal biological activities occurring within the virus. Non-living state viruses, virions, can remain in this dormant state for extended periods of time, waiting patiently to come into contact with the appropriate host. When this occurs, it becomes active and is then referred to as a virus. It now displays properties typified by living organisms, such as reacting to its environment and directing its efforts toward self-replication.
In order for a virus to replicate, it must infect a suitable host cell, whether it is a plant, animal, or bacteria. The Bacteriophage attaches to the surface of the much larger bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli). Once attached, the Bacteriophage injects DNA into the bacterium. The DNA instructs the bacterium to produce masses of new Bacteriophage. So many viruses are produced that the E. coli bursts. The released Bacteriophage then seek out new E. Coli to advance the spread of the virus through further replication with their new E. Coli host cells.
The Sterilization Laboratory is affiliated with the Federal Consumer Inspection Research Center in Moscow. The results will be published in two Moscow-based peer reviewed journals: Sanitary and Hygiene and Disinfection Affair. Disinfection Affair is published by the National Association of Disinfectologists in Moscow.
Note to reporters: For a complete copy of the report, please contact Patty McDonough Kennedy at pkennedy@kennedyspencer.net or (212) 828-6266.
About Kronos Advanced Technologies, Inc.
Through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Kronos Air Technologies, Inc., Kronos Advanced Technologies has developed and licenses a new, proprietary air movement and purification system that utilizes state-of-the-art high voltage electronics and electrodes to silently move and clean air without any moving parts. Kronos is actively commercializing its technology for standalone and embedded products across multiple residential, commercial, industrial and military markets. Kronos' technology is versatile, energy and cost-efficient and exhibits multiple design attributes, creating a broad range of applications. The Company's business strategy includes a combination of building internal capabilities, establishing strategic alliances and structuring licensing agreements. Kronos Advanced Technologies is located in Belmont, MA. More information about Kronos Advanced Technologies is available at www.kronosati.com.
With the exception of historical information contained in this press release, this press release includes forward-looking statements and comments. Such statements are necessarily subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which are significant in scope and nature beyond the Company's control. Forward-looking statements, by their nature, involve substantial risks and uncertainties. As a result, actual results may differ materially depending on many factors, including those described above. The Company cautions that historical results are not necessarily indicative of the Company's future performance. Other risks are summarized under the caption "Certain Business Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended June 30, 2005 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.