The Science

Our patented technology

Picture this: you take a deep breath of fresh air, feeling invigorated as oxygen fills your lungs. But what if the air around you could be gently enriched?

Singlet oxygen is a higher-energy form of the ordinary oxygen molecule you are breathing right now - and it is the foundation of every ZMedic Air device.

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The Molecule

A more active form of the oxygen you already breathe

O₂

What is singlet oxygen?

Singlet oxygen is an energetically excited, more active form of the oxygen molecule present all around us - the familiar O2 you are breathing as you read this. Oxygen usually exists in a stable triplet state. Through excitation, an electron-spin shift occurs and forms singlet oxygen, which inevitably reverts back to regular oxygen at the end of its short lifespan. Plants produce singlet oxygen too, as a byproduct of photosynthesis.

Research-Backed

Areas explored in published research

Reactive states of oxygen can get a bad reputation, but singlet oxygen is a well-studied state already used in some medical settings, such as photodynamic therapy.

At low levels it has been studied for its role in introducing mild stress - a concept known as hormesis, where a small amount of something otherwise harmful in large doses may prompt the body's own natural responses. Similar in principle to how exercise gently challenges the body to make it stronger.

Inflammatory balance

Research has explored how singlet oxygen may help limit exposure to internal free radicals produced during inflammation.

Respiratory comfort

Cleaner, freshly enriched indoor air is widely recognised as more comfortable to breathe, particularly for sensitive airways.

Energy and focus

Studies have examined how singlet oxygen interacts with cells in relation to the body's own energy production.

Activity and recovery

An area of research interest is oxygen utilisation in muscles and tissues during activity and afterwards.

Rest and relaxation

Many people simply find clean, fresh air more restful. Published work has looked at oxygen's relationship with the body's natural relaxation mechanisms.

Skin health

Research has explored singlet oxygen in relation to skin-cell renewal, alongside the well-documented link between indoor air quality and skin comfort.

The topics above describe areas explored in published scientific research on singlet oxygen. They are provided for education only and are not claims about what ZMedic Air will do for you. ZMedic Air is a wellness air purifier, not a medical device, and is not intended to cure, treat, prevent, or guarantee improvement of any disease or condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about any health concern.

Media Feature

Meet the scientist behind the technology

Watch our Head of Research and Development explain how singlet oxygen is produced and why it matters.

Media Feature Dr. Yael Abraham, Head of Research & Development, explains our technology

This interview is provided for educational purposes. ZMedic Air is a wellness air purifier, not a medical device.

How It Works

Our patented design, step by step

1

Purify

Air flowing through ZMedic Air devices is first cleaned through our multi-stage filters. The Cold Catalyst Filter captures formaldehyde, ammonia, benzene, TVOC and other gases released by household furniture and fabrics. The Cellular-Activated Carbon Filter traps dust and odor particles. The 5-Micron Antimicrobial Filter targets common airborne bacteria. The HEPA Filter removes particles larger than 0.01 microns - bacteria, fungi, viruses and allergens.

2

Enrich

Our patented feature is a metal honeycomb plate sitting at the output vent. A special blend of metals creates an electrical-energy reaction with the air flowing through, generating singlet oxygen without the use of radiation as in most other applications. To our knowledge, this method of producing singlet oxygen is a first. For best results, place your ZMedic Air device close to you rather than in a room corner like a traditional air purifier.

Scientific references

D'Autréaux, B., & Toledano, M. B. (2007). ROS as signalling molecules: mechanisms that generate specificity in ROS homeostasis. Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, 8(10), 813-824.

Brieger, K., Schiavone, S., Miller Jr, F. J., & Krause, K. H. (2012). Reactive oxygen species: from health to disease. Swiss Medical Weekly, 142, w13659.

Gems, D., & Partridge, L. (2008). Stress-response hormesis and aging: 'that which does not kill us makes us stronger'. Cell Metabolism, 7(3), 200-203.

Hulten, L. M., Holmström, M., & Soussi, B. (1999). Harmful singlet oxygen can be helpful. Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 27(11), 1203-1207.

Krieger-Liszkay, A. (2005). Singlet oxygen production in photosynthesis. Journal of Experimental Botany, 56(411), 337-346.

Leisinger, U., Rüfenacht, K., Fischer, B., Pesaro, M., Spengler, A., Zehnder, A. J., & Eggen, R. I. (2001). The glutathione peroxidase homologous gene from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is transcriptionally up-regulated by singlet oxygen. Plant Molecular Biology, 46(4), 395-408.

op den Camp, R. G., Przybyla, D., Ochsenbein, C., Laloi, C., Kim, C., Danon, A., et al. (2003). Rapid induction of distinct stress responses after the release of singlet oxygen in Arabidopsis. The Plant Cell, 15(10), 2320-2332.

Rahman, T., Hosen, I., Islam, M. T., & Shekhar, H. U. (2012). Oxidative stress and human health. Advances in Bioscience and Biotechnology, 3(07), 997.

Ristow, M., & Zarse, K. (2010). How increased oxidative stress promotes longevity and metabolic health: the concept of mitochondrial hormesis (mitohormesis). Experimental Gerontology, 45(6), 410-418.

Stief, T. W. (2003). The physiology and pharmacology of singlet oxygen. Medical Hypotheses, 60(4), 567-572.

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