Proof of Concept Demonstration
See how a simple side-by-side blackberry test was used to demonstrate the potential effect of photolytic atmospheric hydroxyl radicals on the initiation and spread of fungi, and why that matters for commercial, healthcare, senior care, hospitality, food-related, and facility environments across Brevard County.
A visual proof-of-concept for hydroxyl-based air purification
Hydroxyl radicals are naturally occurring oxidants created outdoors when sunlight interacts with moisture and oxygen in the air. Because hydroxyl radicals are not visible, Thomas Moriarty, PE conducted a low-cost proof-of-concept test using store-bought blackberries to compare an untreated control sample with a sample exposed to photolytic atmospheric hydroxyl radicals.
The goal was simple: determine whether continuous exposure to hydroxyl radicals could help improve blackberry shelf life by reducing the initiation and spread of fungi.
This was not a laboratory-grade clinical study. It was a practical visual demonstration designed to make an invisible air and surface treatment process easier to understand. The results give facility owners, operators, and institutional buyers a clearer way to see how hydroxyl-based technology may support odor control, occupied-space treatment, and cleaner indoor environments.
STATS
Watch the final side-by-side comparison
The final video shows the untreated control container compared with the hydroxyl-exposed test container at the end of the demonstration period.
The control sample showed extensive visible fungi growth. The hydroxyl-exposed test sample showed much more limited visible fungi activity, with fungi appearing darker, less fuzzy, and not spreading across the berries in the same way.
Final side-by-side comparison after approximately 9.5 days of observation.
What the Blackberry Test showed
Two clamshells of Driscoll’s organic blackberries were purchased side-by-side from a Publix refrigerated display case in Satellite Beach, Florida. Both samples were visually inspected at the start of the test and showed no visible mold or fungal growth.
The control sample was placed at one end of the building, away from the test room. The test sample was placed at the opposite end of the building, where photolytic equipment was used to generate atmospheric hydroxyl radicals. The hydroxyl equipment ran continuously during the test period.
Pictures were taken twice per day to document appearance changes. Temperature and humidity were also measured throughout the test.
| Case Study Element | Control Sample | Hydroxyl-Exposed Test Sample |
|---|---|---|
| Initial condition | No visible mold or fungal growth at purchase. | No visible mold or fungal growth at purchase. |
| First visible fungi | Observed after approximately 6 days. | Observed after approximately 7 days. |
| Exact first observation | February 6, 2023 at 6:24 PM. | February 7, 2023 at 8:16 PM. |
| Time difference | Fungi appeared first in the control sample. | Fungi appeared approximately 25 hours and 52 minutes later. |
| Spread pattern | Visible white, fuzzy fungi continued spreading to other berries. | Fungi appeared darker, less fuzzy, and did not spread in the same way. |
| Final comparison | Extensive visible fungi growth. | Limited visible fungi activity, with fungi appearing suppressed or dead. |
NOTE: This case study is presented as a practical visual proof-of-concept. Results can vary by space, equipment selection, airflow, humidity, source conditions, and operating conditions.
Why this matters for Brevard County facilities
Facilities in Melbourne, Palm Bay, Cocoa Beach, Viera, Titusville, and throughout Brevard County depend on indoor environments that feel clean, neutral, and professionally maintained.
The Blackberry Test gives institutional decision-makers a visual way to understand hydroxyl technology before discussing equipment. For hospitals, senior care facilities, clinics, hospitality properties, food-related facilities, and managed buildings, the conversation is not only about equipment. It is about helping occupied spaces address persistent odors, reduce environmental contamination concerns, support air and surface treatment, and create a more comfortable indoor environment without relying on masking fragrances or ozone shock treatments.
Best-fit applications for institutional leads
Awen Natural Air provides Pyure® hydroxyl radical generator equipment rentals, sales, and servicing for residential and commercial environments. This case study is most useful when paired with facility conversations where continuous occupied-space treatment matters.
Senior care and assisted living
Support a fresher indoor environment in resident rooms, common areas, offices, laundry spaces, and other areas where persistent odors can affect resident, family, and staff perception.
Healthcare and clinics
Discuss natural air purification options for occupied support spaces, waiting areas, treatment-adjacent environments, administrative zones, and other areas where air quality perception matters.
Hospitality and property management
Use hydroxyl equipment for odor-sensitive rooms, turnovers, offices, lobbies, fitness areas, and high-traffic indoor spaces where clean-smelling air supports the guest or tenant experience.
Food-related and storage environments
The test also suggests possible applications in food handling, cold storage, packaging areas, distribution environments, and refrigerated display settings where fungi suppression and shelf-life concerns matter.
How Awen Natural Air helps
Awen Natural Air helps facility teams choose the right Pyure hydroxyl generator equipment for the space, application, and operating conditions.
- Portable Pyure equipment rentals for short-term facility needs and demonstrations.
- Equipment sales and service for long-term commercial or institutional use.
- Guidance on occupied-space use, placement, sizing, and ongoing maintenance.
- Support for Brevard County facilities that need natural air purification options without ozone-based shock treatment.
- Practical education for decision-makers who need to understand the technology before choosing equipment.
Institutional buyers
The key takeaway is not that one simple blackberry test proves every possible outcome. The key takeaway is that under similar temperature and humidity conditions, the hydroxyl-exposed sample showed reduced fungi spread compared with the untreated control sample.
Related technology and supporting evidence
The Blackberry Test is Awen’s own visual demonstration. For buyers who want to go deeper, Awen can also point to Pyure technology resources and broader industry evidence without copying third-party articles or overstating the case study.
FAQs
Is this a scientific or clinical study?
No. The Blackberry Test is a low-cost proof-of-concept demonstration. It is useful for visually explaining the potential effect of photolytic atmospheric hydroxyl radicals on fungi suppression, but it should not be treated as a peer-reviewed clinical study or as a guarantee of facility outcomes.
What did the test compare?
The test compared two clamshells of Driscoll’s organic blackberries purchased side-by-side from a Publix supermarket in Satellite Beach, Florida. One sample was kept as the control. The other was placed in a room where photolytic atmospheric hydroxyl radicals were generated continuously.
What was the main result?
The control sample showed visible fungi first and continued to show spreading fungi growth. The hydroxyl-exposed sample showed first visible fungi about 25 hours and 52 minutes later, and the visible fungi did not spread across the berries in the same way.
What does this have to do with air purification in Melbourne FL facilities?
The test helps make an invisible process visible. Awen uses hydroxyl generator technology for natural air purification and odor control support in residential and commercial spaces throughout Melbourne, Brevard County, and Central Florida.
Can hydroxyl equipment operate in occupied spaces?
Pyure hydroxyl generator equipment is designed for occupied-space applications when properly selected, placed, operated, and maintained according to product guidance. Awen can help discuss equipment options for your facility.
Who should consider a consultation?
Senior care communities, healthcare support facilities, clinics, hospitality properties, property managers, offices, food-related facilities, and commercial buildings with odor-sensitive or air-quality-sensitive environments may benefit from a conversation with Awen Natural Air.
Bring natural air purification into your Brevard County facility conversation
If you manage a healthcare, senior care, hospitality, food-related, commercial, or institutional space in Melbourne or Brevard County, Awen Natural Air can help you evaluate Pyure equipment options for your building.