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Chlorine Dioxide Gas Sterilization under Square-Wave Conditions
1Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Applied Sciences, Round Lake, Illinois 60073.
Applied and Environmental Microbiology
|February 1, 1990
Summary
Chlorine dioxide (CD) gas sterilization effectiveness is concentration-dependent and enhanced by prehumidification. Ultrasonic nebulization significantly improved CD gas sporicidal activity compared to environmental chamber prehumidification.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Sterilization Technology
- Gas Plasma Research
Background:
- Sterilization processes are critical for medical device safety.
- Chlorine dioxide (CD) gas offers potential as an effective sterilant.
- Understanding CD gas efficacy under controlled conditions is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the sporicidal activity of chlorine dioxide (CD) gas.
- To evaluate the impact of humidity, concentration, and temperature on CD sterilization.
- To compare CD gas efficacy with ethylene oxide.
Main Methods:
- Experiments utilized controlled humidity, gas concentration, and temperature.
- Standard biological indicators (BIs) and environmental spore isolates were exposed to CD gas.
- D values were determined under various prehumidification conditions.
Main Results:
- CD gas sporicidal activity was concentration-dependent.
- Prehumidification significantly enhanced CD gas efficacy, especially via ultrasonic nebulization.
- Ultrasonic nebulization yielded a D value of 0.55 min at 6-7 mg/L CD.
- CD gas demonstrated significantly higher potency than ethylene oxide on a molar basis.
Conclusions:
- Chlorine dioxide gas is a potent sterilant, particularly when BIs are prehumidified.
- Ultrasonic nebulization is a highly effective method for enhancing CD gas sterilization.
- CD gas presents a promising alternative to ethylene oxide for sterilization applications.