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Updated: Oct 4, 2025

Remote Laboratory Management: Respiratory Virus Diagnostics
Published on: April 6, 2019
Sterilization of paper during crisis
Fwzah H Alshammari1, Hebat-Allah A Hussein2,3
1Physical Department, University College of Nairiyah, University of Hafr Al Batin (UHB), Nairiyah, 31991, Saudi Arabia. foshammary@uhb.edu.sa.
Paper sheets can spread infections during pandemics. Gamma radiation and dry heat effectively sterilize paper, with dry heat being a simple, safe, and cost-effective method for educational institutions.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Materials Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Paper sheets pose infection risks in educational settings during pandemics.
- Pathogen contamination of paper necessitates effective sterilization methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate gamma radiation and dry heat for sterilizing paper contaminated with various pathogens.
- To assess the structural integrity of paper post-sterilization.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of contaminated paper sheets to gamma radiation (6, 12, 24 kGy).
- Application of dry heat at different temperatures and durations (100°C/60min, 150°C/30min, 200°C/15min).
- Microbiological analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for efficacy and structural assessment.
Main Results:
- Both gamma radiation and dry heat successfully eliminated tested bacteria (Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi) and fungi (Candida albicans).
- SEM confirmed structural integrity of paper sterilized with gamma radiation (6 kGy) and specific dry heat conditions (100°C/60min, 150°C/30min, 200°C/15min).
Conclusions:
- Gamma radiation and dry heat are effective paper sterilization techniques.
- Dry heat is a practical, safe, and economical method for sterilizing paper in educational institutions, particularly during pandemics like COVID-19.
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