NEWER

METHODS OF
TERILIZATION
MODERATOR DR VARSHA A
SINGH
HOD ( Deptt. Of
Microbiology)

HISTORY
Germ theory of Louis
Pasteur 1861
1862 Discovery of
autoclave
Joseph Lister father
of antisepsis
1867 - Dr joseph
lister uses carbolic
acid decontamination
in surgical sites
Sir Joseph Lister (1827-1912)
2

STERILIZATION
Meaning
It is a process by which all living
organisms, including viable spores, are
either destroyed or removed from an
article, body surface or medium.

Sterilization

Physical
Mechanical
Methods
Methods

Chemical
Methods

Classification
Physical methods

Drying

Mechanical M

Chemical Methods

Heat

Radiation

Moist heat

Dry heat

Temp. <100 C
Flaming

Hot air oven

Pasteurization

Water bath
Inspissation

=100 C
Boiling

Steaming

>

Auto

Radiation

Ionizing radiation
Radiation
Gamma rays
rays[UV]
X- rays

Non Ionizing

Ultravoilet
Infrared rays

Chemical methods

High

Intermediate

Hydrogen peroxide
Surface
Ethylene oxide
active agents
Glutaraldehyde

Iodophores

Low

Phenol
Isopropyl alcohol

Salts

NEWER METHOD
OF
STERILIZATION

Sterilization

Physical
Methods

Chemical
Methods

Mechanic
Methods

Millipore filters

Sterad 50(Hydrogen peroxide

plasma sterilizer)
Endoclens
Attest
Orthophtaldehyde
Surfacine
Sterilox

H2O2 plasma sterilizer

PLASMA - Reactive mixture of ions, electrons,

and neutral species.

PLASMA
Expose GAS - high temperature or high voltage

Atoms moves rapidly and collide

Formation of highly reactive free radicles
( Atom with an unpaired electron)

Affecting essential cell components( Enzymes and nucleic

acids)

Disrupt metabolism of microorganisms

Hydrogen
peroxide
A bactericidal, virucidal, sporicidal
and
fungicidal agent.
- Even at low concentration and
temperature.

Schematic diagram of Sterrad

Injection
phase
Liquid H2O2 injected by H2O2
delivery subsystem
Deliver it to
vaporizer/condenser
By injector heater
H2O2 is vaporized

Vapor dispersed
Diffusion
By vapourizer transfer

means.

Diffusion of H2O2 in
sterlising chamber
Further decrease in chamber
pressure
vapor cloud
All items exposed to vapour
cloud

phase

Plasma phase
Electromagnetic field is created
by RF field(Radiofrequency)

RF field - enhances electron energy

H2O2 vapor breaks apart
plasma discharge initiated(RF improves the efficiency of
plasma

generation significantly)

plasma cloud ( UV light and free radicals) formed

Vent phase
Filtered air entered in chamber
- Equalize pressure
- So door can be opened
- No need of aeration and cool down

H2O2 plasma sterilizer

new low temperature
sterilization technology

Advantages
Using dry, low-temperature, gas plasma
technology
Faster cycle time than EtO
heat-stable / heat-sensitive / moisture-sensitive
instruments /delicate instruments
instrument damage and repair costs
speed ,ready-to-use instruments

 Easy to operate
Compact and portable
Important- do not produce harmful byproducts
no need for aeration and ventilation

5 S of STERRAD Technology
Speed
Safety
Sterility
Simplicity
Savings

Limitations
DO NOT - cellulosic materials like linen, wood,
powders and liquids
Sterilization chamber is small, about 3.5ft
DO NOT- less lumen internal diameter and
length
ex:Endoscopes or medical
devices
Requires synthetic packaging (polypropylene)
and special container tray

Two type of equipment available

Sterrad 50
Cleared by FDA in Jan 99
Single shelf, rectangular
chamber
Two H2O2 vapor diffusion
stage plasma cycles
Cycle time 45 min.

Sterred 100
Cleared by FDA in 1991
2 shelves, cylindrical
chamber
One H2O2 vapor
diffusion plasma cycle
Cycle time 72 min.

Newer STERRAD NX technically more

advanced

OPA-
chemical compound
A NEW CHEMICAL STERILANT
Dialdehyde, twoformyl(CHO)
groups
attached to carbon centres on abenzenering.

C6H4(CHO)2.

Mechanism of
action
OPA interact with amino acids,
proteins and micro-organisms

Binds to membrane receptors due to cross

linkage (Across-linkis a bond
thatlinksone polymer chain to another.
They can be covalent bonds or ionic bonds)
Less potent cross-linking agent

Cell wall of mycobacteria and Gram-negative bacteria has lipid layer

OPA - lipophilic aromatic nature which is likely to assist its uptake

Impairs the membrane functions increase permeability of membrane

OPA enters into cell

It interacts with intracellular reactive
molecules, such as RNA, compromising the
growth cycle of the cells and, at last, with
DNA
KILLS THE BACTERIA
Biocide

PHYSICAL AND BIOLOGICAL

ROPERTIES
Clear, pale blue liquid, pH 7.5
Excellent stability over a wide range of pH (39)
Categorized as high level disinfectant

Bactericidal, mycobactericidal,
sporicidal
activity against spores enhanced as
the temperature rises from 20 to 35C

Items to sterlised
Medical instruments
Like specula, laryngeal mirrors
Internal ultrasound probes

 Advantage over glutaraldehyde

Requires no activation
Not known to irritant to eyes and nasal
passages
Does not require exposure monitoring

 Barely perceptible odor

Excellent material compatibility
Superior mycobactericidal
Less exposure time
Not coagulating blood or fixing tissues to
surfaces

Disadvantage
Stains protein gray, included unprotected skin
More expensive than glutaraldehyde
Slow sporicidal activity
- Also carcinogenic in nature

Disposal
Glycine added