A production method for multi-stage disinfection and aseptic packaging of medical cotton swabs

Through multi-stage disinfection and aseptic packaging methods, and the use of antibacterial agents such as nanosilver particles, triclosan and quaternary ammonium salts, the problems of poor antibacterial effect and inconsistent product quality in the production of traditional medical cotton swabs have been solved, achieving efficient and stable antibacterial performance and improved production efficiency.

CN119185604BActive Publication Date: 2025-09-12SICHUAN SUINING KANGDA HEALTH MATERIALS CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202411347535.6
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-09-26
Publication Date
2025-09-12
Estimated Expiration
2044-09-26

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The selection and ratio of antimicrobial agents in traditional medical cotton swab production methods are unreasonable, resulting in poor antimicrobial effects or skin irritation. The uneven distribution of antimicrobial agents affects durability, resulting in low production efficiency and inconsistent product quality.

Method used

A multi-stage disinfection and aseptic packaging method is adopted, including raw material preparation, pre-disinfection, uniform spraying of antimicrobial agents, preliminary disinfection, cooling, aseptic packaging and final disinfection. Nanosilver particles, triclosan, quaternary ammonium salts and polylactic acid-glycolic acid copolymer are used as antimicrobial agents. The release rate is controlled by a sustained-release carrier to ensure uniform distribution and stability of the antimicrobial agent.

Benefits of technology

It improves the sustained antibacterial effect of antimicrobial agents, enhances the antibacterial properties of medical cotton swabs, ensures the high sterility of products, improves production efficiency and consistency of product quality, reduces costs and potential side effects, extends shelf life, and reduces waste.

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Abstract

The present invention discloses a method for producing multi-stage disinfected and aseptically packaged medical cotton swabs. In the present invention, the antimicrobial agent is prepared through a sophisticated process to ensure uniform dispersion and stable bonding of nanosilver particles to the cotton swab material, maximizing the beneficial effects of the antimicrobial agent. This carefully designed formula provides sustained antimicrobial action. The large specific surface area of ​​the nanosilver particles ensures ample contact with microorganisms, rapidly killing or inhibiting their growth. The addition of triclosan and quaternary ammonium salts enhances the antimicrobial spectrum, making it effective against a variety of pathogens. During the preparation process, a sustained-release carrier effectively controls the release rate of the antimicrobial agent, ensuring that the antimicrobial agent continues to work over an extended period. The sustained-release carrier allows the antimicrobial agent to be slowly released from the surface or interior of the cotton swab, maintaining its antimicrobial effect over a longer period of time, reducing the need for frequent replacement of disinfectant products and enhancing the stability of the antimicrobial agent.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of medical cotton swabs, and specifically relates to a production method of multi-stage disinfection and aseptic packaging medical cotton swabs. Background Art

[0002] In the medical field, medical cotton swabs, as a common medical consumable, are widely used in operations such as wound care, disinfection, and sampling. Since they come into direct contact with the patient's skin or mucous membranes, the sterility and antibacterial properties of medical cotton swabs are crucial. However, traditional medical cotton swab production methods often have some shortcomings, such as limited antibacterial effect, excessively fast release of antibacterial agents, low production efficiency, and inconsistent product quality. Among the existing medical cotton swab production methods, some use antibacterial agents to improve the antibacterial ability of cotton swabs.

[0003] However, these methods often suffer from the following technical issues: Improper selection and proportioning of antimicrobial agents can lead to poor antimicrobial efficacy or skin irritation. The method of adding the antimicrobial agent can also lead to uneven distribution of the agent on the cotton swab, affecting the durability of the antimicrobial effect. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a method for producing medical cotton swabs with multi-stage disinfection and aseptic packaging in order to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: a production method for multi-stage disinfection and aseptic packaging of medical cotton swabs, characterized in that the method comprises the following steps:

[0006] S1: Prepare raw materials. Choose high-quality cotton as the raw material for medical cotton swabs. Prepare a sufficient number of bamboo or plastic swabs as the support part of the cotton swabs.

[0007] S2: Place the cotton into the cutting machine and cut it into the required size to ensure that the cotton pieces are of uniform size. Check the cut cotton and remove any unqualified parts.

[0008] S3: Place the cut cotton into a pre-sterilized container. Use 75% alcohol or ultraviolet light to pre-sterilize the cotton for a certain period of time.

[0009] S4: Prepare the antimicrobial agent and evenly spray or soak the cotton with the antimicrobial agent. This ensures that the antimicrobial agent is evenly absorbed and has sufficient time to combine with the cotton material before the cotton is assembled into a cotton swab.

[0010] S5: Before assembling the cotton swab, evenly apply or soak a bamboo or plastic swab with the antimicrobial solution, then secure the pre-sterilized cotton to the treated swab. This way, the antimicrobial agent is absorbed not only by the cotton but also by the surface of the swab, providing antimicrobial protection to the entire structure of the cotton swab.

[0011] S6: Fix the sprayed cotton on the bamboo or plastic stick to ensure it is firmly fixed. Check the assembly quality of the cotton swab to ensure that it is not loose or falling off;

[0012] S7: Place the assembled cotton swab into the preliminary sterilization device. Use high-temperature steam or ethylene oxide gas to perform preliminary sterilization on the cotton swab;

[0013] S8: Cool the preliminarily sterilized cotton swab to room temperature. Avoid contamination during the cooling process.

[0014] S9: Prepare sterile packaging materials, such as aluminum foil bags, medical plastic bags, etc. Sterilize the packaging materials with ultraviolet light to ensure sterility. Divide the cooled cotton swabs into sterile packaging bags according to the specified quantity. Ensure that the cotton swabs are not contaminated during the diversion process.

[0015] S10: Use aseptic sealing equipment to seal the packaging bag. Check the sealing quality to ensure a good seal;

[0016] S11: Place the sealed, sterile-packaged cotton swabs into the final sterilization equipment. High-temperature steam or ethylene oxide gas is used to perform final sterilization on the cotton swabs. This concludes the multi-stage sterilization and sterile packaging production process for medical cotton swabs.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, in step S4, the antibacterial agent includes:

[0018] 5-10 parts by weight of nanosilver particles;

[0019] 15-20 parts by weight of triclosan;

[0020] 25-30 parts by weight of quaternary ammonium salt;

[0021] 200-230 parts by weight of polylactic acid-glycolic acid copolymer;

[0022] 500-550 parts by weight of polyethylene glycol;

[0023] 9500-9550 parts by weight of distilled water.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, in step S4, the method for preparing the antibacterial agent includes:

[0025] Add PLGA and PEG to distilled water, heat to an appropriate temperature, and stir until completely dissolved.

[0026] With gentle stirring, add the silver nanoparticles to ensure uniform dispersion.

[0027] Add triclosan and quaternary ammonium salt in sequence and continue stirring until completely dissolved.

[0028] The mixed solution was filtered to remove undissolved particles and impurities.

[0029] Store the prepared antimicrobial solution in a sterile container for later use.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, in step S2, the cutting machine blade should be replaced every 1000 meters of cutting to ensure cutting accuracy. The cutting size is set to 8 mm x 8 mm cotton pieces. The cutting speed should be controlled at 50-60 cotton pieces per minute. The inspection area should maintain a relative humidity between 30% and 50% and a temperature between 18-24°C.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, in step S3, when 75% alcohol is used for pre-disinfection, the immersion time should be exactly 7 minutes. The irradiation intensity of ultraviolet disinfection is set to 1200 μW / cm 2 , the irradiation time should be 35 minutes. The internal temperature of the pre-sterilized container should be controlled at 20-25℃.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, in step S5, the pH value of the antimicrobial agent is adjusted to 6.5-7.5. When spraying the antimicrobial agent, the distance between the nozzle and the cotton surface should be maintained at 10-15 cm. The soaking time is set to 8 minutes, and the drying temperature does not exceed 40°C.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, in step S7, the high-temperature steam sterilization temperature is set to 125° C., the pressure is 1.2 bar, the duration is 18 minutes, and the ethylene oxide gas sterilization concentration is 900 mg / L, the temperature is 55° C., the relative humidity is 45%, and the sterilization time is 1.5 hours.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, in step S9, the duration of sterile packaging preparation and subpackaging UV disinfection is 1.5 hours, and the cleanroom air flow rate should be maintained at 0.4 cubic meters per second per square meter. During subpackaging, each package of cotton swabs contains precisely 50 swabs, and the operator's actions should be completed within one minute to minimize exposure time.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, in step S10, the sealing temperature of the aseptic sealing equipment is set to 180°C and the sealing time is 2 seconds. The sealed packaging bag should be inspected within 30 minutes to ensure that the width of the sealing line is 2-3 mm.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, in step S11, the parameters for final high-temperature steam sterilization are the same as those for initial sterilization. The cooling time after ethylene oxide gas sterilization should be at least 1.5 hours, the ambient temperature should be controlled between 15-25°C, and the relative humidity should be maintained between 30% and 50%. The sterilized cotton swabs should be stored under sterile conditions at a temperature between 2-8°C.

[0037] In summary, due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0038] 1. In the present invention, the antimicrobial agent utilizes a sophisticated preparation process to ensure uniform dispersion and stable bonding of the nanosilver particles to the cotton swab material, maximizing its beneficial effects. This carefully designed formulation provides sustained antimicrobial action. The large surface area of ​​the nanosilver particles ensures ample contact with microorganisms, rapidly killing or inhibiting their growth. The addition of triclosan and quaternary ammonium salts enhances the antimicrobial spectrum, making it effective against a wide range of pathogens, including some difficult-to-treat drug-resistant strains. Furthermore, the sustained-release carrier during the preparation process effectively controls the release rate of the antimicrobial agent, ensuring its sustained effect over an extended period. The sustained-release carrier allows the antimicrobial agent to be slowly released from the surface or interior of the cotton swab, maintaining its antimicrobial effect over a longer period and reducing the need for frequent replacement of disinfectant products. Through sustained-release technology, the antimicrobial agent can continue to work during critical periods of microbial growth, more effectively inhibiting bacterial growth and improving overall antimicrobial efficacy. Because the sustained-release carrier controls the release of the antimicrobial agent, the total amount of antimicrobial agent required can be reduced to achieve the same antimicrobial effect, reducing costs and potential side effects. Sustained-release carriers help protect antimicrobial agents from environmental factors such as light and temperature changes, thereby enhancing the stability of the antimicrobial agents.

[0039] 2. In the present invention, a multi-stage sterilization process, including pre-sterilization, high-temperature steam sterilization, and ethylene oxide gas sterilization, is used to ensure the high sterility of medical cotton swabs and reduce the risk of infection for patients during use. Precise cutting and packaging steps ensure the consistency of the size, weight, and cotton content of each cotton swab, thereby improving the overall quality of the product. The treatment with antimicrobial agents enhances the antimicrobial properties of the cotton swabs, and can effectively inhibit their growth even if they come into contact with microorganisms during use. Sterile packaging and appropriate storage conditions significantly extend the shelf life of medical cotton swabs and reduce waste caused by expired products. Strict quality inspections and sealing inspections ensure the safety of the product during transportation and use, and avoid product contamination due to damaged packaging. Automated and standardized production processes improve production efficiency, reduce human errors, and reduce production costs. Strict control of environmental conditions during the production process ensures the stability and reliability of the product throughout the entire production process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, the present invention is further described in detail below in conjunction with the embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0041] Example 1:

[0042] A method for producing multi-stage disinfection and aseptic packaging medical cotton swabs, the method comprising the following steps:

[0043] S1: Prepare raw materials. Choose high-quality cotton as the raw material for medical cotton swabs. Prepare a sufficient number of bamboo or plastic swabs as the support part of the cotton swabs.

[0044] S2: Place the cotton into the cutting machine and cut it into the required size to ensure that the cotton pieces are of uniform size. Check the cut cotton and remove any unqualified parts.

[0045] S3: Place the cut cotton into a pre-sterilized container. Use 75% alcohol or ultraviolet light to pre-sterilize the cotton for a certain period of time.

[0046] S4: Prepare the antimicrobial agent and evenly spray or soak the cotton with the antimicrobial agent. This ensures that the antimicrobial agent is evenly absorbed and has sufficient time to combine with the cotton material before the cotton is assembled into a cotton swab.

[0047] S5: Before assembling the cotton swab, evenly apply or soak a bamboo or plastic swab with the antimicrobial solution, then secure the pre-sterilized cotton to the treated swab. This way, the antimicrobial agent is absorbed not only by the cotton but also by the surface of the swab, providing antimicrobial protection to the entire structure of the cotton swab.

[0048] In step S4, the antimicrobial agent includes:

[0049] 5-10 parts by weight of nano-silver particles; a highly effective antibacterial agent that provides long-term antibacterial effects 15-20 parts by weight of triclosan; an antibacterial agent that enhances broad-spectrum antibacterial capabilities

[0050] 25-30 parts by weight of quaternary ammonium salt (such as benzalkonium bromide); antibacterial agent, providing rapid bactericidal effect

[0051] 200-230 parts by weight of polylactic acid-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) sustained-release carrier, used to control the release of the antibacterial agent

[0052] Polyethylene glycol (PEG) 500-550 parts by weight; solvent and stabilizer, to improve the stability of the solution and the compatibility of the materials

[0053] 9500-9550 parts by weight of distilled water; diluent, used to prepare the solution.

[0054] S6: Fix the sprayed cotton on the bamboo or plastic stick to ensure it is firmly fixed. Check the assembly quality of the cotton swab to ensure that it is not loose or falling off;

[0055] S7: Place the assembled cotton swab into the preliminary sterilization device. Use high-temperature steam or ethylene oxide gas to perform preliminary sterilization on the cotton swab;

[0056] S8: Cool the preliminarily sterilized cotton swab to room temperature. Avoid contamination during the cooling process.

[0057] S9: Prepare sterile packaging materials, such as aluminum foil bags, medical plastic bags, etc. Sterilize the packaging materials with ultraviolet light to ensure sterility. Divide the cooled cotton swabs into sterile packaging bags according to the specified quantity. Ensure that the cotton swabs are not contaminated during the diversion process.

[0058] S10: Use aseptic sealing equipment to seal the packaging bag. Check the sealing quality to ensure a good seal;

[0059] S11: Place the sealed, sterile-packaged cotton swabs into the final sterilization equipment. High-temperature steam or ethylene oxide gas is used to perform final sterilization on the cotton swabs. This concludes the multi-stage sterilization and sterile packaging production process for medical cotton swabs.

[0060] Nanosilver particles: Using nanosilver can improve antibacterial efficiency because they can penetrate deeper into the bacterial cell wall and destroy the cell structure.

[0061] PLGA: As a sustained-release carrier, PLGA can form a thin film on the surface of the material, gradually releasing the antibacterial agent and prolonging the antibacterial effect.

[0062] PEG: Improves the stability of the solution and the compatibility of the material, while helping to evenly distribute the antimicrobial agent on the surface of the material.

[0063] In step S4, the preparation method of the antibacterial agent includes:

[0064] Add PLGA and PEG to distilled water, heat to an appropriate temperature, and stir until completely dissolved.

[0065] With gentle stirring, add the silver nanoparticles to ensure uniform dispersion.

[0066] Add triclosan and quaternary ammonium salt in sequence and continue stirring until completely dissolved.

[0067] The mixed solution was filtered to remove undissolved particles and impurities.

[0068] Store the prepared antimicrobial solution in a sterile container for later use.

[0069] In step S2, the cutting machine blade should be replaced every 1000 meters to ensure cutting accuracy. The cutting size is set to 8 mm x 8 mm cotton pieces. The cutting speed should be controlled at 50-60 pieces per minute. The inspection area should maintain a relative humidity between 30% and 50% and a temperature between 18-24°C to prevent the cotton from absorbing moisture and becoming damp.

[0070] In step S3, when 75% alcohol is used for pre-disinfection, the immersion time should be exactly 7 minutes. The irradiation intensity of ultraviolet disinfection is set to 1200 μW / cm 2 , the irradiation time should be 35 minutes. The internal temperature of the pre-sterilized container should be controlled at 20-25℃.

[0071] In step S5, the pH value of the antimicrobial agent is adjusted to 6.5-7.5. When spraying the antimicrobial agent, the distance between the nozzle and the cotton surface should be maintained at 10-15 cm. The soaking time is set to 8 minutes, and the drying temperature does not exceed 40°C.

[0072] In step S7, the high-temperature steam sterilization temperature is set to 125°C, the pressure is 1.2 bar, the duration is 18 minutes, the ethylene oxide gas sterilization concentration is 900 mg / L, the temperature is 55°C, the relative humidity is 45%, and the sterilization time is 1.5 hours.

[0073] In step S9, the preparation of sterile packaging and the UV disinfection of subpackaging take 1.5 hours, and the cleanroom air flow rate should be maintained at 0.4 cubic meters per second per square meter. During subpackaging, the number of cotton swabs per package should be precisely 50, and the operator's actions should be completed within one minute to minimize exposure time.

[0074] In step S10, the sealing temperature of the aseptic sealing equipment is set to 180°C and the sealing time is 2 seconds. The sealed packaging bag should be inspected within 30 minutes to ensure that the width of the sealing line is 2-3 mm.

[0075] In step S11, the parameters for final high-temperature steam sterilization are the same as for initial sterilization. The cooling time after ethylene oxide gas sterilization should be at least 1.5 hours, the ambient temperature should be controlled between 15-25°C, and the relative humidity should be maintained between 30% and 50%. Sterilized cotton swabs should be stored under sterile conditions at a temperature of 2-8°C.

[0076] Example 2:

[0077] A method for producing multi-stage disinfection and aseptic packaging medical cotton swabs, the method comprising the following steps:

[0078] S1: Prepare raw materials. Choose high-quality cotton as the raw material for medical cotton swabs. Prepare a sufficient number of bamboo or plastic swabs as the support part of the cotton swabs.

[0079] S2: Place the cotton into the cutting machine and cut it into the required size to ensure that the cotton pieces are of uniform size. Check the cut cotton and remove any unqualified parts.

[0080] S3: Place the cut cotton into a pre-sterilized container. Use 75% alcohol or ultraviolet light to pre-sterilize the cotton for a certain period of time.

[0081] S4: Prepare the antimicrobial agent and evenly spray or soak the cotton with the antimicrobial agent. This ensures that the antimicrobial agent is evenly absorbed and has sufficient time to combine with the cotton material before the cotton is assembled into a cotton swab.

[0082] S5: Before assembling the cotton swab, evenly apply or soak a bamboo or plastic swab with the antimicrobial solution, then secure the pre-sterilized cotton to the treated swab. This way, the antimicrobial agent is absorbed not only by the cotton but also by the surface of the swab, providing antimicrobial protection to the entire structure of the cotton swab.

[0083] In step S4, the antimicrobial agent includes:

[0084] 5-10 parts by weight of nano-silver particles; a highly effective antibacterial agent that provides long-term antibacterial effects 15-20 parts by weight of triclosan; an antibacterial agent that enhances broad-spectrum antibacterial capabilities

[0085] 25-30 parts by weight of quaternary ammonium salt (such as benzalkonium bromide); antibacterial agent, providing rapid bactericidal effect

[0086] 200-230 parts by weight of polylactic acid-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) sustained-release carrier, used to control the release of the antibacterial agent

[0087] Polyethylene glycol (PEG) 500-550 parts by weight; solvent and stabilizer, to improve the stability of the solution and the compatibility of the materials

[0088] 9500-9550 parts by weight of distilled water; diluent, used to prepare the solution.

[0089] S6: Fix the sprayed cotton on the bamboo or plastic stick to ensure it is firmly fixed. Check the assembly quality of the cotton swab to ensure that it is not loose or falling off;

[0090] S7: Place the assembled cotton swab into the preliminary sterilization device. Use high-temperature steam or ethylene oxide gas to perform preliminary sterilization on the cotton swab;

[0091] S8: Cool the preliminarily sterilized cotton swab to room temperature. Avoid contamination during the cooling process.

[0092] S9: Prepare sterile packaging materials, such as aluminum foil bags, medical plastic bags, etc. Sterilize the packaging materials with ultraviolet light to ensure sterility. Divide the cooled cotton swabs into sterile packaging bags according to the specified quantity. Ensure that the cotton swabs are not contaminated during the diversion process.

[0093] S10: Use aseptic sealing equipment to seal the packaging bag. Check the sealing quality to ensure a good seal;

[0094] S11: Place the sealed, sterile-packaged cotton swabs into the final sterilization equipment. High-temperature steam or ethylene oxide gas is used to perform final sterilization on the cotton swabs. This concludes the multi-stage sterilization and sterile packaging production process for medical cotton swabs.

[0095] Nanosilver particles: Using nanosilver can improve antibacterial efficiency because they can penetrate deeper into the bacterial cell wall and destroy the cell structure.

[0096] PLGA: As a sustained-release carrier, PLGA can form a thin film on the surface of the material, gradually releasing the antibacterial agent and prolonging the antibacterial effect.

[0097] PEG: Improves the stability of the solution and the compatibility of the material, while helping to evenly distribute the antimicrobial agent on the surface of the material.

[0098] In step S4, the preparation method of the antibacterial agent includes:

[0099] Add PLGA and PEG to distilled water, heat to an appropriate temperature, and stir until completely dissolved.

[0100] With gentle stirring, add the silver nanoparticles to ensure uniform dispersion.

[0101] Add triclosan and quaternary ammonium salt in sequence and continue stirring until completely dissolved.

[0102] The mixed solution was filtered to remove undissolved particles and impurities.

[0103] Store the prepared antimicrobial solution in a sterile container for later use.

[0104] In step S2, the cutting machine blade should be replaced every 1000 meters to ensure cutting accuracy. The cutting size is set to 8 mm x 8 mm cotton pieces. The cutting speed should be controlled at 50-60 pieces per minute. The inspection area should maintain a relative humidity between 30% and 50% and a temperature between 18-24°C to prevent the cotton from absorbing moisture and becoming damp.

[0105] In step S3, when 75% alcohol is used for pre-disinfection, the immersion time should be exactly 7 minutes. The irradiation intensity of ultraviolet disinfection is set to 1200 μW / cm 2, the irradiation time should be 35 minutes. The internal temperature of the pre-sterilized container should be controlled at 20-25℃.

[0106] In step S5, the pH value of the antimicrobial agent is adjusted to 6.5-7.5. When spraying the antimicrobial agent, the distance between the nozzle and the cotton surface should be maintained at 10-15 cm. The soaking time is set to 8 minutes, and the drying temperature does not exceed 40°C.

[0107] In step S7, the high-temperature steam sterilization temperature is set to 125°C, the pressure is 1.2 bar, the duration is 18 minutes, the ethylene oxide gas sterilization concentration is 900 mg / L, the temperature is 55°C, the relative humidity is 45%, and the sterilization time is 1.5 hours.

[0108] In step S9, the preparation of sterile packaging and the UV disinfection of subpackaging take 1.5 hours, and the cleanroom air flow rate should be maintained at 0.4 cubic meters per second per square meter. During subpackaging, the number of cotton swabs per package should be precisely 50, and the operator's actions should be completed within one minute to minimize exposure time.

[0109] In step S10, the sealing temperature of the aseptic sealing equipment is set to 180°C and the sealing time is 2 seconds. The sealed packaging bag should be inspected within 30 minutes to ensure that the width of the sealing line is 2-3 mm.

[0110] In step S11, the parameters for final high-temperature steam sterilization are the same as for initial sterilization. The cooling time after ethylene oxide gas sterilization should be at least 1.5 hours, the ambient temperature should be controlled between 15-25°C, and the relative humidity should be maintained between 30% and 50%. Sterilized cotton swabs should be stored under sterile conditions at a temperature of 2-8°C.

[0111] Example 3:

[0112] A method for producing multi-stage disinfection and aseptic packaging medical cotton swabs, the method comprising the following steps:

[0113] S1: Prepare raw materials. Choose high-quality cotton as the raw material for medical cotton swabs. Prepare a sufficient number of bamboo or plastic swabs as the support part of the cotton swabs.

[0114] S2: Place the cotton into the cutting machine and cut it into the required size to ensure that the cotton pieces are of uniform size. Check the cut cotton and remove any unqualified parts.

[0115] S3: Place the cut cotton into a pre-sterilized container. Use 75% alcohol or ultraviolet light to pre-sterilize the cotton for a certain period of time.

[0116] S4: Prepare the antimicrobial agent and evenly spray or soak the cotton with the antimicrobial agent. This ensures that the antimicrobial agent is evenly absorbed and has sufficient time to combine with the cotton material before the cotton is assembled into a cotton swab.

[0117] S5: Before assembling the cotton swab, evenly apply or soak a bamboo or plastic swab with the antimicrobial solution, then secure the pre-sterilized cotton to the treated swab. This way, the antimicrobial agent is absorbed not only by the cotton but also by the surface of the swab, providing antimicrobial protection to the entire structure of the cotton swab.

[0118] In step S4, the antimicrobial agent includes:

[0119] 5-10 parts by weight of nano-silver particles; a highly effective antibacterial agent that provides long-term antibacterial effects 15-20 parts by weight of triclosan; an antibacterial agent that enhances broad-spectrum antibacterial capabilities

[0120] 25-30 parts by weight of quaternary ammonium salt (such as benzalkonium bromide); antibacterial agent, providing rapid bactericidal effect

[0121] 200-230 parts by weight of polylactic acid-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) sustained-release carrier, used to control the release of the antibacterial agent

[0122] Polyethylene glycol (PEG) 500-550 parts by weight; solvent and stabilizer, to improve the stability of the solution and the compatibility of the materials

[0123] 9500-9550 parts by weight of distilled water; diluent, used to prepare the solution.

[0124] S6: Fix the sprayed cotton on the bamboo or plastic stick to ensure it is firmly fixed. Check the assembly quality of the cotton swab to ensure that it is not loose or falling off;

[0125] S7: Place the assembled cotton swab into the preliminary sterilization device. Use high-temperature steam or ethylene oxide gas to perform preliminary sterilization on the cotton swab;

[0126] S8: Cool the preliminarily sterilized cotton swab to room temperature. Avoid contamination during the cooling process.

[0127] S9: Prepare sterile packaging materials, such as aluminum foil bags, medical plastic bags, etc. Sterilize the packaging materials with ultraviolet light to ensure sterility. Divide the cooled cotton swabs into sterile packaging bags according to the specified quantity. Ensure that the cotton swabs are not contaminated during the diversion process.

[0128] S10: Use aseptic sealing equipment to seal the packaging bag. Check the sealing quality to ensure a good seal;

[0129] S11: Place the sealed, sterile-packaged cotton swabs into the final sterilization equipment. High-temperature steam or ethylene oxide gas is used to perform final sterilization on the cotton swabs. This concludes the multi-stage sterilization and sterile packaging production process for medical cotton swabs.

[0130] Nanosilver particles: Using nanosilver can improve antibacterial efficiency because they can penetrate deeper into the bacterial cell wall and destroy the cell structure.

[0131] PLGA: As a sustained-release carrier, PLGA can form a thin film on the surface of the material, gradually releasing the antibacterial agent and prolonging the antibacterial effect.

[0132] PEG: Improves the stability of the solution and the compatibility of the material, while helping to evenly distribute the antimicrobial agent on the surface of the material.

[0133] In step S4, the preparation method of the antibacterial agent includes:

[0134] Add PLGA and PEG to distilled water, heat to an appropriate temperature, and stir until completely dissolved.

[0135] With gentle stirring, add the silver nanoparticles to ensure uniform dispersion.

[0136] Add triclosan and quaternary ammonium salt in sequence and continue stirring until completely dissolved.

[0137] The mixed solution was filtered to remove undissolved particles and impurities.

[0138] Store the prepared antimicrobial solution in a sterile container for later use.

[0139] In step S2, the cutting machine blade should be replaced every 1000 meters to ensure cutting accuracy. The cutting size is set to 8 mm x 8 mm cotton pieces. The cutting speed should be controlled at 50-60 pieces per minute. The inspection area should maintain a relative humidity between 30% and 50% and a temperature between 18-24°C to prevent the cotton from absorbing moisture and becoming damp.

[0140] In step S3, when 75% alcohol is used for pre-disinfection, the immersion time should be exactly 7 minutes. The irradiation intensity of ultraviolet disinfection is set to 1200 μW / cm 2 , the irradiation time should be 35 minutes. The internal temperature of the pre-sterilized container should be controlled at 20-25℃.

[0141] In step S5, the pH value of the antimicrobial agent is adjusted to 6.5-7.5. When spraying the antimicrobial agent, the distance between the nozzle and the cotton surface should be maintained at 10-15 cm. The soaking time is set to 8 minutes, and the drying temperature does not exceed 40°C.

[0142] In step S7, the high-temperature steam sterilization temperature is set to 125°C, the pressure is 1.2 bar, the duration is 18 minutes, the ethylene oxide gas sterilization concentration is 900 mg / L, the temperature is 55°C, the relative humidity is 45%, and the sterilization time is 1.5 hours.

[0143] In step S9, the preparation of sterile packaging and the UV disinfection of subpackaging take 1.5 hours, and the cleanroom air flow rate should be maintained at 0.4 cubic meters per second per square meter. During subpackaging, the number of cotton swabs per package should be precisely 50, and the operator's actions should be completed within one minute to minimize exposure time.

[0144] In step S10, the sealing temperature of the aseptic sealing equipment is set to 180°C and the sealing time is 2 seconds. The sealed packaging bag should be inspected within 30 minutes to ensure that the width of the sealing line is 2-3 mm.

[0145] In step S11, the parameters for high-temperature steam sterilization are the same as for initial sterilization. The cooling time after ethylene oxide gas sterilization should be at least 1.5 hours, the ambient temperature should be controlled between 15-25°C, and the relative humidity should be maintained between 30% and 50%. Sterilized cotton swabs should be stored under sterile conditions at a temperature of 2-8°C.

[0146] As can be seen from the above, the antimicrobial agent of the present invention utilizes a sophisticated preparation process to ensure uniform dispersion and stable bonding of the nanosilver particles to the cotton swab material, maximizing its beneficial effects. This carefully designed formulation provides sustained antimicrobial action. The large surface area of ​​the nanosilver particles ensures ample contact with microorganisms, rapidly killing or inhibiting their growth. The addition of triclosan and quaternary ammonium salts enhances the antimicrobial spectrum, making it effective against a wide range of pathogens, including some difficult-to-treat drug-resistant strains. Furthermore, the sustained-release carrier during the preparation process effectively controls the release rate of the antimicrobial agent, ensuring that the antimicrobial agent exerts its effects over an extended period. The sustained-release carrier allows the antimicrobial agent to be slowly released from the surface or interior of the cotton swab, maintaining its antimicrobial effect over a longer period of time and reducing the need for frequent replacement of disinfectant products. Through sustained-release technology, the antimicrobial agent can continue to exert its effects during critical periods of microbial growth, thereby more effectively inhibiting bacterial growth and improving overall antimicrobial efficiency. Because the sustained-release carrier controls the release of the antimicrobial agent, the total amount of antimicrobial agent required can be reduced to achieve the same antimicrobial effect, reducing costs and potential side effects. Sustained-release carriers help protect antimicrobial agents from environmental factors such as light and temperature changes, thereby enhancing the stability of the antimicrobial agents.

[0147] In the present invention, a multi-stage sterilization process, including pre-sterilization, high-temperature steam sterilization, and ethylene oxide gas sterilization, is used to ensure the high sterility of medical cotton swabs and reduce the risk of infection for patients during use. Precise cutting and packaging steps ensure the consistency of the size, weight, and cotton content of each cotton swab, thereby improving the overall quality of the product. The treatment with antimicrobial agents enhances the antimicrobial properties of the cotton swabs, and can effectively inhibit their growth even if they come into contact with microorganisms during use. Sterile packaging and appropriate storage conditions significantly extend the shelf life of medical cotton swabs and reduce waste caused by expired products. Strict quality inspections and sealing inspections ensure the safety of the product during transportation and use, and avoid product contamination due to packaging damage. Automated and standardized production processes improve production efficiency, reduce human errors, and reduce production costs. Strict control of environmental conditions during the production process ensures the stability and reliability of the product throughout the entire production process.

[0148] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as first and second, etc., are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the term "comprises" or any other variant thereof is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or device that includes a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements that are not explicitly listed, or also includes elements that are inherent to such process, method, article or device. In the absence of further restrictions, an element defined by the sentence "comprises a ..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article or device that includes the element.

[0149] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit the same. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein. However, these modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the various embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for producing multi-stage disinfection and aseptic packaging of medical cotton swabs, characterized by: The method comprises the following steps: S1: Raw material preparation: select high-quality cotton as the raw material for medical cotton swabs; prepare a sufficient number of bamboo or plastic swabs as the support part of the cotton swabs; S2: Place the cotton into the cutting machine and cut it into the specified size to ensure that the cotton pieces are of uniform size; inspect the cut cotton and remove any unqualified parts; S3: Place the cut cotton into a pre-sterilized container; use 75% alcohol or ultraviolet light to pre-sterilize the cotton for a certain period of time; S4: Prepare the antimicrobial agent and evenly spray or soak the cotton with the antimicrobial agent; before the cotton is assembled into a cotton swab, ensure that the antimicrobial agent is evenly absorbed and has sufficient time to combine with the cotton material; S5: Before assembling the cotton swab, evenly apply or soak the antiseptic solution on the bamboo or plastic swab, and then fix the pre-sterilized cotton on the treated swab; S6: Fix the sprayed cotton on the bamboo or plastic stick to ensure it is firmly fixed; check the assembly quality of the cotton swab to ensure that it is not loose or falling off; S7: Place the assembled cotton swab into a preliminary disinfection device; perform preliminary disinfection on the cotton swab using high-temperature steam or ethylene oxide gas; S8: Cool the preliminarily sterilized cotton swab to room temperature; avoid contamination during the cooling process; S9: Prepare sterile packaging materials and sterilize them with ultraviolet light to ensure sterility; pack the cooled cotton swabs into sterile packaging bags according to the specified quantity; ensure that the cotton swabs are not contaminated during the packaging process; S10: Use aseptic sealing equipment to seal the packaging bag; check the sealing quality to ensure a good seal; S11: Place the sealed sterile packaged cotton swabs into the final sterilization equipment; use high-temperature steam or ethylene oxide gas to perform final sterilization on the cotton swabs; then the entire multi-stage sterilization and sterile packaging medical cotton swab production process is completed; In step S4, the antimicrobial agent includes: 5-10 parts by weight of nanosilver particles; 15-20 parts by weight of triclosan; 25-30 parts by weight of quaternary ammonium salt; 200-230 parts by weight of poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid); 500-550 parts by weight of polyethylene glycol; 9500-9550 parts by weight of distilled water 2. The method for producing a multi-stage sterilized and aseptically packaged medical cotton swab according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S4, the preparation method of the antibacterial agent includes: Add PLGA and PEG to distilled water, heat to a suitable temperature, and stir until completely dissolved; Under gentle stirring, add the silver nanoparticles to ensure uniform dispersion; Add triclosan and quaternary ammonium salt in sequence and continue stirring until completely dissolved; Filter the mixed solution to remove undissolved particles and impurities; Store the prepared antimicrobial solution in a sterile container for later use.

3. The method for producing a multi-stage sterilized and aseptically packaged medical cotton swab according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S2, the blade of the cutting machine should be replaced every 1000 meters of cutting to ensure cutting accuracy; The cutting size is set to 8 mm × 8 mm cotton pieces; the cutting speed should be controlled at 50-60 pieces of cotton per minute; the inspection area should maintain a relative humidity between 30% and 50% and a temperature between 18-24°C.

4. The method for producing a multi-stage sterilized and aseptically packaged medical cotton swab according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S3, when pre-disinfection is performed using 75% alcohol, the immersion time should be precisely 7 minutes; the UV disinfection intensity is set to 1200 μW / cm², and the irradiation time should be 35 minutes; the internal temperature of the pre-disinfected container should be controlled at 20-25°C.

5. The method for producing a multi-stage sterilized and aseptically packaged medical cotton swab according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S5, the pH value of the antibacterial agent is adjusted to 6.5-7.5; when spraying the antibacterial agent, the distance between the nozzle and the cotton surface should be maintained at 10-15 cm; the soaking time is set to 8 minutes, and the drying temperature does not exceed 40°C.

6. The method for producing a multi-stage sterilized and aseptically packaged medical cotton swab according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S7, the temperature of high-temperature steam sterilization is set to 125°C, the pressure is 1.2 bar, and the duration is 18 minutes; the concentration of ethylene oxide gas sterilization is 900 mg / L, the temperature is 55°C, the relative humidity is 45%, and the sterilization time is 1.5 hours.

7. The method for producing a multi-stage sterilized and aseptically packaged medical cotton swab according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S9, the ultraviolet irradiation disinfection time is 1.5 hours, and the air flow rate in the clean room should be maintained at 0.4 cubic meters per second per square meter; when packaging, the number of cotton swabs in each package is precisely 50, and the operator's action should be completed within one minute to reduce exposure time.

8. The method for producing multi-stage disinfection and aseptic packaging medical cotton swabs according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S10, the sealing temperature of the aseptic sealing equipment is set to 180°C and the sealing time is 2 seconds; the sealed packaging bag should be inspected within 30 minutes to ensure that the width of the sealing line is 2-3 mm.

9. The method for producing a multi-stage sterilized and aseptically packaged medical cotton swab according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S11, the parameters of the final high-temperature steam sterilization are the same as those of the preliminary sterilization; the cooling time after ethylene oxide gas sterilization should be at least 1.5 hours, the ambient temperature should be controlled at 15-25°C, and the relative humidity should be maintained at 30%-50%; the sterilized cotton swabs should be stored under sterile conditions, and the temperature of the storage environment should be controlled at 2-8°C.

Citation Information

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