Two-Part Chlorine Dioxide Wipe Sterilant for On-Demand Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sterilizing solutions for medical equipment and surfaces often require batch preparation and are not convenient for immediate use in small quantities, especially for applications like wiping down endoscopes, where chlorine dioxide's effectiveness is desired but unstable over time.
Innovation Solution
A two-part sterilant system comprising a pump dispenser for one reagent and fabric wipes impregnated with another reagent, which react to form chlorine dioxide, allowing for easy preparation of small quantities and providing visual indicators for mixing confirmation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If batch preparation of chlorine dioxide solutions is used, then sterilizing effectiveness is maintained, but convenience and ease of use deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilant system is divided into two separate parts: a first part containing a chlorite reagent and a second part containing an acid reagent. These parts are stored separately to maintain stability, then combined at the point of use to generate active chlorine dioxide. This segmentation allows the product to be stored ready-to-use without batch preparation while maintaining sterilizing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The reagents are pre-formulated and packaged in stable forms (first part with chlorite, second part with acid) that can be stored separately. The actual chemical reaction to generate chlorine dioxide occurs automatically or semi-automatically when the parts are combined, eliminating the need for manual batch preparation while ensuring proper mixing and activation.
2Loss of time
If chlorine dioxide is stored in advance, then immediate availability is improved, but stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system stores the sterilant in two stable, separate components (chlorite reagent and acid reagent) that can be kept ready for immediate use. The unstable chlorine dioxide is generated only when these components are mixed, resolving the contradiction between immediate availability and chemical stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical and chemical parameters of the stored reagents are optimized for stability (separate storage conditions, specific formulations). When mixed, the parameters change to generate the active chlorine dioxide sterilant. This allows long-term storage of stable components that transform into the active agent only when needed.
3Ease of operation
If small quantities are prepared on demand, then ease of use is improved, but sterilizing effectiveness may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to automatically or semi-automatically generate the required amount of chlorine dioxide when the two reagent parts are combined. The user simply needs to activate the system (e.g., by pressing a button or mixing the components), and the appropriate quantity is generated on-demand, maintaining both ease of use and sterilizing effectiveness.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enables efficient and effective sterilization of medical equipment and surfaces by ensuring chlorine dioxide is generated on-site, reducing odour and volatility, and providing stable, biocidal properties for wound care and surface disinfection.
Implementation Method 1
the first reagent and the second reagent will react when mixed to provide a sterilising composition
Implementation Method 2
it is particularly preferred that the first part is dispensed as a foam or a spray to facilitate its coverage of a desired area of the fabric member
Implementation Method 3
the second part is absorbed or impregnated in at least one fabric member in a sealed container
Data Source
AI summary
A two-part sterilant system comprises a first part comprising a first reagent in a carrier medium and a second part which is miscible with the first part and which comprises a second reagent in a carrier medium. The first reagent and the second reagent will react when mixed to provide a sterilizing composition. The first part is contained in a pump dispenser (2) whereby it may be dispensed as a fluid, and the second part is absorbed or impregnated in at least one fabric member (18) in a sealed container (20).