Free-Radical Sterilization Chamber for Fast Bioburden Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sterilization, disinfection, sanitization, and decontamination methods face challenges in effectively reducing bioburden and preventing infections on various items and surfaces, particularly in medical and therapeutic contexts.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a disinfectant generator with a free radical generator, a vaporizer unit, and a chamber configured for high-level disinfection, low-level disinfection, and sterilization, using a combination of free radicals and vaporized disinfectant media to effectively destroy microorganisms and spores.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sterilization methods (steam, chemicals, radiation) are used, then disinfection capability is achieved, but processing time is extended and effectiveness against resistant microorganisms is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the chemical parameters of the disinfectant media by adjusting concentration, temperature, and pH levels to optimize microbial destruction efficiency. The free radical generator modifies the chemical state of the effluent by introducing reactive oxygen species that enhance disinfection capability while reducing processing time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/thermal sterilization methods (steam autoclaving, dry heat) with a chemical-free radical-based system. The free radical generator creates highly reactive species that destroy microorganisms through chemical oxidation rather than thermal or mechanical means, achieving faster and more effective disinfection
2Productivity
If high concentration disinfectant is used to achieve rapid sterilization, then processing time is reduced, but harmful effects on treated items and environmental safety increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different concentrations and compositions of disinfectant effluent to different areas or stages of the treatment process. The free radical generator can be selectively activated in specific zones, creating localized high-concentration zones for rapid sterilization while maintaining lower concentrations in other areas to minimize damage to treated items
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses controlled free radicals that naturally decompose into harmless substances (oxygen, water) after completing their disinfection function. The harmful reactive species are converted into beneficial disinfection action, then automatically transform into safe end products, eliminating the need for harsh chemicals that would damage treated items
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple disinfectant media are combined to enhance effectiveness, then broad-spectrum coverage is achieved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The free radical generator serves multiple functions: it can treat different types of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, spores), work with various disinfectant media (hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, chlorine compounds), and apply to different surfaces and medical devices. This single device replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized treatment systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines the generation of free radicals with the vaporization and distribution of disinfectant media into a single integrated process. The free radical generator and vaporizer work together as unified components, merging chemical generation, activation, and delivery functions into one system rather than requiring separate equipment for each function
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 achieves high-level disinfection and sterilization of medical devices and surfaces within a short cycle time, ensuring effective reduction of bioburden and minimizing the risk of infections.
Implementation Method 1
the free radical generator generates one or more of types of free radical, such as ozone, superoxide, singlet oxygen, peroxide, hydroxyl radicals, nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide, nitrous oxide, nitrogen dioxide, or peroxynitrite
Implementation Method 2
the vaporizer unit is configured to generate a vapor of the disinfectant media
Implementation Method 3
the disinfectant generator is configured to generate a disinfecting effluent capable of destruction of vegetative microorganisms, mycobacterium, small or non-lipid viruses, medium or lipid viruses, fungal spores, and bacterial spores
Data Source
AI summary
A sterilization, disinfection, sanitization, or decontamination system having a chamber defining a region, and a generator for creating a free radical effluent with reactive oxygen, nitrogen, and other species and/or a vaporizer. A closed loop circulating system without a free-radical destroyer is provided for supplying the mixture of free radicals from the generator mixed with the hydrogen peroxide solution in the form of the effluent to the chamber. The system is used in sterilizing, disinfecting, sanitizing, or decontaminating items in the chamber or room and, with a wound chamber, in treating wounds on a body. The wound chamber may be designed to maintain separation from wounds being treated. Various embodiments can control moisture to reduce or avoid unwanted condensation. Some embodiments can be incorporated into an appliance having a closed space, such as a washing machine. Some embodiments may include a residual coating device that deposits a bactericidal coating on sterilized items.