Peroxide Vapor Sterilization for Heat-Sensitive Materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for sterilizing or disinfecting heat and moisture-sensitive materials are inadequate, as they often require expensive and time-consuming processes like irradiation, and existing disinfection methods leave behind harmful residues.
Innovation Solution
The use of peroxides and peracid-based agents, such as performic acid, generated in situ from hydrogen peroxide and formic acid, which are applied in vapor form to disinfect and sterilize sealed containers and surfaces, utilizing volatilization and diffusion to achieve long-term exposure without the need for heat or toxic accelerants, resulting in low residual levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heat or moisture-based sterilization methods are used, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but heat and moisture-sensitive materials are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state parameter of the peroxide-based sterilizing agent from liquid to vapor phase, enabling sterilization at low temperatures that do not damage heat-sensitive materials while maintaining effective sterilization capability through vapor penetration
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the thermal energy-based sterilization mechanism with a chemical vapor-based mechanism, using peroxide vapor's oxidative properties to achieve sterilization without relying on heat or moisture that could damage sensitive materials
2Reliability
If irradiation or toxic gases are used for sterilization, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but harmful residues are left behind
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses peroxide vapor that decomposes into water and oxygen after sterilization, naturally eliminating harmful residues and leaving only safe byproducts that can be discarded without environmental or safety concerns
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potentially harmful peroxide vapor into beneficial substances (water and oxygen) through controlled decomposition, transforming a hazardous sterilizing agent into safe end products that eliminate residue concerns
3Reliability
If conventional disinfection methods are used, then microbial control is achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs cyclic heating and cooling phases that facilitate rapid vapor generation and distribution followed by controlled decomposition, achieving thorough sterilization in shorter time periods through optimized periodic cycles rather than continuous prolonged exposure
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
This method effectively reduces microbial contamination by 90% or more within sealed containers and packaging, providing a rapid, cost-effective, and residue-safe disinfection process suitable for various applications, including food and medical products, without the need for expensive radiation-based sterilization.
Implementation Method 1
performic acid, generated by the mixture of water, formic acid, and hydrogen peroxide
Implementation Method 2
the step of volatilization of the peroxide bond containing agent, through, for example, vapor pressure and evaporative effects
Implementation Method 3
passive or assisted diffusion at modest temperatures and providing relatively long exposure times
Implementation Method 4
contacting surfaces within a partitioned or otherwise defined space with a chemical in the vapor phase... peroxides, peracids, or moieties that include at least one peroxide bond
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are materials and methods for reducing, preventing, or eliminating the biological contamination of surfaces in spaces that are reasonably partitioned, defined or contained. A reagent that includes peroxides or molecules that includes peroxide bonds are contacted with at least one surface of an article. Some of these methods include disinfection within an apparatus and may include the step of volatilizing the peroxide bond containing agent, through, for example, vapor pressure and vaporization or evaporation effects, the addition of volatilization aids, or passive or assisted diffusion at modest temperatures and relatively long exposure times measured in some embodiments on the order of hours, days, or months. In some embodiments a liquid that includes a peroxide moiety is added (for example, during manufacture or subsequently) to a package, container, or any other reasonably partitioned or contained volume and allowed to migrate within the confined space for a period of time sufficient to disinfect the inner surfaces of the container and articles it contains.