Peroxodisulfate Sterilant Solution for Low-Temperature Spore Elimination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disinfection and sterilization methods face challenges in effectively eliminating infectious and non-infectious microorganisms, particularly bacterial spores, under atmospheric pressure and below 100°C, without special conditions, and using chemical substances that pose health hazards or require additional steps.
Innovation Solution
A decomposing agent aqueous solution containing a peroxodisulfate compound as an oxidizing agent, with a pH of 1 to 2 and a concentration of 0.001 mol/L to 0.2 mol/L, is prepared by heating to 90°C to 100°C and then cooled to 20°C to 70°C, allowing for efficient disinfection and sterilization of microorganisms, including bacterial spores, without ferrous ions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If autoclave sterilization is used, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and operational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical autoclave system with a chemical solution system. Instead of using high-pressure steam and complex temperature control mechanisms, the invention uses a peroxodisulfate-based chemical solution that can be applied at atmospheric pressure and lower temperatures (below 100°C), eliminating the need for autoclave equipment while achieving equivalent or superior sterilization effectiveness including LRV>6 for bacterial spores
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the sterilization parameters from high temperature (121°C in autoclave) and high pressure to lower temperature (below 100°C) and atmospheric pressure. The chemical solution maintains stability and effectiveness across a wide temperature range (20°C to 70°C), allowing sterilization under milder conditions that reduce equipment complexity and operational requirements
2Temperature
If ethylene oxide gas sterilization is used, then low temperature sterilization is achieved, but health hazards and flammability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable chemical solution that is applied, allowed to act, and then discarded or neutralized. The peroxodisulfate solution works effectively at low temperatures without requiring complex recovery systems, and any residual chemicals can be safely neutralized with alkaline compounds, eliminating the health hazards and flammability concerns associated with ethylene oxide gas
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses peroxodisulfate compounds as strong oxidizing agents that generate sulfate radical ions for sterilization. These oxidants are effective at low temperatures and can be safely handled in aqueous solutions, replacing the hazardous ethylene oxide gas with a safer chemical system that achieves the same sterilization effect without health risks
3Reliability
If hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilization is used, then sterilization capability is improved, but material compatibility and permeability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from gas-phase hydrogen peroxide plasma to liquid-phase peroxodisulfate solution. The liquid solution can be easily applied to various surfaces and materials, including porous and sensitive materials, without the material compatibility issues of plasma sterilization. The solution penetrates effectively and can be used on a wide range of materials without degradation
4Reliability
If conventional disinfection methods are used, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but additional treatment steps and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal disinfection and sterilization solution that performs multiple functions in one application. The peroxodisulfate-based solution achieves both disinfection (LRV>3) and sterilization (LRV>6) capabilities, eliminating the need for separate treatment steps for different levels of microbial elimination, thereby improving process efficiency and reducing costs
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 solution achieves a log reduction value (LRV) of greater than 3 for disinfection and LRV of 6 for sterilization, effectively eliminating pathogens and spores with high resistance, while being safe and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
an aqueous solution containing a peroxodisulfate compound... is heated under atmospheric pressure to a temperature in the range of 90°C to 100°C
Implementation Method 2
comprises a peroxodisulfate compound as an oxidizing agent
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention provides a decomposing agent aqueous solution for disinfecting and sterilizing microorganisms, which contains a peroxodisulfate compound as an oxidizing agent and has a pH in the range of 1 to 2 at a temperature of 20°C to 70°C. As a result, it becomes possible to provide a decomposing agent aqueous solution for infectious and non-infectious microorganisms, a disinfection and sterilization treatment method using the same, and a disinfection and sterilization treatment system, which enable not only disinfection but also sterilization of bacterial spores having the highest resistance to sterilization, safely, efficiently, and at low cost, by using a highly versatile oxidizing agent.