Sterilant Vapor Generation With MME for Diffusion-Restricted Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sterilization methods face challenges in effectively sterilizing medical devices, particularly those with diffusion-restricted areas, due to the instability and reactivity of peroxy acids like performic acid, which require immediate use and pose handling hazards, and the need for improved methods to enhance sterilization efficiency and safety.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum-based sterilization system using a peri-peroxy acid solution combined with a molecular mobility enhancer (MME) to enhance vaporization and transport of peroxy acid vapor, allowing for faster and more effective sterilization of medical devices, including those with intricate structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If peroxy acid (performic acid) is used as sterilant, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but stability and handling safety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-generates performic acid vapor in a separate generation chamber before introducing it to the sterilization chamber. This preliminary action allows the unstable peroxy acid to be created and immediately utilized without requiring storage or handling of the unstable liquid form, resolving the contradiction between effectiveness and stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a molecular mobility enhancer (MME) as an intermediary substance that facilitates the vaporization and transport of performic acid. The MME mediates between the unstable peroxy acid and the sterilization environment, enabling effective sterilization while maintaining safety through controlled vapor generation
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional sterilization methods are used, then handling safety is improved, but sterilization effectiveness for diffusion-restricted areas deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/physical sterilization methods with a chemical vapor sterilization system. Performic acid vapor, generated and transported with enhanced mobility, effectively penetrates diffusion-restricted areas where conventional mechanical methods fail, while maintaining handling safety through automated vapor generation
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of the sterilant from liquid to vapor phase, and controls parameters such as vapor concentration, temperature, and pressure to optimize penetration into diffusion-restricted areas. This parameter transformation enables effective sterilization of complex geometries while maintaining safety
3Productivity
If vacuum-based sterilization with MME is used, then sterilization speed is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilization system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a vapor generation chamber for creating performic acid vapor, a transfer system for moving the vapor, and a sterilization chamber for the actual treatment. This segmentation enables faster sterilization cycles while managing complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The molecular mobility enhancer serves as an intermediary that accelerates vaporization and transport processes. By introducing this chemical mediator, the system achieves faster sterilization speeds without requiring proportionally complex mechanical systems, as the MME naturally enhances molecular movement
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 enhanced sterilization with a desired SAL of 10−6 in a shorter time, overcoming the limitations of peroxy acid stability and handling hazards, while ensuring thorough sterilization of medical devices.
Implementation Method 1
enhances the vaporization and mobility of hydrogen peroxide or a peroxy acid, such as performic acid, under reduced pressure and low temperatures
Implementation Method 2
enhances the vaporization and mobility of hydrogen peroxide or a peroxy acid, such as performic acid, under reduced pressure and low temperatures to provide enhanced or improved sterilization
Implementation Method 3
A vacuum-based sterilization system using a peri-peroxy acid solution combined with a molecular mobility enhancer (MME) to enhance vaporization and transport of peroxy acid vapor
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for generating a sterilant vapor in a sub-atmospheric environment for use in sanitization and sterilization. The vapor is generated from a mixture containing a sterilant and a molecular mobility enhancer (MME). More specifically, the use of the MME enhances the vaporization and mobility of the sterilant, particularly hydrogen peroxide and/or a peroxy acid, to provide enhanced or improved sterilization. Also provided are solid-form sterilant comprising a sterilant and an MME. Further provides are various packaged forms of sterilant, particularly containing hydrogen peroxide and/or a peroxy acid for use in sanitation and sterilization methods herein.