X-ray Sterilization of Liquid Adhesives
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for sterilizing cyanoacrylate adhesives and microbial sealants, such as dry heat, microwave, visible light, electron beam, and gamma irradiation, often result in premature polymerization, affecting shelf life and performance, while X-ray sterilization has not been previously utilized for these compositions due to historical limitations and sensitivity issues.
Innovation Solution
A method using X-ray irradiation at doses of 5 to 40 kGy, specifically stabilizing liquid adhesive compositions with free radical and anionic stabilizers before sealing and irradiating them, to achieve sterilization without significant polymerization, ensuring extended shelf life and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electron beam irradiation is used to sterilize cyanoacrylate compositions, then sterilization is achieved, but premature polymerization occurs affecting shelf life and performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the irradiation parameter from electron beam to X-ray radiation, which has different penetration characteristics and energy deposition patterns. This parameter change allows sterilization at doses that do not initiate premature polymerization, thereby extending shelf life while maintaining sterilization effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electron beam sterilization method with an alternative radiation method (X-ray). This substitution eliminates the harmful side effect of premature polymerization while achieving the same sterilization goal, thus preserving both shelf life and performance
2Reliability
If gamma irradiation is used to sterilize cyanoacrylate adhesives, then sterilization is achieved, but changes in the formulated composition occur resulting in unwanted substances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the radiation type from gamma rays to X-rays, which have different energy characteristics and interaction mechanisms with the cyanoacrylate composition. This parameter change prevents the formation of unwanted substances while achieving effective sterilization
3Reliability
If dry heat sterilization is used for cyanoacrylate adhesives, then sterilization is achieved, but the required temperatures cause premature polymerization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces thermal sterilization (dry heat) with radiation sterilization (X-ray). This substitution eliminates the need for high temperatures that cause premature polymerization, achieving sterilization through a non-thermal mechanism that preserves the composition's stability
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 method provides sterile, stable, and non-polymerized liquid adhesives and microbial sealants with an extended shelf life of at least two years, maintaining integrity and performance suitable for medical applications.
Implementation Method 1
X-ray irradiation at a dose of from about 5 kGy to about 40 kGy
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a method of preparing a sterile, liquid adhesive composition in a sealed container using X-ray irradiation. The liquid adhesive compositions maintain their stability after sterilization and have an extended shelf life, making them particularly useful in the medical field.