A sterilization system using ultraviolet photochemical reactions based on nitrous oxide and oxygen gases

J Microbiol Methods. 2016 Mar:122:59-63. doi: 10.1016/j.mimet.2016.01.010. Epub 2016 Jan 24.

Abstract

Active oxygen species (AOS) generated under ultraviolet (UV) lamps can be applied for various industrial processes owing to extremely strong oxidative abilities. We have already reported on an application of the AOS for a sterilization process of microorganisms. Here, a sterilization method using active oxygen generated under ultraviolet (UV) lamps introducing nitrous oxide (N2O) and oxygen gases into a vacuum chamber was investigated. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) gas was readily produced from N2O by UV photochemical reactions under the low-pressure mercury lamp and then used to sterilize medical devices. We compared the ability of the N2O gas to sterilize Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores with those of conventional methods. Successful sterilization of spores on various biological indicators was achieved within 60 min, not only in sterilization bags but also in a lumen device.

Keywords: Active oxygen sterilization; Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores; Lumen device; Nitrous oxide (N(2)O); Ultraviolet (UV) lamp.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Colony Count, Microbial
  • Geobacillus stearothermophilus / drug effects
  • Geobacillus stearothermophilus / growth & development
  • Geobacillus stearothermophilus / radiation effects
  • Indicators and Reagents / chemistry
  • Microbial Viability / drug effects
  • Microbial Viability / radiation effects
  • Nitrous Oxide / chemistry
  • Photochemical Processes
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / chemistry*
  • Spores, Bacterial / drug effects
  • Spores, Bacterial / growth & development
  • Spores, Bacterial / radiation effects
  • Sterilization / instrumentation
  • Sterilization / methods*
  • Ultraviolet Rays*
  • Vacuum

Substances

  • Indicators and Reagents
  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • Nitrous Oxide