Plasma sterilization technology
Plasma sterilization technology is a new generation of high-tech sterilization technology, which can overcome some of the limitations and shortcomings of existing sterilization methods and improve the effect of sterilization. For example, for plastics, optical fibers, intraocular lenses and optical glass materials that are not suitable for high-temperature steam and infrared sterilization, metal objects that are not suitable for microwave treatment, and places where the disinfection effect is not easy to achieve, this technology is used. The sterilization process can be achieved well at low temperature without causing damage to the processed items. The plasma working material used in this technology is non-toxic and harmless. This technology can also be applied to the production line to disinfect and sterilize products.
Plasma sterilization mechanism
(1)The role of active groups: the large amount of active oxygen ions, high-energy free radicals and other components contained in the plasma can easily react with bacteria, molds, spores, and proteins and nucleic acids in viruses to denature and cause the death of various microorganisms. .
(2)High-speed particle breakdown: After the sterilization experiment, the images of bacterial cells and virus particles after the plasma action are observed through an electron microscope, and they are all riddled with holes, which are produced by electrons and ions with high kinetic energy Caused by breakdown etching effect.
(3)The role of ultraviolet light: In the process of exciting hydrogen peroxide to form plasma, some ultraviolet light is generated. This high-energy ultraviolet photon is absorbed by the protein in the microorganism or virus, causing its molecular denaturation and inactivation.
Application of Plasma Sterilization
The plasma sterilization technology applied in the medical field began in the United States in the 1980s. Menashi et al. first proposed that halogen-based gas plasma has a strong sterilization effect and can be used for rapid sterilization of non-heat-resistant medical devices. Low-temperature plasma Sterilization technology was patented in 1987. The Starrad 100S hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilizer developed by Johnson & Johnson was approved by the FDA in 1997. It has been widely used in minimally invasive surgery in medical institutions in developed countries such as Europe, America and Japan. It was promoted in my country in 2004, and dozens of large medical units have begun to use it. As a result, the use of plasma low-temperature sterilization technology in my country's medical field has been widely recognized.
Characteristics of plasma sterilization
Environmental protection: Using the commonly used hydrogen peroxide as the medium, it is excited by the radio frequency electromagnetic field to form a low-temperature plasma and complete the sterilization. The final product is a small amount of water vapor and oxygen, no toxic residues and discharge, no harm to medical staff, no pollution to the environment.
Safety: The automatic control touch panel is adopted, which is easy to operate, does not require high temperature and high pressure, and is simple to install and debug, and is safe to use.
Normal temperature: The sterilization temperature is 35℃～45℃, dry sterilization, no damage to equipment and articles, and can extend the service life of valuable equipment.
Time-saving: the sterilization cycle is short, simple equipment can be sterilized in 30-50 minutes, and complex equipment can be sterilized in 50-70 minutes. After the operation is completed, it can be used directly without the need for high temperature sterilization. Place it in natural cooling, unlike the low temperature sterilization of ethylene oxide, which needs to be placed for 6 to 48 hours to ventilate and diffuse to reduce the residual concentration of ethylene oxide.
Wide scope of application: low temperature sterilization is suitable for various materials and instruments, especially for the sterilization of non-heat-resistant electronic instruments such as endoscopes, electronic instruments, batteries, wires, photographic cameras and other items, which has unique advantages.
