Validation of an indirect nonthermal plasma sterilization process for disposable medical devices packed in blisters and cartons

Abstract

Nowadays, the majority of the processes used to sterilize disposable medical devices have several drawbacks in terms of safety, energy consumption, and costs. In this work, a sterilization method based on an indirect nonthermal plasma treatment is presented. The main advantages of this method are low environmental impact, absence of harmful chemical compounds' storage, and backward compatibility relative to production, sterilization, and shipping chain. The sterilization of disposable devices, enclosed inside their protective packaging, is achieved by exploiting reactive species produced by a Dielectric Barrier Discharge plasma reactor. Various devices have been subjected to a 2‐h treatment, achieving complete sterilization based on USP and EU‐PHARMA protocols. Pretreatment of carton packaging has been necessary to guarantee a complete sterilization process.

A Boltzmann Electron Drift Diffusion Model for Atmospheric Pressure Non-Thermal Plasma Simulations

“…In the life sciences field, DBDs are currently studied for the abatement of volatile organic compounds [8] and the inactivation of airborne [9] and foodborne [10] viruses. Other applications in this field include wastewater treatment [11,12] as well as disinfection/sterilization of food [13] and surfaces and medical devices [14] contaminated by microorganisms.…”

Special issue: Plasma Medicine ‐ part I

“…Related to the previous paper, Seri et al address the sterilization challenges associated with packaging materials and validate an indirect nonthermal plasma sterilization process for disposable medical devices. [5] This study emphasizes the importance of developing safe and effective sterilization methods to maintain the integrity of medical products. Meanwhile, Guo et al examine the effects of plasma-activated air on pathogenic bacteria, [6] particularly focusing on the inactivation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a simulated respiratory tract.…”