Plasma-generated Gas Sterilization Method

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

The patent describes a method and device for quickly and effectively sterilizing objects, particularly those sensitive to heat (thermolabile goods), by generating a plasma-activated gas (mainly from air) that is subsequently humidified with water. The process produces a gas with strong antimicrobial effects through a series of chemical reactions involving nitrogen and oxygen species, especially nitrogen dioxide (NO2). This humidified plasma gas is then brought into contact with items to be sterilized, achieving rapid and thorough decontamination without the use of highly toxic or explosive sterilizing agents.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Sterilization of heat-sensitive medical instruments and devices that cannot be autoclaved.
• Rapid decontamination of medical and laboratory equipment, including those with complex structures like catheters, endoscopes, and tubing.
• Sterilization of packaging materials or containers used in food, pharmaceutical, or medical industries (e.g., flasks, bottles, or preforms).
• Sterilization of objects sealed in gas-permeable packaging (e.g., Tyvek pouches).
• Decontamination and sterilization of open or hollow products such as containers, pipes, and hoses used in hospitals and manufacturing.
• Treatment of wounds or disinfection of surfaces in healthcare settings.
• Sterilization of large batches of manufactured products in either continuous or batch processes.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Extremely rapid sterilization – effective in a matter of seconds to minutes, significantly reducing cycle time compared to conventional methods.
• Safe for thermolabile (temperature-sensitive) goods that cannot withstand heat sterilization, expanding the range of sterilizable products.
• No need to store or handle highly toxic or explosive chemicals like ethylene oxide or hydrogen peroxide.
• Uses regular air and water as process inputs, making it cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
• Effective even with items that have complex shapes, small gaps, or internal channels where traditional sterilants may not penetrate well.
• Minimal risk of chemical residue; easier aeration and shorter post-treatment times.
• Scalable and adaptable for small-scale (single items) up to large industrial volumes.
• Reduced risk to human operators and the environment in case of process failure or accidents.
• Allows for integration into automated high-throughput sterilization lines in healthcare, laboratory, and manufacturing sectors.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a method and to a device for quickly decontaminating and sterilizing preferably thermolabile goods using a plasma gas that is preferably generated from air as a process gas, with the subsequent humidification of said plasma gas with water. The method comprises the following steps: generating a plasma from air as the process gas, which forms reactive nitrogen and oxygen species; oxidizing NO to form NO2 at temperatures below 400ºC so that a plasma-activated gas mixture forms having an NO2 content of at least 0.3%; bringing said plasma-activated gas mixture in contact with water in one or more of the states of aggregation thereof; bringing the latter gas mixture in contact with the objects to be decontaminated or sterilized.