Microorganisms play an important

role in causing infection and

contamination. Therefore,
Sterilization is an important
technique in microbiology which
helps to remove or destroy
microorganisms from materials or
surfaces.
• Sterilization
• It is the process by which an article, surface or
medium is made free of all microorganisms
either in vegetative or spore form.
• Disinfection
• It refers to the destruction of all pathogens or
organisms which can cause infection but not
necessarily spores. All organisms may not be
killed but the number is reduced to a level that
no longer harmful to health.
Chemical Method
• Several chemical agents are used as antiseptic
and disinfectants. The properties of a chemical
antiseptic or disinfectant are following
• The chemical disinfectants need to have a
broad spectrum of activity against all
microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses,
protozoa and fungi.
• The chemical agents should act in the presence
of organic matter.
• High penetration power is an important
property of the chemical agents
• The chemical agent needs to be chemically
stable under both acidic and basic
environments.
• The chemical substances should not have any corrosion
activity in metals.
• The disinfectants are needed to be non-toxic if absorbed
into circulation.
• Finally, the chemical agents are needed to be easily
available and less expensive.
Gaseous Sterilization
• Gaseous sterilization involves the process of exposing
equipment or devices to different gases in a closed
heated or pressurized chamber.
• Gaseous sterilization is a more effective technique as
gases can pass through a tiny orifice and provide more
effective results.
• Besides, gases are commonly used along with heat
treatment which also facilitates the functioning of the
gases.
• However, there is an issue of release of some toxic gases
during the process which needs to be removed regularly
from the system.
• The mechanism of action is different for different types
of gases.
 Ethylene oxide
• ETHYLENE OXIDE (EO): Mode of action: It is an alkylating
agent. It acts by alkylating sulfydryl-, amino-, carboxyl- and
hydroxyl- groups. Properties: It is a cyclic molecule, which is a
colorless liquid at room temperature. It has a sweet ethereal
odor, readily polymerizes and is flammable. Application: It is a
highly effective capable of killing spores rapidly. Since it is
highly flammable, it is usually combined with CO2 (10% CO2+
90% EO) or dichlorodifluoromethane. It requires presence of
humidity. It has good penetration and is well absorbed by
porous material. It is used to sterilize heat labile articles such
as bedding, textiles, rubber, plastics, syringes, disposable petri
dishes, complex apparatus like heart-lung machine, respiratory
and dental equipments. Efficiency testing is done using
Bacillus subtilis var niger. Disadvantages: It is highly toxic,
irritating to eyes, skin, highly flammable, mutagenic and
carcinogenic.
Liquid Sterilization
• Liquid sterilization is the process of sterilization which involves
the submerging of equipment in the liquid sterilant to kill all
viable microorganisms and their spores.
• Although liquid sterilization is not as effective as gaseous
sterilization, it is appropriate in conditions where a low level of
contamination is present.
Hydrogen peroxide
• Hydrogen peroxide is a liquid chemical sterilizing agent which is a
strong oxidant and can destroy a wide range of microorganisms.
• It is useful in the sterilization of heat or temperature-sensitive
equipment like endoscopes. In medical applications, a higher
concentration (35-90%) is used.
• H2O2 has a short sterilization cycle time as these cycles are as short
as 28 minutes where ethylene oxide has cycles that as long as 10-12
hours.
• However, hydrogen peroxide has drawbacks like low material
compatibility, lower capacity of penetration, and associated health
risks.
• Vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) is used to sterilize largely
enclosed and sealed areas, such as entire rooms and aircraft
interiors.
•