Disinfection and Sterilization of Microorganisms

A special issue of Microorganisms (ISSN 2076-2607). This special issue belongs to the section "Public Health Microbiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2024) | Viewed by 7452

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Science and Engineering, Chuo University, Tokyo 112-8551, Japan
Interests: sterilization of microorganisms and chromatographic analysis

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Sterilization, disinfection, decontamination, etc., are indispensable methods to inactivate microorganisms, as some microorganisms can be harmful to human beings. Sterilization validation is a worldwide regulation issued by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Technical Committee (TC) 198 of ISO is under discussion with regards to sterilization validation. Sterilization validation is an important method by which to properly inactivate microorganisms and which will be welcomed in the future. Biological indicators are an important tool to evaluate sterilization efficiency. Therefore, sterilization validation and BI will be discussed in this article.

Dr. Hideharu Shintani
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • sterilization
  • disinfection
  • validation

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 1774 KiB  
Article
Differing Susceptibilities to Certain Microbicidal Chemistries among Three Representative Enveloped Viruses
by Tanya Kapes, Charles Quinn, Andrew Eli Cragun, Taylor House, Raymond W. Nims and S. Steve Zhou
Microorganisms 2024, 12(3), 535; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12030535 - 07 Mar 2024
Viewed by 666
Abstract
Three lipid-enveloped viruses (bovine viral diarrhea virus [BVDV], vaccinia virus, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 [SARS-CoV-2]) were evaluated in side-by-side liquid inactivation efficacy studies of low pH (3.0 to 3.1) treatment and of the non-formulated microbicidal actives sodium hypochlorite (100 ppm), [...] Read more.
Three lipid-enveloped viruses (bovine viral diarrhea virus [BVDV], vaccinia virus, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 [SARS-CoV-2]) were evaluated in side-by-side liquid inactivation efficacy studies of low pH (3.0 to 3.1) treatment and of the non-formulated microbicidal actives sodium hypochlorite (100 ppm), ethanol (70%), quaternary ammonium compound BTC® 835 (100 ppm), and peracetic acid (100 ppm). Low pH was evaluated at 10 and 60 min contact times, and the microbicides were evaluated at 1 min contact time at room temperature per the ASTM E1052 standard. In each case, 5% animal serum was included in the viral inoculum as a challenge soil load. The three viruses displayed similar susceptibility to sodium hypochlorite and ethanol, with complete inactivation resulting. Significant differences in susceptibility to BTC® 835 and peracetic acid were identified, with the ordering of the three viruses for susceptibility to BTC® 835 being SARS-CoV-2 > vaccinia virus = BVDV, and the ordering for peracetic acid being vaccinia virus > SARS-CoV-2 > BVDV. The ordering for susceptibility to low pH treatment (60 min contact time) was vaccinia virus > SARS-CoV-2 > BVDV. Not all enveloped viruses display equivalent susceptibilities to inactivation approaches. For the chemistries evaluated here, BVDV appears to represent a worst-case enveloped virus. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disinfection and Sterilization of Microorganisms)
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16 pages, 3028 KiB  
Article
Disinfection of Bacteria in Aerosols by Applying High Voltage to Stranded Wire Electrodes
by Takahisa Ueno, Konosuke Takada, Shohei Zaizen, Takashi Sakugawa, Junko Ninomiya and Takashi Furukawa
Microorganisms 2024, 12(2), 418; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12020418 - 19 Feb 2024
Viewed by 670
Abstract
The inactivation of airborne pathogenic microorganisms is crucial to attenuate the dissemination of infectious diseases induced by airborne pathogens. Conventional air disinfection methodologies, such as ultraviolet (UV) irradiation and ozone treatment, have demonstrated limited efficacy. Consequently, we investigated the potential of employing pulsed [...] Read more.
The inactivation of airborne pathogenic microorganisms is crucial to attenuate the dissemination of infectious diseases induced by airborne pathogens. Conventional air disinfection methodologies, such as ultraviolet (UV) irradiation and ozone treatment, have demonstrated limited efficacy. Consequently, we investigated the potential of employing pulsed voltages to effectively eradicate bacteria within aerosols. Our inquiry revealed that the bacterial disinfection rate increased proportionally with elevated applied voltage and frequency. For instance, when a pulsed voltage of 20 kV and a frequency of 500 Hz were applied, a substantial disinfection rate exceeding 6.0 logarithmic units was attained. Furthermore, with the utilization of the stranded wire anodes, the disinfection intensity could be augmented by up to 2.0 logarithmic units compared with the solid wire configuration. Through the utilization of a stranded wire electrode model, we scrutinized the electric field encompassing the electrode, revealing a non-uniform electric field with the stranded wire electrode. This observation indicated an amplified bacterial disinfection effect, aligning with our experimental outcomes. These findings significantly enhance our comprehension of efficacious approaches to electrically disinfecting airborne bacteria. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disinfection and Sterilization of Microorganisms)
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11 pages, 653 KiB  
Article
Non-Sterile Gloves as a Source of Radiation-Tolerant Microorganisms
by Celine Cabeau, Romain Bolle-Reddat, James Hauschild and Gerald McDonnell
Microorganisms 2023, 11(12), 2859; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11122859 - 25 Nov 2023
Viewed by 1135
Abstract
Radiation methods are widely used for disinfection and sterilization applications. Microorganisms demonstrate known, variable tolerance levels to inactivation with lower doses of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation based on multiple mechanisms of resistance in their structures and nucleic acid repair mechanisms. The radiation dose [...] Read more.
Radiation methods are widely used for disinfection and sterilization applications. Microorganisms demonstrate known, variable tolerance levels to inactivation with lower doses of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation based on multiple mechanisms of resistance in their structures and nucleic acid repair mechanisms. The radiation dose required to ensure microbial inactivation during sterilization is typically based on the understanding and routine monitoring of the natural population and resistance of microorganisms on products exposed to radiation sterilization processes. This report describes the isolation of Roseomonas mucosa in a device manufacturing environment that was detected during routine device bioburden and dose verification monitoring. Sources of Gram-negative bacteria in the environment were investigated. Non-sterile examination gloves used during manufacturing were found to be a persistent source of R. mucosa and other microbial contaminants. The source of contamination was determined to be from the glove manufacturing process. Maintenance and routine microbiological controls during glove manufacturing, including water systems, are required to reduce the risks of gloves being a source of unexpected microbiological contamination. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disinfection and Sterilization of Microorganisms)
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23 pages, 1995 KiB  
Article
Impacts of Surface Characteristics and Dew Point on the Blue-Light (BL405) Inactivation of Viruses
by Castine Bernardy and James Malley
Microorganisms 2023, 11(11), 2638; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11112638 - 26 Oct 2023
Viewed by 1074
Abstract
The increased prevalence of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), healthcare associated infections (HAIs), and the recent COVID-19 pandemic has caused the photoinactivation industry to explore alternative wavelengths. Blue light (BL405) has gained significant interest as it is much less harmful to the skin [...] Read more.
The increased prevalence of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), healthcare associated infections (HAIs), and the recent COVID-19 pandemic has caused the photoinactivation industry to explore alternative wavelengths. Blue light (BL405) has gained significant interest as it is much less harmful to the skin and eyes than traditional germicidal wavelengths; therefore, in theory, it can be used continuously with human exposure. At present, the viricidal effects of BL405 are largely unknown as the literature predominately addresses bacterial disinfection performed with this wavelength. This work provides novel findings to the industry, reporting on the virucidal effects of BL405 on surfaces. This research utilizes three surfaces: ceramic, PTFE, and stainless steel. The efficacy of BL405 inactivation varied by surface type, which was due to surface characteristics, such as the contact angle, porosity, zeta potential, and reflectivity. Additionally, the effect of the dew point on BL405 inactivation efficacy was determined. This research is the first to study the effects of the dew point on the virucidal effectiveness of BL405 surface inactivation. The effects of the dew point were significant for all surfaces and the control experiments. The high-dew-point conditions (18 °C) yielded higher levels of BL405 inactivation and viral degradation for the experiments and controls, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disinfection and Sterilization of Microorganisms)
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22 pages, 2680 KiB  
Article
Virus Behavior after UV254 Treatment of Materials with Different Surface Properties
by Castine Bernardy and James Malley
Microorganisms 2023, 11(9), 2157; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11092157 - 25 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 986
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the limitations in scientific and engineering understanding of applying germicidal UV to surfaces. This study combines surface characterization, viral retention, and the related UV dose response to evaluate the effectiveness of UV254 as a viral inactivation technology on [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the limitations in scientific and engineering understanding of applying germicidal UV to surfaces. This study combines surface characterization, viral retention, and the related UV dose response to evaluate the effectiveness of UV254 as a viral inactivation technology on five surfaces: aluminum, ceramic, Formica laminate, PTFE and stainless steel. Images of each surface were determined using SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy), which produced a detailed characterization of the surfaces at a nanometer scale. From the SEM images, the surface porosity of each material was calculated. Through further analysis, it was determined that surface porosity, surface roughness, contact angle, and zeta potential correlate to viral retention on the material. The imaging revealed that the aluminum surface, after repeated treatment, is highly oxidized, increasing surface area and surface porosity. These interactions are important as they prevent the recovery of MS-2 without exposure to UV254. The dose response curve for PTFE was steeper than ceramic, Formica laminate and stainless steel, as inactivation to the detection limit was achieved at 25 mJ/cm2. These findings are consistent with well-established literature indicating UV reflectivity of PTFE is maximized. Statistical testing reinforced that the efficacy of UV254 for surface inactivation varies by surface type. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disinfection and Sterilization of Microorganisms)
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Review

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17 pages, 1832 KiB  
Review
Advances in Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide Reusable Medical Device Sterilization Cycle Development: Technology Review and Patent Trends
by M. R. Karimi Estahbanati
Microorganisms 2023, 11(10), 2566; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11102566 - 15 Oct 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2139
Abstract
Vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) terminal sterilization is one of the most promising techniques for sterilizing temperature-sensitive medical instruments like endoscopes. This technique requires only electricity and sterilant containers to perform the sterilization process in less than 1 h without any substantial safety concerns [...] Read more.
Vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) terminal sterilization is one of the most promising techniques for sterilizing temperature-sensitive medical instruments like endoscopes. This technique requires only electricity and sterilant containers to perform the sterilization process in less than 1 h without any substantial safety concerns for patients, personnel, and the environment. This review studies recent advances and future trends in VHP sterilization cycle development using U.S. patent applications and 510(k) premarket notifications. In this regard, the patents focused on increasing VHP concentration or handling residual moisture are discussed in depth. The expired patents are analyzed to introduce existing unencumbered technologies, and active patents are presented to show the most current novelties and technology trends. In addition, 510(k) premarket notifications are explored to evaluate implemented technologies in US market-leading commercial products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disinfection and Sterilization of Microorganisms)
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