Vapor sterilization using a non-aqueous source of hydrogen peroxide
AssigneeJohnson & Johnson Medical, Inc.
InventorsSzu-Min Lin, James Archie Swanzy, Paul Taylor Jacobs
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An apparatus and process for hydrogen peroxide vapor sterilization of medical instruments and similar devices make use of hydrogen peroxide vapor released from a substantially non-aqueous organic hydrogen peroxide complex, such as a urea-peroxide complex. Optionally, a plasma can be used in conjunction with the vapor. A method for preparing substantially non-aqueous hydrogen peroxide complexes is also provided. These complexes are useful as a source of peroxide vapor in hydrogen peroxide vapor sterilizers and as a component of self-sterilizing packaging materials.
Claims45
An apparatus for hydrogen peroxide sterilization of an article, comprising:
- a container for holding the article to be sterilized;
- and
- a source of hydrogen peroxide vapor located within said container, said source comprising a substantially non-aqueous organic hydrogen peroxide complex which does not decompose to release a hydrohalic acid, said source configured so that said vapor can contact said article to effect sterilization.
A method for hydrogen peroxide vapor sterilization of an article, comprising:
- placing said article into a container;
- and
- contacting the article with a hydrogen peroxide vapor released from a substantially non-aqueous organic hydrogen peroxide complex which does not decompose to release a hydrohalic acid, so as to contact and sterilize the article.
A method for hydrogen peroxide sterilization of an article, comprising:
- placing the article in a enclosure containing a substantially non-aqueous hydrogen peroxide complex;
- sealing said enclosure;
- and
- allowing said enclosure to stand at a temperature below about 70.degree. C. for a time sufficient to release hydrogen peroxide vapor from said complex to effect sterilization of the article.
A sealed enclosure containing a sterile product and a substantially, non-aqueous hydrogen peroxide complex capable of releasing hydrogen peroxide vapor.
A method for hydrogen peroxide sterilization of an article having an exterior and a narrow lumen therein, comprising:
- connecting a vessel containing a substantially non-aqueous hydrogen peroxide complex to the lumen of the article;
- placing the article within a container;
- evacuating the container;
- and
- contacting the lumen of the article with hydrogen peroxide vapor released from said substantially non-aqueous hydrogen peroxide complex at a temperature less than about 70.degree. C.
A method for hydrogen peroxide vapor sterilization of an article, comprising:
- placing said article into a container;
- and
- contacting the article with a hydrogen peroxide vapor to contact and sterilize the article, said vapor being released from a substantially non-aqueous hydrogen peroxide complex which does not decompose to release a hydrohalic acid.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.