Method of hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilization

• US 5,876,666 A
• Filed: 08/26/1996
• Issued: 03/02/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 04/28/1994
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Medical Incorporated (Johnson & Johnson)
• Original Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Medical Incorporated (Johnson & Johnson)
• Inventors: Lin, Szu-Min, Jacobs, Paul Taylor, Swanzy, James Archie
• Primary Examiner(s): JASTRZAB, KRISANNE MARIE
• Application Number:
  US08/697,546
• Time in Patent Office: 918 Days
• Field of Search: 422/1, 422/22, 422/23, 422/28, 422/29, 422/33, 422/295, 422/305, 423/587
• US Class Current: 422/29
• CPC Class Codes: A01N 2300/00 Combinations or mixtures of active ingredients covered by classes A01N27/00 - A01N65/48 with other active or formulation relevant ingredients, e.g. specific carrier materials or surfactants, covered by classes A01N25/00 - A01N65/48
• CPC Class Codes: A01N 25/08 containing solids as carriers or diluents
• CPC Class Codes: A01N 25/18 Vapour or smoke emitting compositions with delayed or sustained release
• CPC Class Codes: A01N 59/00 Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators containing elements or inorganic compounds
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/14 Plasma, i.e. ionised gases
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/208 Hydrogen peroxide
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/26 Accessories or devices or components used for biocidal treatment
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2202/122 Chambers for sterilisation
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2202/14 Means for controlling sterilisation processes, data processing, presentation and storage means, e.g. sensors, controllers, programs
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2202/24 Medical instruments, e.g. endoscopes, catheters, sharps
• CPC Class Codes: C01B 15/01 Hydrogen peroxide
• CPC Class Codes: C01B 15/037 Stabilisation by additives
• CPC Class Codes: C01B 15/06 containing sulfur
• CPC Class Codes: C01B 15/08 Peroxysulfates
• CPC Class Codes: C01B 15/103 containing only alkali metals as metals
• CPC Class Codes: C01B 15/14 containing silicon
• CPC Class Codes: C01B 15/16 containing phosphorus
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 525/92 Polyurethane having terminal ethylenic unsaturation

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.

Claims

1. A method for hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilization of an article, comprising:

placing the article within a container;

contacting the article with a hydrogen peroxide vapor released from a substantially non-aqueous organic hydrogen peroxide complex in an environment having a relative humidity of 10% or less;

generating a plasma within said container to surround said article; and

maintaining the article in said plasma.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the article is maintained in said plasma for a time sufficient to effect sterilization of the article.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the article is maintained in said plasma for a time sufficient to remove residual hydrogen peroxide from said article.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the contacting step is performed in a first chamber and the generating step is performed in a different, second chamber.

5. A method for hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilization of an article comprising:

placing the article within a container;

contacting the article with a hydrogen peroxide vapor released from a substantially non-aqueous organic hydrogen peroxide complex in an environment having a relative humidity of 10% or less;

generating a plasma at a site that is spaced apart from the article;

flowing the plasma to the article; and

maintaining the article in said plasma.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the article is maintained in said plasma for a time sufficient to effect sterilization of the article.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein the article is maintained in said plasma for a time sufficient to remove residual hydrogen peroxide from said article.

8. The method of claim 5, wherein the contacting step is performed in a first chamber and the generating step is performed in a different, second chamber.