RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Microwave Coupled Plasma Sterilization and Depyrogenation I. System Characteristics JF PDA Journal of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology JO PDA J Pharm Sci Technol FD Parenteral Drug Association (PDA) SP 2 OP 8 VO 39 IS 1 A1 Peeples, Ronald E. A1 Anderson, Neil R. YR 1985 UL http://journal.pda.org/content/39/1/2.abstract AB The sterilization and depyrogenation of 10-ml glass serum vials by a plasma, initiated by a laser and coupled with a microwave field was investigated. Spores of Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli 055:B5 endotoxin were used as biological indicators. The use of a 3-phase microwave power supply proved to simplify the plasma generation and appeared to make plasma coupling more efficient. The plasma was shown to be an excellent sterilizing agent and did show some destruction of endotoxin. No deleterious effects on the glass vials themselves were detected.