RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Microwave Coupled Plasma Sterilization and Depyrogenation II. Mechanisms of Action
JF PDA Journal of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology
JO PDA J Pharm Sci Technol
FD Parenteral Drug Association (PDA)
SP 9
OP 15
VO 39
IS 1
A1 Peeples, Ronald E.
A1 Anderson, Neil R.
YR 1985
UL http://journal.pda.org/content/39/1/9.abstract
AB A microwave coupled plasma sterilization and depyrogenation system for 10-ml glass serum vials was investigated as to the mechanism of action involved. The sterilization of Bacillus subtilis spores appeared to be a combination of the heating properties of the plasma resulting in microincineration and dry heat sterilization and the UV light generated. The amount of UV light present in the germicidal region was measured and calculated to provide on the order of 47 log reductions of the B. subtilis spores. While the plasma did provide some destruction of bacterial endotoxin, the levels were of little practical significance. The initial energy of the plasma and the direct contact of the endotoxin by the plasma appeared to be significant factors in the destruction mechanism.