RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Microbial Barrier Assessment of Tyvek Stopper Packaging for Rubber Closures JF PDA Journal of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology JO PDA J Pharm Sci Technol FD Parenteral Drug Association (PDA) SP 391 OP 398 VO 50 IS 6 A1 Jeanne E. Moldenhauer A1 Sheila A. Bass A1 Michael J. Kupinski A1 Mary L. Walters A1 Sandra L. Rubio YR 1996 UL http://journal.pda.org/content/50/6/391.abstract AB Two types of Tyvek and high density polyethylene or polypropylene packaging used for sterilization of rubber closures were evaluated for Microbial Barrier properties. The packaging evaluated was “Ready to Sterilize” (1) stoppers and a second test package (Test 2) which was designated as appropriate for a clean room, filled with washed and siliconized stoppers and then heat sealed. Each type of packaging was subjected to three different sterilization temperatures (125°C, 128°C and 131°C) in a production sterilizer (15–18 psi). Following sterilization, a microbial barrier assessment was performed, using Bacillus subtilis niger (ATCC 9372), to determine whether the packaging could maintain a sterile barrier following sterilization. Results of the testing indicated that a microbial barrier was maintained for products in “Ready to Sterilize” packages at 125°C and 128°C. For products sterilized in the Test 2 container a microbial barrier could not be maintained at 128°C, and no further testing was performed. Following sterilization at 131°C physical defects were noted for the “Ready to Sterilize” bag and a microbial barrier could not be maintained.