| 1. | Stapelmann K.♦, Fiebrand M.♦, Raguse M.♦, Lackmann J.W.♦, Postema M., Moeller R.♦, Awakowicz P.♦, A combined low-pressure hydrogen peroxide evaporation plus hydrogen plasma treatment method for sterilization – Part 1: Characterization of the condensation process and proof-of-concept, Plasma Process Polymers, ISSN: 1612-8869, DOI: 10.1002/ppap.201600198, Vol.14, No.8, pp.1-10, 2017 Abstract:A combined hydrogen peroxide evaporation and hydrogen low-pressure plasma treatment process for sterilization is introduced and investigated. The combination of hydrogen peroxide evaporation followed by hydrogen plasma treatment offers an advantage regarding sterilization in complex metal geometries or in sealed sterile bags, where plasma treatment alone faces challenges. Within this contribution, the droplet size and film homogeneity after condensation is investigated by optical diagnostics. Sterilization tests with common challenge organisms show the sterilization capabilities of the combined proces in a process challenge device mimicking the worst-casescenario for plasma treatment in a small metal box. Furthermore, sterilization in sealed sterile bags clearly demonstrates the advantage of the combined process, showing full spore inactivation solely for the combined process Keywords:bacterial spores, capacitively coupled, low-pressure discharges, sterilization Affiliations:| Stapelmann K. | - | Ruhr University Bochum (DE) | | Fiebrand M. | - | Ruhr University Bochum (DE) | | Raguse M. | - | German Aerospace Center (DLR e.V.) (DE) | | Lackmann J.W. | - | Ruhr University Bochum (DE) | | Postema M. | - | IPPT PAN | | Moeller R. | - | German Aerospace Center (DLR e.V.) (DE) | | Awakowicz P. | - | Ruhr University Bochum (DE) |
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