The effects of different sterilization procedures on the optical polymer oxygen sensors

Sterilization is a physical or chemical process that eliminates microbial life from a surface, equipment, medication, etc. Because of the severity of the process to meet the sterilization criteria and definition there is no singular sterilization applicable to all healthcare and other products including drugs, polymers, devices and materials. The sterility of sensors used in medical applications, for biochemical investigations, operation of biotechnological reactors, etc., is a necessary but difficult-to-achieve prerequisite for the use of sensors. There is a lack of reliable data about effects of different sterilization procedures on optical sensors. Therefore, the influences, effects and compatibility of diverse sterilization procedure on optical polymer oxygen sensors were investigated. Before and after sterilization, the absorption/emission spectra and the response of the sensor to different concentrations of oxygen were measured and Stern–Volmer plots were calculated. Based on the obtained results from measurements the compatibilities of the different sterilization procedures and polymer oxygen sensors were determined.