Title :
Sterilization of Medical Equipment Using Air Torch Plasma Produced by Microwave Discharge
Author :
Hayashi, Nobuya ; Nakashima, Takaomi ; Yonesu, Akira
Author_Institution :
Fac. of Sci. & Eng., Saga Univ., Saga, Japan
Abstract :
Sterilization of non-heat-proof equipment was performed by irradiation from air torch plasma produced by a microwave discharge. The downstream region of the torch plasma exhibits a yellowish color. Light emission spectra and chemical indicators show that nitrogen oxide radicals are the origin of this color. Inactivation of spore-type Geobacillus stearothermophilus with a population of 105 was successful for a treatment period of 10 min.
Keywords :
biomedical equipment; high-frequency discharges; plasma applications; plasma torches; sterilisation (microbiological); air torch plasma; chemical indicators; downstream region; irradiation; light emission spectra; medical equipment sterilization; microwave discharge; nitrogen oxide radicals; nonheat-proof equipment sterilization; spore-type Geobacillus stearothermophilus inactivation; time 10 min; treatment period; Biomedical equipment; Color; Electron tubes; Glass; Microwave integrated circuits; Microwave theory and techniques; Plasmas; Air torch plasma; high-speed plasma sterilization; microwave discharge; nitrogen oxides; oxygen radicals; spore disinfection;
Journal_Title :
Plasma Science, IEEE Transactions on
DOI :
10.1109/TPS.2011.2145004
