Sterilants: Types, Applications, and Performance Advantages
A sterilant is a chemical agent or physical process capable of destroying all forms of microbial life, including highly resistant bacterial endospores, fungi, and viruses, resulting in a state of sterility. This distinguishes it from disinfectants and sanitizers, which only reduce microbial populations to safe levels on surfaces or objects. Chemical sterilants are used in applications where absolute microbial elimination is critical, such as in medical devices, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and certain laboratory settings. Common chemical sterilants include ethylene oxide (EtO) gas, which penetrates packaging to sterilize heat-sensitive devices; hydrogen peroxide gas plasma or vaporized hydrogen peroxide; glutaraldehyde and ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA) solutions for immersion; and peracetic acid solutions. Each has specific advantages regarding material compatibility, cycle time, and safety concerns.
The selection and application of a sterilant depend on the material being treated, the required sterility assurance level (SAL), and safety protocols. Medical device sterilization is the largest application, where…