Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
TABLE 8.2. Commonly Used Sterilization Methods Along with Their Advantages and
Limitations
Method
Advantage
Limitation
Comments
References
Ethanol
70%
No adverse effect
on polymer,
metal or ceramic
Does not
adequately
eliminate
hydrophilic
viruses and
bacterial spores
Limited to
surface
disinfection
[68]
Dry Heat
No adverse effect
on strength
of ceramic/
composite
Adversely
affects most
biomaterials'
composition
[69]
Autoclave
No adverse effect
on composition
of ceramic/
composite
Adversely affects
compressive
strength of
ceramic/
composite
[69]
Ethylene
oxide
No adverse effect
on composition
of most
biomaterials
Residual
deposition
is hazardous
and can lead
to shrinkage
of polymer
macrostructures
Relatively
better when
compared
to ethanol,
dry heat and
autoclaving
[68]
Gamma
irradiation
Causes surface
roughening in
ceramics and
metals. Causes
decrease in
molecular
weight, and
increase in
cross - linking,
density and
melting point of
polymers
Widely used
for implant
materials
[61, 68, 70]
Electron
beam
irradiation
Same as above
Less used
[70]
Radio
frequency
glow
discharge
(RFGD)
plasma
sterilization
Does not alter
3 - D morphology
of composite
macro - structures
Effective only
on surfaces
due to poor
penetration
power
Very effective
in etching
prions and
endotoxins
from surfaces
[68, 70]
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