Chlorine Dioxide Sterilization in Medical Packaging Solutions
6 patents in this list
Updated:
Sterilizing medical devices and packaging materials with chlorine dioxide presents significant chemical engineering challenges. The gas must achieve 6-log microbial reduction while avoiding condensation, salt deposits, and material degradation. At typical sterilization concentrations of 1-500 ppm, chlorine dioxide's reactivity requires precise control of temperature, humidity, and exposure time to maintain efficacy without compromising package integrity.
The fundamental challenge lies in delivering consistent sterilization outcomes while managing chlorine dioxide's inherent chemical instability and corrosive potential across diverse medical materials and geometries.
This page brings together solutions from recent research—including in-situ gas generation systems, controlled-release formulations, hybrid liquid-gas approaches, and material-specific exposure protocols. These and other approaches focus on achieving reliable sterilization while preserving both product functionality and packaging barrier properties.
1. Chlorine Dioxide Gas Decontamination Method Utilizing Low-Impurity Release and Gas Scrubbing
KRWW LLC, 2007
Decontamination method using chlorine dioxide gas to disinfect surfaces and enclosures without leaving salt deposits, corrosion, or condensation. The method involves releasing pure chlorine dioxide gas from a solution containing less than 10% impurities like hydrochloric acid, hypochlorite, hypochlorous acid, or sodium chloride. The gas is mixed with a carrier gas and used to disinfect enclosures. This prevents salt deposits and corrosion compared to introducing chlorine dioxide solution. After disinfection, the gas is scrubbed to remove chlorine dioxide before returning it to the enclosure. This avoids condensation issues compared to venting the gas.
2. In Situ Chlorine Dioxide Generation via Proportional Chlorine and Sodium Chlorite Contact
HAMILTON RICHARD A, ONEILL GARY A, SELECTIVE MICRO TECHNOLOGIES L, 2004
Purifying chlorine dioxide solutions for various applications like cleaning, disinfection, and decontamination by generating them on-site instead of using pre-made solutions with high residual levels. The method involves contacting chlorine and sodium chlorite solutions in the right proportions to create chlorine dioxide in situ. This eliminates issues like excessive residuals, acidity, and corrosion associated with pre-made solutions.
3. Sequential Chlorine Dioxide Solution and Gas Treatment for Medical Device Sterilization
SUNSEAL CHEMICAL LTD, 2003
Cleaning, deodorizing, and sterilizing medical devices like endoscopes after use in a short time. The method involves sequentially using a chlorine dioxide solution and chlorine dioxide gas to effectively clean, deodorize, and sterilize the devices. The steps are: pre-cleaning, immersing in chlorine dioxide solution, chlorine dioxide gas exposure, and drying. The chlorine dioxide solutions can be stabilized and activated, and gases can be mixed with carbon dioxide for synergy.
4. Soft Contact Lens Sterilization Kit with Chlorine-Releasing Agent, Hydrogen Peroxide, and Sterile Saline Apparatus
WEBB GARTH T, 1993
A kit for sterilizing soft contact lenses that includes a chlorine-releasing agent, hydrogen peroxide, an apparatus for producing sterile saline, and a container for immersing the lenses. The sterilization method involves immersing the contact lenses in a solution containing chlorine at 1-500 ppm and hydrogen peroxide at 40-80 ppm for a sufficient time to disinfect the lenses without harming the eyes.
5. Chlorine Dioxide Release System for Lens Disinfection with pH Modulation
ALLERGAN INC, 1991
A method and composition for disinfecting lenses, like contact lenses, using chlorine dioxide while reducing eye irritation. The method involves using a chlorine dioxide precursor, like a tablet containing tartaric acid and sodium chlorite, in an acidic solution. The precursor releases chlorine dioxide when activated. The acidic pH enhances chlorine dioxide production. After disinfecting, neutralizers like sodium carbonate raise the pH. This prevents high chlorine dioxide levels in the lens. The system provides faster disinfection and reduced eye irritation compared to using chlorine dioxide directly.
6. Chlorine Dioxide Gas Sterilization System for Medical Equipment at Ambient Conditions
JOHNSON & JOHNSON, 1990
Using chlorine dioxide gas as a sterilizer for medical equipment and devices by exposing contaminated surfaces to chlorine dioxide at ambient temperature, pressure, and humidity. Chlorine dioxide gas sterilizes impervious surfaces like metals, plastics, ceramics, and glass without requiring heat or liquid sterilization methods. The short-term exposure times make it suitable for sealed devices in gas-permeable packaging.
