Analysis of Medical Device Sterilization Methods and Principles

Sterilization is a critical process in the healthcare industry, ensuring that medical instruments and devices are free from harmful microorganisms. As a leading one-stop medical solution provider, Guangzhou INNORKOM Medical Limited offers a wide range of medical sterilizers to meet various hospital and clinical needs. Below, we explore the most common sterilization methods used in medical settings and their working principles.

1. Ethylene Oxide (EO) Sterilization

Use a certain concentration of ethylene oxide gas to react with the sulfhydryl (-SH), amino (-NH2), hydroxyl (-OH) and carboxyl (-COOH) on protein molecules and the imino (-NH-) on nucleic acid molecules to cause alkylation reactions, so that the protein loses its reactive group, hinders the normal biochemical reaction and metabolism of the protein, and eventually leads to the death of microorganisms, thereby achieving a sterilization effect. EO sterilization is widely used in the sterilization process of medical devices, but its disadvantages are also obvious: the sterilization analysis takes a long time (generally about 14 days).

2. Irradiation Sterilization

Irradiation sterilization is an effective method of killing microorganisms on most substances by using electromagnetic waves generated by ionizing radiation. The rays used for sterilization include electron beams, X-rays and gamma rays. They can control the growth of microorganisms or kill microorganisms in specific ways. X-rays and gamma rays can oxidize other substances or generate free radicals (OH·H) and then act on biological molecules, or directly act on biological molecules to break hydrogen bonds, oxidize double bonds, destroy ring structures or polymerize certain molecules, thereby destroying and changing the structure of biological macromolecules, thereby inhibiting or killing microorganisms.

3. Moist Heat Sterilization

Also known as steam sterilization, this method utilizes high-pressure saturated steam or superheated water spray to penetrate microbial cells and denature their proteins and nucleic acids, leading to cell death.

Common Equipment: Autoclaves and high-temperature sterilizers.

Benefits: High efficiency, broad applicability, and fast sterilization cycles.

4. Dry Heat Sterilization

This method involves exposing items to dry hot air in a hot air oven or dry heat sterilizer. The heat causes oxidation of cell components and denatures proteins, effectively killing microorganisms and eliminating pyrogens.

The pyrogens of some products need to be decomposed at high temperatures, so this sterilization method is more suitable.

5. Low-Temperature Plasma Sterilization

This advanced method operates at temperatures below 60°C under vacuum conditions. A high-frequency electric field generates a plasma field, emitting ultraviolet (UV) light that breaks chemical bonds in microbial DNA and proteins.

Hydrogen peroxide vapor is introduced and ionized, further damaging cell structures and ensuring complete sterilization.

This sterilization method is mostly used for metal medical devices.

6. Chemical Sterilization

This involves immersing instruments in chemical disinfectants, such as glutaraldehyde or peracetic acid. These chemicals denature microbial proteins, disrupt cell membranes, and inhibit enzymatic activity.

Promote Safe Healthcare with INNORKOM Autoclaves & Sterilizers

At Guangzhou INNORKOM Medical Limited, we offer high-quality Autoclaves and Sterilizers tailored to meet the needs of hospitals, clinics, and laboratories. Our sterilization equipment ensures optimal safety and efficiency, helping healthcare providers maintain strict infection control standards.

Whether you're looking for a steam autoclave for moist heat sterilization, a dry heat sterilizer for pyrogen removal or other sterilizer, we have the right solution for your facility. All our products are manufactured with precision and comply with international safety standards.

🔹 Reliable performance

🔹 Wide range of capacities

🔹 User-friendly interface

🔹 Affordable and durable

Explore our full line of Autoclaves & Sterilizers and contact us for a customized quote. As a trusted one-stop medical solution provider, INNORKOM is here to support your sterilization needs with excellence.