Newly patented sterilisation method reduces risk of micro-organism growth on hard surfaces

The system has applications in including healthcare, food manufacturing and processing, education facilities, as well as in domestic households.

The company says surface-mediated infectious disease transmission is a major concern in a variety of settings and while chemical disinfectants are frequently used to reduce contamination, they can pose significant risks to humans and the environment. In addition some micro-organisms have natural resistance to chemical disinfectants. Additionally, the chemical formulations require long dwell or exposure times. Autoclave-based sterilisation does not create natural resistance and consists of exposing a material to very high temperatures for a long period of time. However, not all materials and environments can be autoclaved.

Bauer's new patent covers an enhanced type of steam vapour that can effectively kill a broad range of micro-organisms within 3 - 5 seconds, reduce surface-mediated infection risks, and serve as a more effective and environmentally-friendly alternative to chemical disinfectants and steam-autoclaves, it says.

Advanced Vapor Technologies LLC (AVT) of Edmonds, WA pioneered the use of this patented steam as a hard surface disinfection protocol and is the licensee for this application.

Studies have shown that the steam produced under this patent has superior ability to reduce growth of micro-organisms at lower temperatures (50°C) to that of untreated water vapour. Furthermore, micro-organisms are unable to grow on surfaces sprayed with water treated in accordance with the methods of the patent, but they can grow on surfaces sprayed with untreated water.

Results achieved in disinfecting contaminated hard surfaces with this novel steam vapour system were peer reviewed and published in the scientific American Journal of Infection Control (AJIC, 2009 Feb;37(1):20-7).

Bauer Energy Design Inc. T+1 (519) 634-9974 www.bauerenergydesign.com