A New Soluble Powder for the Sterilization of Medical/Dental Instruments

The objective of this project is to develop a new disinfectant/sterilization system that can be easily deployed to support troops in the field. The standard method of sterilizing medical instruments, by high temperature steam autoclave, is impractical formany field uses due to size, weight, and power constraints. Liquid sterilization methods can be used to sterilize medical equipment when autoclaving is impractical. However, existing liquid sterilants have a number of limitations. Many liquid sterilantsare unstable, contain ingredients that are potentially harmful to personnel, or are difficult and costly to transport. Thus, there is a continuing need for a new practical, safe, sterilants for medical instruments in challenging environments. This projectconcerns development of a novel cold sterilant formulation consisting of a stable dry powder. Large volumes of liquid sterilant can be prepared from potable water, thereby minimizing logistic demands. The proposed formulation is stable at room temperatureand is effective against a broad spectrum of microorganisms, including bacterial spores. Preliminary testing of the formulation indicates a high potential for sterilization of medical equipment in 30 minutes at room temperature. The prospects forregulatory acceptance are high because the ingredients have little potential to impact on human health. The proposed research will demonstrate the feasibility of this approach, focusing on sterilization verification and stability testing protocols. Apowdered sterilization formulation has significant dual use applications in medical situations in an austere environment. In addition to military uses, the resulting technology has numerous uses in the private sector including, industrial hygiene, foodsafety, hospital infection control, hazardous spill cleanup, and emergency response management. Lynntech's management team is experienced in obtaining private sector funding for technology commercialization through strategic partnerships with companiesserving the infection control market.