A Lightweight, Disposable Gas-Phase Sterilization System for Field Application

A need exists to sterilize medical or dental instruments in environments where standard heat and pressure methods are not available. This Phase I SBIR proposal describes a method which produces a gas sterilant at the point of use with a simple and robustactivation mechanism ideal for the combat environment. The project involves the packaging of lightweight stable powders into a vial that when activated, produce a broad-spectrum, high-level disinfectant/sporicidal agent. This EPA-approved gas sterilantis widely used in civilian applications with little or no toxicity, making it both user and environmentally friendly. Able to achieve sterilization in fifteen minutes, the agent leaves no residue, is non-corrosive, and due to its gaseous properties,efficiently sterilizes the most complicated of instruments such as those with small channels and lumens, making it superior to liquid or vapor sterilants. In Phase I, Lynntech will demonstrate an easy-to-carry sterilization package based on lightweightplastics and powders. The Phase I will focus on integrating the pre-packaged sterilant with quick activation, and ensuring that sterilized instruments remain in their aseptic environment until used. The Phase II will focus on the specific designparameters of the packages and demonstrating the technology to potential Phase III partners. Lynntech's sterilization kit would find dual use in both military and civilian applications. Other applications for this system would include situations in rural,disaster, or other scenarios where conventional sterilizing facilities are not available. These commercial applications greatly enhance the relevance of this project.