Development of a Chemical Sterilant for Use in Austere Environments

The goal of this project is to develop and validate a chemical sterilant solution for use in austere environments that sterilizes surgical instruments and other materiel through immersion. The product will be a powder or concentrated liquid that when mixed with potable water creates the requisite solution capable of the desired sterilization. Using our considerable background in water sterilization and purification systems, TDA Research will develop a lightweight, compact packet that can make a chemical sterilant solution when added to water from any potable water source. In Phase I we will identify the formulation to quickly produce the chemical sterilant PAA when it is added to water. We will test the chemical sterilant for the rapid destruction of spores in solution and on surfaces. We will prepare prototype heat-sealed packaging for the chemical sterilant precursors. Lastly, we will carry out a preliminary cost and engineering analysis for producing the chemical sterilant packets and assess the regulatory landscape to develop a roadmap toward FDA and EPA approval and develop the procedures for its shipping, use and disposal. Based on the results of Phase I, we will optimize the design of the chemical sterilant packet and develop a production process in Phase II.