Introduction

Throughout history, food preservation has been a necessity that people have worked to improve. Packaging is one of the most important aspects of food preservation, since it helps to slow down spoilage. Sterilization is used in food and beverage packaging to help maintain the freshness of the product. These aseptic packages are filled and sealed in a sterile environment so that the product and container so that they are not contaminated with bacteria. These aseptic packages not only need to protect food, but should also be economical and reliable. One of the most effective chemicals used in sterilization to meet these conditions is hydrogen peroxide.

Hydrogen peroxide is a strongly oxidizing species that spontaneously decomposes into water and oxygen. The reaction is dependent on certain conditions, such as temperature, to make it yield faster reaction times. The most common use of hydrogen peroxide in aseptic packaging is a mixture of 35% hydrogen peroxide to 65% water, held at a temperature between 60-130◦C. The yield of this reaction occurs quicker as the concentration of hydrogen peroxide increases. Along with having a fast yield time, its decomposition makes it a good choice in use for sterilizing. Water and oxygen are both safe for foods and beverages and leave very small residuals, prevents contamination of any kind.

However, food is not the only product that needs to be sterilized. Any medical device that comes in contact with human tissue must also be sterilized to prevent infection. The FDA regulates programs to assure that devices are properly sterilized and sterile at the time of use. Plastic primary packages are designed to protect the products and undergo harsh treatments of sterilization.

Methods of Sterilization

Dry Heat Sterilization: Dry heat sterilization disinfects by means of oxidation of cell constituents. It requires a higher temperature than moist heat sterilization, and has a longer disinfecting time. This method is effective for heat stable, solid materials that can’t be cleaned by steam.

Moist heat sterilization: This method exposes microorganisms to soaked steam which accomplishes the irreversible denaturation of catalysts and basic proteins. It is normally utilized as a part of fluid arrangements, surgical dressings and medical devices.

Ethylene oxide (EO): It is utilized to clean things that are moisture sensitive. Major disadvantages of this method are that the EO gas can leave lethal deposits on products, and it shows a few physical and wellbeing perils to work force and patients.

Radiation: Radiation influences the ionization of atoms in living beings. Transformations are along these lines framed in the DNA and respond by changing the replication of the microorganisms. This strategy can be utilized for certain dynamic fixings and drug items.

Conclusion

The distinctive sterilization techniques presented here offer normal necessities and qualities. These fundamental sanitization standards and practices will also apply to the most current techniques. All medicinal services faculty that are required to reprocess and clean medical devices can profit by a survey of their present level of comprehension of expert rules and best practices.

References

https://www.laboratoryquipment.com/uploads/tech_resources/sterliizationbasics_020215125914.pdf

http://www.ask.com/web?q=Dry+Heat+Sterilization&qsrc=466&o=12270&l=dir&qo=relatedSearchNarr

http://www.sterilizerusa.com/dry-heat-sterilizers.html?gclid=CJPJ0Z2Li84CFdgIgQodW3sMYg