Radiation
Radiation is commonly employed for sterilizing heat sensitive materials such as disposable plastic products and materials that cannot withstand moisture.
The most effective type of radiation to sterilize or reduce the microbial burden in the substance is through the use of electromagnetic radiations. Figure 4.3 shows different types of electromagnetic radiations. Radiation has various effects on cells, depending on its wavelength, intensity and duration of explosure (Flowchart 4.2). Radiation that kills microorganism is of two types namely ionizing and nonionizing.
Infra-red rays and ultra-violet rays are non ionizing radiation.
These are electromagnetic rays with wavelengths longer than those of visible light. These are low energy type. It kills microorganisms by oxidation of molecules as a result of heat generated. Infrared radiation is used for rapid mass sterilization of pre-packed items such as syringes and catheters.
The ultraviolet (UV) portion of the electromagnetic spectrum includes all radiations from 150-3900A°, UV radiation around 2600A° is most lethal to microorganisms. UV has a very little ability to penetrate matter. Thus, only the microorganisms on the surface of an object, exposed directly to the ultraviolet light are susceptible to destruction. UV radiations are used to sterilize operation theaters, laboratories and entry ways.
Ionizing radiations (X-rays, Gamma rays and Cosmic rays) are an excellent sterilizing agents and they penetrate deep into the objects. These radiations do not produce heat on the surface of materials. Hence, sterilization using ionizing radiations is referred as cold sterilization. It will destroy bacterial endospores and vegetative cells, both Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic; however ionizing radiation is not always effective against viruses. Gamma radiation from Cobalt 60 source is used in the cold sterilization of antibiotics, hormones, sutures and plastic disposables supplied such as syringes and in pasteurization of meat.
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