When it comes to biodecontamination, your choice of method is as important as the selection of the agent itself.
Fogging and atomizing methods often fall short, especially in high-stakes environments like the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, where 6-log bioburden reduction is non-negotiable.
Challenges range from uneven microbial kill rates to potential damage to sensitive equipment.
Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide (VHP) has emerged as a leading technology[1] compared to fogging or atomizing methods.
This article explores the mode of action and vapor generation processes behind VHP biodecontamination.
You’ll also learn about its advantages and why VHP is superior to other methods.
The Superior Mode of Action of VHP
The mode of action of a sporicidal agent is pivotal to its efficacy.
VHP exhibits a unique and superior mode of action[1] for microbial destruction. While liquid hydrogen peroxide solutions are effective, VHP demonstrates an improved ability to oxidize vital cellular components of microorganisms, including proteins, lipids and DNA at lower concentrations.
One notable aspect of VHP's mode of action is its efficacy against highly resistant bacterial spores. Studies have shown that VHP requires a significantly lower concentration to achieve the same microbial kill rate as liquid hydrogen peroxide[2].
This efficiency is crucial in environments where complete sterilization is vital, including cleanrooms and medical device manufacturing facilities.
Excessive condensation from atomizing and fogging hydrogen peroxide processes results in reduced rates of sporicidal activity, as the liquid can limit the transport of hydrogen peroxide sterilizing agent to the spore, resulting in kill rates more similar to liquid than vapor processes.
Vapor Generation: The Key to VHP’s Effectiveness
The process of vapor generation is another area where VHP stands out.
Dry or non-condensing VHP, foggers/atomizers and condensing hydrogen peroxide vapor processes create vapor. A major difference in these applications is how and when the vapor is created. Unlike fogging or atomizing methods that rely on enclosure conditions to convert liquid droplets to vapor, VHP technology involves a phase change from liquid to vapor as it leaves the generator.
This rapid phase change ensures the vapor is diluted and dispersed within an enclosure, maintaining concentrations below the dew point during the biodecontamination cycle.
The VHP Biodecontamination System plays a crucial role in this process.
The VHP Biodecontamination System vaporizes a 35% peroxide solution into a controlled volume of desiccated air, ensuring a consistent, repeatable vapor concentration. This precision is vital for maintaining the effectiveness of the biodecontamination process and doesn’t rely on vaporization based on ambient room conditions.
Why VHP is the Preferable Choice
VHP's mode of action and vapor generation offer several advantages, summarized below:
- Efficacy: VHP's oxidizing action on microbial cells makes it more effective, particularly against resistant spores.
- Consistency: VHP’s flash vaporization process ensures a uniform distribution of vapor, which is crucial for thorough biodecontamination.
- Safety and Sustainability: VHP minimizes surface residue by avoiding condensation, making it safer for use in sensitive environments.
- Flexibility: VHP's effectiveness is less influenced by environmental factors, allowing for more versatile applications.
VHP’s mode of action and vapor generation technology ensure a more efficient and consistent microbial kill rate. It also does not cause the condensation issues associated with fogging or atomized forms of hydrogen peroxide.
VHP's dry vapor form also minimizes the risk of material damage. Traditional fogging or atomizing methods can lead to the deposition of liquid droplets on surfaces, potentially causing harm to sensitive equipment or materials.
In contrast, VHP's dry nature ensures it’s safe for use on a wide range of materials. For example, you can use it on electronics and soft metals, making it an ideal choice for environments with diverse substrate compositions.
Another significant advantage of VHP is its non-corrosive nature.
Unlike some liquid sporicides that may have material compatibility issues due to their chemical composition, VHP is gentle on surfaces. This characteristic is particularly beneficial in environments where long-term material integrity is essential.
Conclusion: Elevating Sterilization Standards
VHP stands out due to its efficient microbial kill rate and non-corrosive nature.
VHP’s mode of action and efficient vapor generation mechanism are ideal for use in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, avoiding the limitations of fogging methods, such as uneven sterilization and equipment damage.
As industries evolve and demand more effective and safer biodecontamination solutions, VHP stands out as a reliable alternative to fogging and atomizing.
References
1. ↑ Denyer, S.P., Finnegan, M., Linley, E., Maillard, J., McDonnell, G., Simons, C. (2010, August 16). “Mode of Action of Hydrogen Peroxide and Other Oxidizing Agents: Differences Between Liquid and Gas Forms.” Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. 65 (10), 2108-2115. https://doi.org/10.1093/jac/dkq308.
2. ↑ Karimi Estahbanati M. R. (2023, October 15). “Advances in Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide Reusable Medical Device Sterilization Cycle Development: Technology Review and Patent Trends.” Microorganisms. 11 (10), 2566. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11102566.
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