Abstract

Sterilization technology, rendering material devoid of contaminants, especially living organisms, is of primary importance in industries as diverse as food processing and space exploration. Generally, however, this technology is more readily associated with the health-care profession and industry or the electronics industry. The focus herein is on the sterilization of materials and devices used in the former. The destruction of microorganisms, including the kinetics and thermodynamics of the process, the equipment necessary, and methods used for monitoring and testing such destruction, is discussed. Sterilants may be gases or liquids used at ambient or high temperatures, or ionizing radiation. The most frequently used sterilant is moist heat or steam. Packaging techniques and materials for sterile substances are presented. The roles of sterilization and comparable techniques used in the food processing industry are considered.