EP4308464A1

EP4308464A1 - Method and device for disinfecting, in particular sterilizing, packaged goods

Info

Publication number: EP4308464A1
Application number: EP22716368.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Christian Buske
Original assignee: Plasmatreat GmbH
Current assignee: Plasmatreat GmbH
Priority date: 2021-03-18
Filing date: 2022-03-17
Publication date: 2024-01-24
Also published as: CN116997510A; JP2024508994A; WO2022195029A1; US20240157001A1; DE102021106664A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for disinfecting, in particular sterilizing, goods (210) in a packaging (202), in which method: goods (210) packaged in a packaging (202) are provided, the packaging (202) being impermeable to germs, in particular bacteria and/or viruses, and the packaging (202) having a gas-permeable portion (204); a reactive gas is generated by means of a plasma source (2, 32, 118, 318, 618); and the reactive gas is supplied to the gas-permeable portion (204) of the packaging (202). The invention also relates to a method for disinfecting, in particular sterilizing, goods (210) in a packaging (202), in which method: goods (210) packaged in a packaging (202) are provided, the packaging (202) being impermeable to germs, in particular bacteria and/or viruses; electrical discharges (412, 413, 512) are generated in a discharge region (406, 506); and the packaging (202), together with the goods (410) packaged therein, is conveyed through the discharge region (406, 506). The invention also relates to suitable devices (100, 300, 400, 450, 500, 550) and uses of the devices for carrying out the methods.

Description

Process and device for disinfecting, in particular sterilizing, packaged goods

The invention relates to methods and devices for disinfecting, in particular sterilizing, an item in a package.

Sterile goods, such as medicines, medical products and the like, are typically packaged by sterilizing the goods in question and then packaging them under sterile environmental conditions. The sterile environment required during packaging can add complexity and cost to the packaging process.

It is also known to sterilize sterile goods in the packaging by means of ethylene oxide gas sterilization. Here, sterile goods packed in gas-permeable packaging are exposed to an ethylene oxide atmosphere for several hours. The toxic ethylene oxide must then be completely removed from the packaging, which typically takes several hours. The ethylene oxide gas sterilization is therefore a very lengthy, complex and also dangerous process due to the use of ethylene oxide, which is only carried out in large plants by specialized companies.

Against this background, the present invention is based on the object of making available methods and devices with which packaged sterile goods can be made available more easily, for example also in small systems and/or in a shorter time.

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, this object is achieved by a method for disinfecting, in particular sterilizing, an item in a Packaging in which an item packaged in a packaging is provided, the packaging being impermeable to germs, in particular bacteria and/or viruses, and the packaging having a gas-permeable section in which a reactive gas, preferably a reactive gas flow, is emitted by means of a plasma source , is generated and in which the gas-permeable section of the packaging is subjected to the reactive gas, in particular to the reactive gas stream.

It has been found that when a gas-permeable section of a packaging is acted upon by a reactive gas generated by a plasma source, reactive species enter the packaging, as a result of which an item packaged therein, for example a drug or a medical product, can be disinfected, in particular sterilized. In this way, the goods can be sterilized in the packaging, so that sterile handling during packaging becomes less critical or possibly even unnecessary, which leads to a simplification of the packaging process.

In the method, goods packaged in packaging are provided, the packaging being impermeable to germs, in particular bacteria and/or viruses. For this purpose, the packaging encloses the packaged goods, in particular completely. The packaging can be designed to be impermeable to bacteria. In addition, the packaging can also be designed in such a way that it is also impermeable to viruses. In this way, the goods can be stored in the packaging for a long time without the goods becoming unsterile as a result of penetrating bacteria and/or viruses.

The package has a gas permeable section. In particular, part of the packaging can be gas-permeable or the packaging can be completely gas-permeable. For example, the gas-permeable portion may have pores that are large enough to allow gas to pass through but small enough to prevent bacteria and/or viruses from entering the package. In the method, a reactive gas, in particular a reactive gas stream, is generated by means of a plasma source. The reactive gas, in particular the reactive gas stream, can in particular have one or more of the following species: fully or partially ionized atoms and/or molecules, excited atoms and/or molecules, reactive atoms and/or molecules, e.g. As ozone or nitrogen oxides.

The reactive gas, in particular the reactive gas stream, can in particular also contain organic peroxides and free radicals generated by the plasma. The reactive gas can be generated in particular as a reactive gas stream. In this way, the gas flow can be directed towards the packaging.

In the method, the gas-permeable section of the packaging is exposed to the reactive gas, in particular to the reactive gas stream. For this purpose, a reactive gas flow can be directed onto the packaging, in particular onto the gas-permeable section of the packaging. Furthermore, the reactive gas stream can be introduced into a treatment area where the package is located.

The above-mentioned object is further achieved according to the first aspect of the present disclosure by a device for disinfecting, in particular sterilizing, packaged goods, in particular for carrying out the method described above or an embodiment thereof, with a treatment area, with a transport system set up for this to transport packaged goods through the treatment area, and with a plasma source which is set up to generate a reactive gas, in particular a reactive gas stream, wherein the plasma source and the treatment area are arranged relative to one another in such a way that the plasma source generated during operation reactive gas, in particular the reactive gas flow generated by the plasma source during operation, reaches the treatment area, in particular is introduced.

It has been found that the method described above according to the first aspect of the present disclosure is effective and in a continuous process can be carried out with the above-described device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure.

The treatment area can in particular be surrounded by a treatment chamber. The treatment area may occupy all or part of the space of the treatment chamber. The device preferably has a treatment chamber comprising the treatment area with an inlet and an outlet. Furthermore, the transport system is preferably set up to transport packaged goods from the entrance to the exit through the treatment chamber. The treatment chamber can be, for example, a treatment tunnel that runs between the entrance and the exit.

The transport system can have, for example, one or more conveyor belts on which the packaged goods can be transported. Furthermore, the transport system can be integrated into a packaging line, so that the packaging of the goods and the subsequent disinfection, in particular sterilization of the goods in the packaging, can take place in-line.

The plasma source can in particular be a plasma nozzle with a nozzle opening from which a reactive gas, in particular a reactive gas flow, for example a plasma jet, emerges during operation.

The plasma source and the treatment area are arranged relative to one another in such a way that the reactive gas generated by the plasma source during operation, in particular the reactive gas stream generated by the plasma source during operation, reaches the treatment area. If the device has a treatment chamber, the plasma source and the treatment chamber can be coupled to one another for this purpose in particular in such a way that the reactive gas generated by the plasma source during operation, in particular the reactive gas flow generated by the plasma source during operation, enters the treatment chamber. For this purpose, the The plasma source can be arranged in particular in the treatment chamber or can be connected to the treatment chamber via a line.

The method described above according to the first aspect of the present disclosure is preferably performed using the device described above according to the first aspect of the present disclosure.

Various embodiments according to the first aspect of the present disclosure are described below, wherein the individual embodiments independently of one another apply both to the method and to the device according to the first aspect of the preliminary disclosure. Furthermore, the embodiments can be combined with one another as desired.

In one embodiment, the reactive gas, in particular reactive gas flow, is a gas, in particular gas flow, with a pressure in the range of +/-500 mbar around the surrounding atmospheric pressure, preferably in the range of +/-300 mbar around the surrounding atmospheric pressure. In particular, an atmospheric reactive gas, in particular an atmospheric reactive gas flow, can be generated as a reactive gas, in particular a reactive gas flow, in particular an atmospheric plasma jet. This eliminates the need for a vacuum environment, making the device less expensive to manufacture and the process more economical to perform. In addition, a reactive gas, in particular a reactive gas flow, with a pressure in the vicinity of the atmospheric pressure range prevents excessively large pressure differences in relation to the interior of the packaging, as a result of which damage to the packaging can be prevented.

In a further embodiment, the reactive gas, in particular the reactive gas flow, is generated by means of a high-frequency arc-like discharge between electrodes in a gas, in particular in a gas flow, and/or by means of a dielectrically impeded discharge in a gas, in particular in a gas flow. It has been found that in this way a reactive gas, particularly a reactive Gas stream can be generated, the reactive species cause a good disinfection or sterilization effect. In a corresponding embodiment, the plasma source is set up to discharge the reactive gas, in particular the reactive gas flow, by means of a high-frequency arc-like discharge between electrodes in a gas, in particular in a gas flow, and/or by means of a dielectrically impeded discharge in a gas, in particular in a gas flow , to create.

In order to generate the arc-like electrical discharge, at least two electrodes are provided, in particular, as well as a voltage source in order to apply a high-frequency high voltage to the electrodes. The high-frequency high voltage for generating a high-frequency arc-like discharge has in particular a voltage strength in the range of 1-100 kV, preferably 1-50 kV, more preferably 1-10 kV, and a frequency of 1-300 kHz, in particular 1-100 kHz, preferably 10 - 100 kHz, more preferably 10 - 50 kHz.

In particular, at least two electrodes and a dielectric arranged between them can be provided to generate the dielectric barrier discharge. Preferably one of the electrodes is grounded. Furthermore, a voltage source is provided in particular to apply a high-frequency high voltage to the electrodes, for example with a voltage strength in the range from 1 to 15 kV and a voltage frequency in the range from 7.5 to 25 kHz, in particular 13 to 14 kHz.

In one embodiment, the plasma source can have, for example, a first generation unit, in particular a first plasma nozzle, which is set up to generate the reactive gas, in particular the reactive gas flow, by means of a high-frequency arc-like discharge between electrodes in a gas, in particular in a gas flow , and a second generation unit, in particular a second plasma nozzle, which is set up to a or the reactive gas, in particular a or the reactive gas stream, by means of a to produce dielectric barrier discharge in a gas, in particular in a gas stream. The first and the second generating unit can be operated simultaneously or alternately. Various types of reactive species can be generated by operation of the first and second generating units. In particular, the composition of the reactive species in the reactive gas, in particular the gas stream, can be adjusted in a targeted manner in this way. Furthermore, ozone generated by the operation of the first generating unit during the operation of the second generating unit can be reduced in order to reduce the ozone pollution of the environment. The first and second generating units can be arranged next to one another or remotely from one another. In particular, provision can be made for the respective reactive gas, in particular a respective reactive gas flow, to reach the treatment chamber from the first and the second generating unit. Alternatively, a common reactive gas, in particular a reactive gas stream, can enter the treatment chamber.

In a further embodiment, steam is added to the reactive gas, in particular the reactive gas stream. The addition of water greatly enhances the disinfection or sterilization effect. The addition of water in the form of steam, ie in gaseous form, allows the water to penetrate into the packaging through the gas-permeable section of the packaging. In a corresponding embodiment, the device comprises a water vapor supply device which is set up to add water vapor to the reactive gas, in particular the reactive gas stream. In a further embodiment, a reactant, in particular an organic reactant or hydrogen peroxide, is added to the reactive gas, in particular the reactive gas stream. The addition of a reactive substance greatly increases the disinfection or sterilization effect. In particular, the reactant enters the packaging through the gas-permeable section of the packaging. In a corresponding embodiment, the device comprises a reactant supply device which is set up to supply the reactive gas, in particular a reactive gas stream, a reactant, in particular an organic reactant or hydrogen peroxide.

Water vapor and a reaction substance, in particular a mixture of

water vapor and the reactant. For this purpose, the device preferably has a steam supply device which is set up to add steam and a reactant to the reactive gas, in particular to the reactive gas stream. The organic reactant can in particular be an oxygen-containing organic compound, in particular alcohol, carboxylic acid, peracetic acid, an ether or an organic peroxide, and/or a nitrogen-containing organic compound.

The steam and/or the reactant can be added to the reactive gas, in particular the reactive gas stream, by introducing steam and/or the reactant into the reactive gas during or after its generation. However, it is also possible for the water vapor and/or the reactant to already be in the working gas for generating the reactive gas, in particular the reactive gas stream, in particular for it to be added to it, so that the water vapor and/or the reactant reacts with the reactive gas through the at working gas used to generate the reactive gas is added.

The steam and/or the reactant can be actively added to the working gas and/or the reactive gas, for example by introducing steam and/or gaseous reactant into the working gas and/or the reactive gas. The water vapor and/or the reactant can also be added passively to the working gas and/or the reactive gas, for example by guiding the working gas and/or the reactive gas over a surface wetted with water and/or a reactive substance, for example a surface wetted with water and/or or reactive substance wetted sponge, such as ceramic sponge. In a further embodiment, a heating device is provided which heats the working gas and/or the reactive gas, in particular before the addition of water vapor and/or reactant. In this way, the uptake of the water vapor and/or the reaction substance by the working gas and/or reactive gas can be improved, in particular in the case of passive addition, through greater evaporation.

In a further embodiment, the relative humidity of the reactive gas, in particular of the reactive gas stream, when the gas-permeable section of the packaging is impinged is less than 100% RH, preferably in the range of 60-95% RH. In this way, condensation of the water vapor on the packaging can be reduced or completely avoided. In a corresponding embodiment, the device has a preferably regulated water vapor supply device which is set up to add such an amount of water vapor to the reactive gas, in particular the reactive gas flow, that the relative humidity of the reactive gas, in particular the reactive gas flow, in the treatment area is less than 100% RH, preferably in the range of 60 - 95% RH.

In a further embodiment, the treatment area and the transport system are adapted in such a way that the dwell time of packaged goods transported through the treatment area with the transport system within the treatment area is at least 5 minutes, preferably at least 10 minutes, in particular at least 30 minutes.

In a further embodiment, the treatment chamber and the transport system are adapted such that the residence time of packaged goods transported through the treatment chamber with the transport system is at least 5 minutes, preferably at least 10 minutes, in particular at least 30 minutes. The length of stay within the treatment area and/or the treatment chamber can also be at least 60 minutes, for example when treating large packages.

The previously described adaptation of the treatment area and/or the treatment chamber and the transport system can ensure reliable disinfection or sterilization of the packaged goods. Such a length of stay can be achieved, for example, by the transport system having a correspondingly low speed. However, at least the size of the treatment area and/or the treatment chamber and/or the length of the transport system is preferably dimensioned such that such a length of stay can be achieved even with a transport speed of at least 10 mm/s, for example. In this way, the integration of the device into an in-line process is simplified. The transport system can be set up, for example, to transport the packaged goods in a meandering pattern and/or on several levels through the treatment area and/or the treatment chamber.

In a further embodiment, a sluice chamber is arranged in front of the entrance to the treatment chamber and/or behind the exit of the treatment chamber, with the sluice chamber preferably having a suction device which is set up to suck gases out of the sluice chamber. In particular, a lock chamber can be arranged in front of the entrance and behind the exit. In this way, the amount of reactive species escaping from the device, for example ozone or nitrogen oxides, can be reduced.

The transport system preferably runs through the one or more lock chambers.

The one or more sluice chambers can have movable sluice gates, each of which opens before a packaged item enters the sluice and/or open before exiting the lock and then close again.

In a further embodiment, the device has a gas conducting surface arranged opposite a section of the transport system, and the plasma source is arranged in such a way that the reactive gas generated during operation, in particular the reactive gas flow generated, is transported into an area between the gas conducting surface and a section of the transport system packaged goods arrived. In this way, an increased dynamic pressure of the reactive gas flow can be achieved in the area of the packaging, in particular the gas-permeable section, as a result of which reactive species of the gas flow can be introduced more effectively into the packaging.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, the above-mentioned object is also achieved by a method for disinfecting, in particular sterilizing, an item in a package, in which an item packaged in a package is provided, the package being resistant to germs, in particular bacteria and/or or viruses, in which electrical discharges are generated in a discharge area and in which the packaging with the goods packed therein is transported through the discharge area.

It was found that by moving a packaged item through the unloading area, disinfection, in particular sterilization, of the item in the packaging can be achieved. In this way, the goods in the packaging can be disinfected or sterilized, as a result of which sterile handling during packaging becomes less critical or even unnecessary, which leads to a simplification of the packaging process.

In particular, discharges can be generated inside the packaging in this way, causing a reactive atmosphere there, as a result of which the packaged goods are disinfected or sterilized. It was recognized that the atmosphere in the packaging can remain reactive for a long time even after the discharge area has been driven through, as a result of which effective disinfection, in particular sterilization, can be brought about even with very short exposure times to the packaging in the discharge area.

In the method, goods packaged in packaging are provided, the packaging being impermeable to germs, in particular bacteria and/or viruses. For this purpose, the packaging encloses the packaged goods, in particular completely. The packaging can be designed to be impermeable to bacteria. In addition, the packaging can also be designed in such a way that it is also impermeable to viruses. In this way, the good can be stored in the packaging, especially for a long period of time, without the good becoming unsteri due to invading bacteria and/or viruses! becomes.

In the method, electrical discharges are generated in the discharge area. The electrical discharges are preferably high-frequency discharges.

The packaging with the goods packed in it can be transported through the unloading area in particular with a transport system, for example a conveyor belt.

The above object is further achieved according to the second aspect of the present disclosure by a device for disinfecting, in particular sterilizing, packaged goods, in particular for carrying out the method described above according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, with an electrode and a counter-electrode, with a between the electrode and the counter-electrode arranged discharge region and with a arranged between the electrode and the counter-electrode dielectric, wherein between the electrode and the counter-electrode a high-frequency voltage for generating Discharges can be applied in the discharge area, and the device has a transport system which is set up to transport packaged goods through the discharge area.

It was found that the previously described method according to the second aspect of the present disclosure can be carried out effectively and in a continuous process with the previously described device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure.

The dielectric is arranged between the electrode and the counter-electrode. In this way, damage to the packaging transported through the discharge area due to strong direct discharges between the electrode and the counter-electrode can be prevented. In particular, the dielectric can be arranged directly on the electrode and/or on the counter-electrode. For example, the electrode and/or the counter-electrode can be coated with a layer of a dielectric.

The counter electrode is preferably grounded. Alternatively, the electrode can also be grounded.

The discharge area preferably has a height of max. 5 cm, more preferably max. 3 cm, in particular max. 1 cm. Correspondingly, the distance between the electrode and the counter-electrode is preferably a maximum of 5 cm, more preferably a maximum of 3 cm, in particular a maximum of 1 cm. In this way, the packaged goods can be treated intensively in the unloading area.

The method described above according to the second aspect of the present disclosure is preferably performed using the device described above according to the second aspect of the present disclosure. Various embodiments according to the second aspect of the present disclosure are described below, wherein the individual embodiments apply independently of one another both to the method and to the device according to the second aspect of the preliminary disclosure. Furthermore, the embodiments can be combined with one another as desired.

In one embodiment, the package has a gas permeable section. In particular, part of the packaging can be gas-permeable or the packaging can be completely gas-permeable. For example, the gas permeable portion may have pores that are large enough to allow gas to pass through but small enough to prevent bacteria and/or viruses from entering the package. Reactive gas, which was generated outside the packaging by the electrical discharges, can enter the packaging through the gas-permeable section and disinfect the goods packaged therein. In this way, for example, reactive species generated by the discharges can have a disinfecting effect both inside and outside the packaging. Furthermore, water vapor contained in the packaging, in particular from water introduced into the packaging for disinfection, can escape through the gas-permeable section.

In one embodiment of the method, the electrical discharges are generated between at least one electrode and at least one counter-electrode, and the packaging with the goods packaged therein is transported between the at least one electrode and the at least one counter-electrode.

In a further embodiment of the method, dielectrically impeded discharges are generated in the discharge area. In a corresponding embodiment of the device, the electrode, the counter-electrode and the dielectric are designed to generate dielectrically impeded discharges in the discharge area. To generate dielectric barrier discharges, a voltage source can be provided in particular in order to apply a high-frequency high voltage to the electrode and the counter-electrode, for example with a voltage in the range from 1 to 15 kV, in particular 2 to 15 kV, and a frequency in the range from 7.5 to 25 kHz, in particular 13 to 14 kHz.

In order to generate dielectrically impeded discharges, the electrode and the counter-electrode can in particular have electrode surfaces arranged opposite one another, preferably parallel to one another.

The electrode and/or the counter-electrode can preferably have an edge or a curved surface, in particular with a small radius of curvature. As a result, the field strength increases at the edge or curved surface and this leads to dielectrically impeded discharges. The respective other electrode and/or counter-electrode can have a flat electrode surface, for example.

In a further embodiment, the electrode and/or the counter-electrode is designed as a plate electrode. In this way, a larger and more uniform discharge area can be provided.

In a further embodiment, the device has a plurality of preferably rod-shaped electrodes. The electrodes can in particular be surrounded by a dielectric, for example coated with it. In particular, a high-frequency voltage can be applied between each of the plurality of electrodes and the counter-electrode in order to generate discharges, in particular dielectric barrier discharges, in the discharge area. The plurality of electrodes can be arranged next to one another opposite the counter-electrode, for example. In this way, the discharge area can be enlarged, in particular when generating dielectrically impeded discharges. In a further embodiment, the transport system comprises a movable conveyor belt which is set up to transport packaged goods through the unloading area. The conveyor belt can, for example, run directly over the electrode or the counter-electrode.

In a further embodiment, the conveyor belt forms the electrode, the counter-electrode or the dielectric. In this way, the number of components can be reduced. If the conveyor belt forms the electrode or the counter-electrode, the conveyor belt is in particular designed to be electrically conductive and a high-frequency voltage can be applied between the conveyor belt and the electrode or the counter-electrode to generate discharges in the discharge area. The conveyor belt is preferably grounded.

The conveyor belt can also be formed from a dielectric and run between the electrode and the counter-electrode in such a way that it prevents direct discharges between the electrode and the counter-electrode. In this way, a further dielectric can be dispensed with. Alternatively, however, a further dielectric can also be provided, for example a dielectric coating of the electrode and/or counter-electrode.

In a further embodiment, nitrogen and/or an inert gas is introduced into the discharge region. An atmosphere is preferably generated in the discharge area which contains at least 50% by volume, preferably at least 90% by volume, nitrogen and/or one or more noble gases, for example helium and/or argon. Nitrogen and in particular noble gases can be ionized more easily than air, so that better discharges can be achieved in this way. Furthermore, it is possible in this way to provide a greater distance between the at least one electrode and the at least one counter-electrode, so that larger packages can be transported through the discharge area. In a corresponding embodiment, the device has a nitrogen and/or inert gas source, for example a nitrogen and/or inert gas cylinder, and is set up to introduce nitrogen and/or inert gas from the nitrogen and/or inert gas source into the discharge area, in particular a nitrogen and / or to generate an inert gas atmosphere in the discharge area.

In a further embodiment, the device has a housing with a tunnel in which the discharge area is arranged, or the device has a suction hood arranged at the discharge area. In this way, the pollution of the environment with reactive species formed by the electrical discharges, in particular ozone, is reduced. An extraction system can also be provided on the housing in order to extract ozone escaping from the discharge area.

Various embodiments according to the first and second aspects of the present disclosure are described below, the individual embodiments being independent of one another both for the method according to the first aspect and for the method according to the second aspect and for the device according to the first aspect and the device apply according to the second aspect. Furthermore, the embodiments can be combined with one another and with the previously described embodiments as desired.

In one embodiment, the packaging is sterile goods packaging for sterile goods, for example medicines or medical products.

In one embodiment, the gas-permeable section of the packaging is formed at least partially from a fleece, in particular a plastic fleece, for example made of polyethylene. It was found that such fleeces on the one hand prevent the penetration of germs into the packaging and on the other hand are sufficiently gas-permeable to effect reliable disinfection, in particular sterilization of the goods in the packaging. A suitable fleece is, for example, Tyvek, available from DuPont de Nemours, Wilmington, USA.

In a further embodiment, the packaging is impermeable or impermeable to liquid water or liquids in general, at least from the outside. In particular, the packaging can be completely liquid-impermeable or semi-permeable, so that liquid can get out of the packaging but not into it. In this way, undesired moisture penetration of the goods from the outside can be prevented.

In order to provide the water in the packaging, which greatly enhances the disinfection or sterilization effect, water can be introduced into the packaging from the outside, in particular in the form of steam, i.e. gaseous. Alternatively, the packaged goods can already be provided with water in the packaging. A reactive substance may be dissolved in the water in the packaging. In particular, organic molecules can be dissolved in the water in the packaging, which become reactive organic peroxides due to plasma discharge and can accelerate the sterilization process.

In a further embodiment, the packaging has a shaped body, in particular made of plastic, for accommodating the item, and a cover made of gas-permeable material, in particular fleece. For example, the packaging can be a blister pack. Such packaging is well suited for medicines and medical products and is practical to use. In addition, it has been shown that goods packaged in such packaging can be disinfected or sterilized well using the methods and devices described above.

In a further embodiment, the packaging has a receiving space with a gas atmosphere, in which the item is arranged. In this way, the Disinfection and sterilization effect improved. In particular, with the methods and devices described above, a reactive atmosphere can be generated within the packaging, which remains reactive even after the end of the exposure to the reactive gas, in particular the gas stream, or after leaving the discharge area, and thereby disinfect and/or sterilize the goods can.

In particular, when the packaging is transported through a discharge area, electrical discharges can be generated in the gas atmosphere of the receiving space and thus within the packaging, whereby the reactive species are formed directly in the packaging.

In a further embodiment, the goods packaged in the packaging are pre-humidified and/or the gas atmosphere in a receiving space of the packaging in which the goods are arranged has a relative humidity of at least 60% RH, preferably at least 70% RH, measured at 20° C, on. In particular, the moisture, which greatly improves the disinfection or sterilization effect of the reactive atmosphere, can already be introduced into the packaging during packaging, so that subsequent introduction of water is no longer necessary. When using a reactive gas, in particular a gas stream, this can then have a relative humidity of <60% RH.

In a further embodiment, the item is a medicament, a medical product, in particular a medical device, or protective equipment. The medical device can be, for example, an endoscope, surgical tools or surgical instruments or surgical trays. The protective equipment can be, for example, a face mask or gloves.

The goods can be pre-disinfected, in particular pre-sterilized. In particular, hard-to-reach surfaces of the estate, such as inner surfaces of hoses, pipes or the like, such as a medical Device such as an endoscope, pre-disinfected, in particular pre-sterilized. In this way, with the disinfection described here, in particular sterilization, it is no longer necessary to disinfect or sterilize surfaces of the item that are difficult to access. Rather, it may be sufficient to clean easily accessible surfaces of the goods, which, for example, have been pre-disinfected or cleaned.

Pre-sterilization, for example during the packaging process, has been contaminated or has become non-sterile, to be disinfected or sterilized again.

The above object is further achieved according to the first aspect of the present disclosure by using the device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure or an embodiment thereof for disinfecting, in particular sterilizing, packaged goods.

The above object is further achieved according to the second aspect of the present disclosure by using the device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure or an embodiment thereof for disinfecting, in particular sterilizing, packaged goods. Further advantages and features of the devices and methods result from the following description of exemplary embodiments, reference being made to the attached drawing. Show in the drawing

1 shows a plasma source for generating a reactive gas stream,

2 shows another plasma source for generating a reactive gas flow, FIG. 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of the device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, Fig. 4 a packaged item in a package,

FIG. 5 shows the treatment of the packaged goods from FIG. 4 with the device from FIG. 3,

6 shows another embodiment of the device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure,

8 shows an embodiment of the device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure,

FIG. 9 shows the treatment of the packaged goods from FIG. 4 with the device from FIG. 8,

Fig. 10 shows another embodiment of the device according to the second

aspect of the present disclosure,

11 shows another embodiment of the device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure; and FIG. 12 shows another embodiment of the device according to the second

aspect of the present disclosure.

1 shows a schematic sectional view of a plasma source 2 in the form of a plasma nozzle for generating a reactive gas stream 26 in the form of an atmospheric plasma jet by means of an arc-like discharge, The plasma nozzle 2 has a metal nozzle tube 4 which tapers conically to form a nozzle opening 6 . At the end opposite the nozzle opening 6, the nozzle tube 4 has a swirl device 8 with an inlet 10 for a gas flow, in particular a working gas, for example air or nitrogen.

An intermediate wall 12 of the twisting device 8 has a ring of bores 14 which are inclined in the circumferential direction and through which the gas flow is wired. The downstream, conically tapering part of the nozzle pipe is therefore flowed through by the gas flow in the form of a vortex 16, the core of which runs on the longitudinal axis of the nozzle pipe. An inner electrode 18 is arranged centrally on the underside of the intermediate wall 12 and protrudes coaxially into the nozzle tube in the direction of the tapered section. The electrode 18 is electrically connected to the intermediate wall 12 and the remaining parts of the twisting device 8 . The twisting device 8 is electrically insulated from the nozzle tube 4 by a ceramic or quartz glass tube 20 . A high-frequency high voltage, which is generated by a transformer 22 , is applied to the electrode 18 via the twisting device 8 . The inlet 10 is supplied with a gas stream 23 via a line that is not shown. The nozzle tube 4 is grounded. A high-frequency discharge in the form of an arc 24 is generated between the electrode 18 and the nozzle tube 4 by the applied voltage.

The terms "arc", "arc discharge" or "arc-like discharge" are used here as a phenomenological description of the discharge, since the discharge occurs in the form of an arc. The term "arc" is also used elsewhere as a discharge form for DC voltage discharges with im

Essentially constant voltage values used. In the present case, however, it is a high-frequency discharge in the form of an arc, ie a high-frequency, arc-like discharge. However, due to the swirling flow of the working gas, this arc is channeled in the vortex core on the axis of the nozzle tube 4, so that it is only in the Branch of the nozzle opening 6 to the wall of the nozzle tube 4. The working gas, which rotates at high flow speed in the area of the vortex core and thus in the immediate vicinity of the arc 24, comes into intimate contact with the arc and is thereby partially converted into the plasma state, so that an atmospheric plasma jet 26 emerges through the nozzle opening 6 from the Plasma nozzle 2 exits.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective schematic sectional view of a further plasma source 32 in the form of a nozzle for generating a reactive gas flow by means of a dielectric barrier discharge.

The nozzle 32 has a nozzle tube 34 made of metal, at the upstream end 35 of which a distributor head 36 with an inlet 37 for a gas flow 38, for example air, and with an annular distributor channel 40 is arranged. At the opposite downstream end 42 of the nozzle tube 34 there is an outlet nozzle 44 with a nozzle opening 46 from which the reactive gas stream 38 enriched with reactive species emerges during operation.

A ceramic tube 48 extends from the distributor head 36 through the nozzle tube 34 into the outlet nozzle 44 in such a way that an annular discharge channel 50 extends from the distributor channel 40 between the nozzle tube 34 and the ceramic tube 48 to the outlet nozzle 44 . Instead of a ceramic tube, a tube made of quartz glass can also be considered, for example.

A tubular high-voltage electrode 52 made of metal is arranged on the inside of the ceramic tube 48, which is connected via a high-voltage cable 54 to a transformer 56, with which a high-frequency high voltage can be applied between the high-voltage electrode 52 and the grounded nozzle tube 34 acting as a counter-electrode. Instead of a tubular high-voltage electrode 52, for example, also comes consider a differently shaped high-voltage electrode, for example in the form of a rounded sheet.

Insulating plugs 58 are arranged in the ceramic tube 48 and enclose the high-voltage electrode 52 and further prevent the working gas from flowing into the area of the high-voltage electrode 52 or from flowing out of the nozzle 32 through the ceramic tube 48 . Furthermore, a sealing ring 60 is inserted into an annular groove 62 on the distributor head 36 which seals the distributor head 36 to the ceramic tube 48 .

A coolant line 64 can be provided around the nozzle tube 34, through which a coolant for cooling the nozzle tube 34 can be conducted during operation. For example, the coolant line 64 may spiral around the nozzle tube 34 as shown.

In operation, a gas stream 38 is introduced into the header 36 through the inlet 37 such that the gas stream 38 flows through the annular discharge passage 50 .

A high-frequency high voltage is applied between the high-voltage electrode 52 and the nozzle tube 34 with the transformer 56, so that dielectrically impeded discharges occur in the discharge channel 50 in the region of the high-voltage electrode 52, as a result of which reactive species, in particular ozone, are generated in the gas stream 38 flowing there will.

The reactive gas stream 38 enriched with the reactive species emerges from the nozzle opening 46 .

3 shows an embodiment of the device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure in a schematic sectional view from the side. The device 100 for disinfecting, in particular sterilizing, packaged goods 200 has a treatment chamber 104 with an inlet 106 and an outlet 108 . The treatment chamber 104 includes a treatment area 103, which can occupy the entire space of the treatment chamber 104 or only part of it. A respective lock chamber 110, 112 is arranged in front of the entrance 106 and behind the exit 108.

The device 100 also has a transport system 114 with a plurality of drivable transport belts 116a-e. In this way, the transport system 114 is set up to transport packaged goods 200 first through the first lock chamber 110, then from the entrance 106 to the exit 108 through the treatment chamber 104 and the treatment area 103 it encompasses, and finally through the second lock chamber 112. Instead of the several conveyor belts 116a-e, a continuous conveyor belt can also be provided, for example.

Furthermore, the device 100 has a plasma source 118 which is set up to generate a reactive gas flow 120 . The plasma source 118 can be designed, for example, like the plasma source 2 from FIG. 1 or like the plasma source 32 from FIG.

The plasma source 118 is connected to the treatment chamber 104 via a feed line 122, so that the reactive gas stream 120 reaches the treatment chamber 104 and thus the treatment area 103 and is distributed there. In particular, the reactive gas flow 120 reaches the packaged goods 200 transported through the treatment area 103 during operation with the transport system 114. 4 shows an example of such a packaged item 200. The packaging 202 of the packaged item 200 is impermeable to germs, in particular bacteria and/or viruses. In addition, the package 202 has a gas permeable section 204 or is completely gas permeable such that the gas permeable section corresponds to the entire package 202 .

For example, the packaging 202 can be a blister-like packaging with a molded body 206 made of plastic, which has a receiving space 208 for the actual product 210, and a cover 212 made of gas-permeable material, such as plastic fleece. The cover 212 can be made of Tyvek, for example. The receiving space 208 has, in particular, a gas atmosphere 213 .

Good 210 can be, for example, a drug, for example a tablet or a syringe filled with a drug, a medical product, for example an endoscope, a surgical tool or surgical set, or a 0P bowl, or protective equipment such as a face mask, gloves or a protective suit.

FIG. 5 shows the treatment of the packaged item 200 from FIG. 4 with the device 100 from FIG. 3 in a schematic representation. By introducing the reactive gas flow 120 into the treatment chamber 104, this reactive gas flow 120 also reaches the packaged good 200 transported by the conveyor belt 116c through the treatment chamber 104 and the treatment area 103 it encompasses, and in particular also the gas-permeable section 204 of the packaging 202 , so that part of the reactive gas stream 120 with the reactive species contained therein enters the gas atmosphere 213 in the receiving space 208 in which the material 210 is located. The reactive species then act on the item 210 and also on the inside of the packaging 202 and thereby bring about a disinfecting, in particular sterilizing, effect. This disinfecting, in particular sterilizing, effect is considerably increased when the gas atmosphere 213 contains water. In order to introduce the water into the gas atmosphere 213, the device 100 can have a water vaporizer 124, for example, which enriches the reactive gas flow 120 with water vapor. The water vapor from the water evaporator 124 can, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, be introduced into the feed line 122 or also directly into the treatment chamber 104. It is also conceivable to integrate the water evaporator 124 directly into the feed line 122, so that the reactive gas flow generated by the plasma source 118 is passed through the water evaporator and is thus enriched with water vapor.

The water evaporator 124 is preferably controlled in such a way, for example via a humidity sensor 126 arranged in the treatment chamber 104, that the humidity in the treatment chamber 104 and/or in the treatment area 103, in particular in the area of the packaged goods 200, is less than 100% RH, preferably between 60 and 80%RH. In this way, on the one hand, sufficient water is made available to improve the disinfection, in particular sterilization, effect and, on the other hand, the precipitation of condensate on the packaging 202 is avoided.

The gaseous water vapor penetrates with the reactive gas flow 120 through the gas-permeable section 204 into the packaging 202 and, together with the reactive species of the reactive gas flow, effectively disinfects or sterilizes the goods 210 and the inside of the packaging 202.

Instead of bringing the water into the packaging 202 from the outside, the packaged goods 200 can also be provided with the water already in the packaging 202 . For this purpose, the goods 210 can be moistened before or during packaging, for example, or an atmosphere enriched with water vapor can be introduced into the packaging 202 during packaging. In this case, on one Water evaporators 124 are dispensed with and the packaged goods 200 can be exposed to a relatively dry reactive gas stream, for example a reactive gas stream with an atmospheric humidity of less than 60% RH or even less than 40% RH.

In order to keep the reactive gas stream 120 in the treatment chamber 104 and to reduce or, if possible, to completely avoid contamination of the environment with reactive species, for example ozone or nitrogen oxides, the device 100 in FIG. 3 preferably has the lock chambers 110 and 112, which each have lock gates 128 that can be moved in a controllable manner. During operation, the lock gates 128 open and close alternately so that packaged goods 200 can be moved through the lock chambers 110, 112 and the treatment chamber 104 without reactive species being able to escape from the device 100 to a large extent. To further reduce the environmental pollution caused by reactive species, the lock chambers 110, 112 can also have respective suction devices 130, with which reactive species reaching the lock chambers 110, 112 from the treatment chamber 104 can be sucked off. The suction devices 130 are preferably operated in such a way that no negative pressure arises within the treatment chamber 104 , so that no foreign gases are sucked into the treatment chamber 104 from the outside.

Despite the lock chambers 110, 112, the transport system 114 enables at least quasi-continuous operation, so that the device 100 can be easily integrated into in-line processes, for example behind a packaging station in which the goods 210 are placed in the packaging 202 to be packed.

6 shows a further exemplary embodiment of the device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure in a schematic plan view. In principle, the device 300 has a very similar structure to the device 100 from FIG. 3, to the description of which reference is also made. In particular, the device 300 has a treatment chamber 304 comprising a treatment area 303, into which a reactive gas flow generated by a plasma source 318 and possibly water vapor is introduced, as well as lock chambers 310, 312 with respective suction devices (not shown). Furthermore, a transport system 314 is provided, with which packaged goods 200 can be transported through the lock chambers 310, 312 and from an entrance 306 to the exit 308 through the treatment chamber 304.

The transport system 314 meanders through the treatment chamber 304 in the device 300. In this way, with a conveying speed sufficient for effective in-line processes, the packaged goods 200 stay in the treatment chamber 304 or in the treatment area 303 for a sufficiently long time of at least 5 minutes , preferably at least 10 minutes, in particular at least 30 minutes.

FIG. 7 shows a further exemplary embodiment of the device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure in a schematic sectional view.

The device 600 for disinfecting, in particular sterilizing, packaged goods 200 has a transport system 614 with a drivable transport belt 616 . Furthermore, the device 600 has a plasma source 618 which is set up to generate a reactive gas flow 620 which emerges from a nozzle opening 619 of the plasma source 618 during operation. The plasma source 618 can be designed, for example, like the plasma source 2 from FIG. 1 or like the plasma source 32 from FIG. The nozzle opening 619 is arranged opposite a section 617 of the conveyor belt 616 . Furthermore, a plate 630 with a gas guiding surface 632 is arranged in the area of the nozzle opening 619 . The plate 630 has a central opening 634 to which the nozzle opening 619 of the plasma source 618 is connected. In this way During operation, the reactive gas stream 620 arrives in a treatment area 603 between the gas guiding surface 632 and the conveyor belt 616. In addition, a water vaporizer can be provided, with which water vapor is supplied to the reactive gas stream. For example, the plasma source 618 can be supplied with a working gas enriched with water vapor.

The plate 630 is preferably arranged in such a way that the gas guiding surface 632 is aligned parallel to the conveyor belt 616 .

During operation, goods 200 packaged with the transport system 614 are transported through the treatment area 603 . The reactive gas stream 620 emerging from the plasma source 618 is guided by the gas conducting surface 632 through an area 636 between the gas conducting surface 632 and a packaged item 200 . In this way, an intensive interaction of the gas stream 620 with the packaging 202, in particular with its gas-permeable section 204, is achieved, so that reactive species can penetrate into the packaging 202. The restriction of the area 636 between the gas guiding surface 632 and the packaging 202 can in particular bring about an increased dynamic pressure of the gas flow 620 which makes it easier for the reactive species to penetrate into the packaging 202 .

The device 600 can optionally have a treatment chamber 642 enclosed by a housing 640 with an inlet 644 and an outlet 646, which comprises the treatment area 603. In this exemplary embodiment, the treatment area 603 forms only part of the treatment chamber 642.

The devices 100, 300 and 600 described above according to the first aspect of the present disclosure are preferably used to disinfect, in particular to sterilize, packaged goods in the packaging. In particular, the devices 100, 300 and 600 described above for carrying out the method according to the first aspect of the present The disclosure can be used, in which an item 210 packaged in a package 202 is provided, the package 202 being impermeable to germs, in particular bacteria and/or viruses, and having a gas-permeable section 204, in which a plasma source 118, 318 or 618 a reactive gas flow 120 is generated and in which the gas-permeable section 204 of the packaging 202 is acted upon by the reactive gas flow 120 .

In this way, sterile packaged goods can be provided more easily and cost-effectively.

8 shows an exemplary embodiment of the device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure in a schematic sectional view.

The device 400 has an electrode 402, a counter-electrode 404 and a discharge region 406 arranged between the electrode 402 and the counter-electrode 404. FIG. in the present example, the electrode 402 and the counter-electrode 404 are designed as flat plate electrodes, which face each other in parallel.

Furthermore, the device 400 includes a voltage source 408 for generating a high-frequency high voltage between the electrode 402 and the counter-electrode 404, which are electrically connected to the voltage source 408 for this purpose. The counter electrode 404 is grounded.

Furthermore, a dielectric 410 in the form of a dielectric coating on the electrode 402 is arranged between the electrode 402 and the counter-electrode 404 and prevents direct electrical discharges between the electrode 402 and the counter-electrode 404 . In this way, when a high-frequency high voltage is applied between electrode 402 and counter-electrode 404 by the voltage source 408 to generate dielectric barrier discharges 412 in the discharge area 406.

The device also has a transport system 414 , which in FIG. 8 includes a transport belt 416 and with which packaged goods 200 can be transported through the unloading area 406 . For this purpose, the conveyor belt 416 runs through the discharge area and can slide over the counter-electrode 404, for example, as in FIG.

In order to reduce the pollution of the environment caused by the dielectric barrier discharges 412 reactive species, such as ozone or nitrogen oxides, the device 400 further includes a housing 418, which forms a tunnel 420 through which the conveyor belt 416 runs and in which the Discharge area 406 is arranged. A suction device 422 can be provided on the housing, as a result of which excess reactive species can be sucked off and the load on the environment can thus be further reduced.

FIG. 9 shows the treatment of the packaged item 200 from FIG. 4 in the device 400 from FIG. 8 in a schematic representation. The discharges 412 in the discharge area 406 cause the generation of reactive species, for example ozone, which enter the packaging 202 through the gas-permeable section 204 of the packaging 202 and in this way exert a disinfecting, in particular sterilizing, effect on the item 210 . It was found that electrical discharges 413 can also occur in the gas atmosphere 213 in the receiving space 208 of the packaging 202 itself, so that the reactive species are generated directly in the packaging 202 . In this way, too, an intensive disinfecting, in particular sterilizing, treatment of the item 210 and the inside of the packaging 202 can be achieved. This disinfecting, in particular sterilizing, effect is considerably increased when the gas atmosphere 213 contains water. In order to introduce the water into the gas atmosphere 213, the device 400 can have a water vaporizer 424, for example, which enriches the atmosphere in the discharge region 406 with water vapor.

The water evaporator 424 is preferably regulated in such a way, for example via an air humidity sensor 426 arranged in the housing 418, that the air humidity in the discharge area 406 is less than 100% RH, preferably between 60 and 80% RH. In this way, on the one hand, enough water is

Improvement of the disinfection, in particular the sterilization effect is made available and, on the other hand, the precipitation of condensate on the packaging 202 is avoided. The gaseous water vapor penetrates the packaging 202 through the gas-permeable section 204 and, together with the reactive species generated by the discharges 412 or 413, effectively disinfects or sterilizes the goods 210 and the inside of the packaging 202. Instead of the water from the outside to be introduced into the packaging 202, the packaged goods 200 can also already be provided with water in the packaging 202. For this purpose, the goods 210 can be moistened before or during packaging, for example, or an atmosphere enriched with water vapor can be introduced into the packaging 202 during packaging. In this case, a water evaporator 424 can also be dispensed with and the atmosphere in the

Discharge area 406 may be relatively dry, for example having a humidity of less than 60% RH or even less than 40% RH. 10 shows another embodiment of the device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure. The device 450 has a very similar Structure like the device 400 from FIG. 9, to the description of which reference is also made. Corresponding components are provided with the same reference symbols.

The device 450 differs from the device 400 in that the transport system 414 has a transport belt 452 made of conductive material and this transport belt 452 forms the counter-electrode to the electrode 402 . For this purpose, the conveyor belt 452 is grounded. In this way, a separate counter-electrode can be dispensed with.

Furthermore, the device 450 differs from the device 400 in that instead of a housing, a suction hood 454 is provided, which is arranged at the discharge area 406, namely above it, in order to suck off reactive species escaping therefrom.

11 shows another embodiment of the device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure. The device 500 has a very similar structure to the device 400 from FIG. 9, to the description of which reference is also made. Corresponding components are provided with the same reference symbols.

Device 500 differs from device 400 in that instead of plate-shaped electrode 402 and dielectric 410 in the form of a coating, a plurality of rod-shaped electrodes 502 with a small diameter and thus a small radius of curvature are provided, which are arranged next to one another opposite counter-electrode 404. Furthermore, respective dielectrics 510 in the form of dielectric coatings of the electrodes 502 are provided. When a high-frequency high voltage is applied between the electrodes 502 and the counter-electrode 404, the electric field increases at the electrodes 502 and, as a result, is generated dielectrically impeded discharges 512 in the discharge area 506 arranged between the electrodes 502 and the counter-electrode 404. The reactive species thus produced in the discharge area 506 pass through the gas-permeable section 204 into the packaging of the packaged goods 200 transported through the discharge area 506 and thereby cause disinfection, in particular sterilization of the goods 210 in the packaging.

Furthermore, it was found that discharges can also occur in the gas atmosphere 213 with the electrode-counter-electrode arrangement as in FIG.

12 shows another embodiment of the device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure. The device 550 has a very similar structure to the device 400 from FIG. 9, to the description of which reference is also made. Corresponding components are provided with the same reference symbols.

The device 550 differs from the device 500 in that the transport system 414--as in the device 450 from FIG. For this purpose, the conveyor belt 452 is grounded. In this way, a separate counter-electrode can be dispensed with.

Furthermore, the device 550 differs from the device 500 in that—as in the device 450 from FIG. 10—a suction hood 454 is provided instead of a housing, which is arranged above the discharge area 506 in order to suck off reactive species escaping therefrom. The previously described devices 400, 450, 500 and 550 according to the second aspect of the present disclosure are preferably used to disinfect, in particular to sterilize, packaged goods in the packaging. In particular, the devices 400, 450, 500 and 550 described above can be used to carry out the method according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, in which an item 210 packaged in a package 202 is provided, the package 202 for germs, in particular bacteria and/or viruses, is impermeable and the packaging 202 has a gas-permeable section 204 in which electrical discharges 412, 413 or 512 are generated in a discharge area 406 or 506 and in which the packaging 202 with the goods 410 packed therein passes through is transported to the discharge area 406 or 506, respectively.

Claims

P atentClaims

1. A method for disinfecting, in particular sterilizing, an item (210) in a package (202), in particular using a device (100, 300, 600) according to any one of claims 18 to 22, in which a package (202) packaged goods (210) are provided, the packaging (202) being impermeable to germs, in particular bacteria and/or viruses, and the packaging (202) having a gas-permeable section (204) in which a plasma source (2, 32 , 118, 318, 618) a reactive gas, in particular a reactive gas stream (26, 38, 120, 620), is generated and in which the gas-permeable section (204) of the packaging (202) with the reactive gas, in particular the reactive gas stream (26, 38, 120, 620) is applied.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that an atmospheric reactive gas, in particular an atmospheric reactive gas flow, is generated as the reactive gas, in particular the reactive gas flow (26, 38, 120, 620).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the reactive gas, in particular the reactive gas stream (26, 38, 120, 620), by means of a high-frequency arc-like discharge between electrodes in a gas, in particular gas stream, or by means of a dielectric barrier Discharge in a gas, in particular a gas stream, is generated.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the reactive gas, in particular reactive gas stream (26, 38, 120, 620), steam is added.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that the relative humidity of the reactive gas, in particular reactive gas flow (26, 38, 120, 620), when the gas-permeable section (204) of the packaging (202) is acted upon is less than 100% RH, preferably is in the range of 60 - 80 %RH.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the reactive gas, in particular reactive gas flow (26, 38, 120, 620), a reactant, in particular an organic reactant or hydrogen peroxide, is added.

7. A method for disinfecting, in particular sterilizing, an item (210) in a package (202), in particular using a device (400, 450, 500, 550) according to one of claims 23 to 29, in which a package ( 202) packaged goods (210) are provided, the packaging (202) being impermeable to germs, in particular bacteria and/or viruses, in which electrical discharges (412, 413, 512) are generated in a discharge area (406, 506). and in which the package (202) with the goods (410) packaged therein is transported through the unloading area (406, 506).

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that the packaging (202) has a gas-permeable section (204).

9. The method as claimed in claim 7 or 8, characterized in that dielectric barrier discharges (412, 413, 512) are generated in the discharge region (406, 506).

10. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the electrical discharges (412, 413, 512) are generated between at least one electrode (402, 502) and at least one counter-electrode (404, 452) and the packaging (202 ) with the goods (210) packed therein between the at least one electrode (402, 502) and the at least one counter-electrode (404, 452).

11. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that nitrogen and/or an inert gas is introduced into the discharge area (406, 506).

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the gas-permeable section (204) of the packaging (202) is formed at least partially from a fleece, in particular a plastic fleece.

13. The method as claimed in one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the packaging (202) is impermeable or impermeable to liquid water, at least from the outside.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the packaging (202) has a shaped body (206), in particular made of plastic, for receiving the item (210), and a cover (212) made of gas-permeable material, in particular fleece having.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the packaging (202) has a receiving space (208) with a gas atmosphere (213) in which the good (210) is arranged.

16. The method as claimed in one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the goods (210) packed in the packaging (202) are pre-moistened and/or that the gas atmosphere (213) is in a receiving space (208) of the packaging (202), in which the item (210) is arranged, has a relative humidity of at least 60% RH, preferably at least 70% RH, measured at 20 °C.

17. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the good (210) is a drug, a medical product, in particular a medical device, or protective equipment.

18. Device (100, 300, 600) for disinfecting, in particular sterilizing, packaged goods (200), in particular for carrying out a method according to one of claims 1 to 6 or 12 to 17, with a treatment area (103, 303, 603), with a transport system (114, 314, 614), which is set up to transport packaged goods (200) through the treatment area (103, 303, 603), and with a plasma source (2, 32, 118, 318, 618), which is set up to generate a reactive gas, in particular a reactive gas stream (26, 38, 120, 620), wherein the plasma source (2, 32, 118, 318, 618) and the treatment area (103, 303, 603) are arranged relative to one another in such a way that the reactive gas (26, 38, 120, 620) generated by the plasma source (2, 32, 118, 318, 618) during operation, in particular that from the plasma source (2, 32, 118, 318, 618) in operation generated reactive gas flow (26, 38, 120, 620), in the treatment area (103,

303, 603).

19 Device according to claim 18, characterized in that the device (100, 300, 600) has a den

treatment area (103, 303, 603) comprising treatment chamber (104,

304, 642) with an entrance (106, 306, 644) and an exit (108, 308, 646) and that the transport system (114, 314, 614) is set up to transport packaged goods (200) from the entrance (106, 306, 644) to the exit (108, 308,

646) through the treatment chamber (104, 304, 604).

20. The device according to claim 19, characterized in that the treatment chamber (104, 304, 604) and the transport system (114, 314, 614) are adapted so that the length of stay with the transport system (114, 314, 614) through the treatment chamber

(104, 304, 642) transported packaged goods (200) within the treatment chamber (104, 304, 642) is at least 5 minutes, preferably at least 10 minutes, in particular at least 30 minutes.

21. Device according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that in front of the entrance (106, 306, 644) of the treatment chamber (104, 304, 642) and/or behind the exit (108, 308, 646) of the treatment chamber (104, 304, 642), a lock chamber (110, 310; 112, 312) is arranged, the lock chamber (110, 310; 112, 312) preferably having a suction device (130) which is used to suck gases out of the lock chamber (110, 310 ; 112, 312).

22. Device according to one of Claims 18 to 21, characterized in that the device (100, 300, 600) has a gas guiding surface (632) arranged opposite a section (617) of the transport system (114, 314, 614) and the plasma source ( 2, 32, 118, 318, 618) such is arranged that the reactive gas (26, 38, 120, 620) generated during operation, in particular the reactive gas flow (26, 38, 120, 620) generated in a region (636) between the gas conducting surface (632) and a through the Section (617) of the transport system (114, 314, 614) transported packaged good (200) arrives.

23. Device (400, 450, 500, 550) for disinfecting, in particular sterilizing, packaged goods (200), in particular for carrying out a method according to one of claims 7 to 17, with an electrode (402, 502) and a counter electro de (404, 452), with a discharge region (406, 506) arranged between the electrode (402, 502) and the counter electrode (404, 452) and with a discharge region (402, 502) and the counter electrode (404, 452) arranged dielectric (410, 510), wherein a high-frequency voltage for generating discharges (412, 413, 512) in the discharge area (406, 506) can be applied between the electrode (402, 502) and the counter-electrode (404, 452), thereby characterized in that the device (400, 450, 500, 550) has a transport system (414) which is set up to transport packaged goods (200) through the unloading area (406, 506).

24. Device according to claim 23, characterized in that the electrode (402, 502), the counter-electrode (404, 452) and the dielectric (410, 510) for generating dielectrically impeded discharges (412, 413, 512) in the discharge area ( 406, 506) are formed.

25. Device according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that the electrode (402) and/or the counter-electrode (404) is designed as a plate electrode.

26. Device according to one of claims 23 to 25, characterized in that the device (500, 550) has a plurality of preferably rod-shaped electrodes (502).

27. Device according to one of claims 23 to 26, characterized in that the transport system (414) comprises a movable conveyor belt (416, 452) which is set up to transport packaged goods (200) through the unloading area (406, 506). .

28. Device according to claim 27, characterized in that the conveyor belt (416, 452) forms the electrode, the counter-electrode or the dielectric.

29. Device according to one of claims 23 to 28, characterized in that the device (400, 500) has a housing (418) with a tunnel (420) in which the discharge area (406, 506) is arranged, or that the Device (450, 550) has a suction hood (454) arranged at the discharge area (406, 506).

30. Use of a device (100, 300, 400, 450, 500, 550) according to one of

Claims 18 to 29 for disinfecting, in particular sterilizing, packaged goods (200).