JP2003339826A - Member and means for inactivating pathogenic microbe in one minute and sterilizing and washing method for medical device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem of nosocomial infection due to insufficient sterilization and washing caused by saving labor and time because it takes much time and cost to increase in the number of devices, staff and cost caused by implementation of washing, disinfect and sterilization according to a guide line (GL washing method) of the Japan Digestive Endoscope Society because of long processing work time and harmful effect of disinfectant in spite of an effort to wash, disinfect and sterilize along the GL washing method. <P>SOLUTION: A medical device with pathogenic microbe adhering thereto is immersed in a compound solution composed of a mixture containing a photocatalyst titanium oxide, nitrate and alcohol and irradiated with UV while being shaked. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for sterilizing and safely inactivating medical devices contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms safely, reliably, and quickly.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As prior art methods, manual disinfection, automatic cleaning machine disinfection, gas sterilization and disinfection and sterilization methods such as electrolytic acid water, low temperature plasma, peracetic acid, etc. are adopted.

[0003]

The manual disinfection method is a sterilization cleaning method in which blood, tissue pieces, etc. are rubbed off with a brush, but blood (fat, protein) is an adhesive stain that does not dissolve in water. Therefore, brushing results in filling dirt, expanding the contaminated surface, and increasing the adhesion strength. In addition, there is a risk that the brushing operation may cause contamination and a risk of cross infection such as hepatitis virus.

Even in the case of the automatic washing machine disinfection method, manual washing is always required after the examination using the endoscope. In particular, when brushing in the channel is insufficient, there is a problem that a reliable disinfection effect cannot be obtained.

In the case of gas sterilization, it takes a long time and is not a general disinfection / sterilization method, but the sterilization effect is high. When performing gas sterilization, there is a problem that a sufficient sterilization effect cannot be obtained if water remains in the channel.

Electrolyzed acidic water is water obtained by electrolyzing tap water to which a trace amount of sodium chloride is added, has almost no side effects on the human body, is inexpensive, and has been adopted in many fields in recent years. However, there is a problem that the approval of medical products as a disinfectant has not been obtained because its action is not fully understood.

Unlike low-temperature solids, liquids, and gases, low-temperature plasma is a highly active substance containing a large amount of ions and electrons, and plasma contains a large amount of free radicals. It is believed that this action can kill microorganisms. However, there are problems that cannot be applied to cellulosic products and liquids.

Although the bactericidal activity of peracetic acid is known, it has not been adopted because it has a safety problem. In recent years, it has been reviewed as a new disinfectant due to technological progress. It is thought that the strong oxidative power of peracetic acid can destroy the cell membrane and the enzymatic mechanism of the cell to kill bacteria, but since it is corrosive, there is a problem that the durability of the object to be sterilized must be confirmed. To do.

Although various methods have been tried as described above, there are still many problems to be solved at the present time, and a complete disinfection / sterilization method has not been established yet. Medical facilities are also making efforts such as implementing cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization in accordance with the Japanese Society of Gastroenterological Endoscopy (GL cleaning method), but the processing time is long and the disinfectant is harmful. , The increase in equipment, the increase in personnel, the increase in costs, etc. have occurred due to the implementation of the GL cleaning method.

The present invention requires too much labor and cost, and there is a concern about nosocomial infection due to insufficient sterilization and cleaning. It is an object of the present invention to provide a means for safely and quickly inactivating pathogenic microorganisms adhering to medical devices and contributing to prevent nosocomial infections of medical staff and patients.

[0011]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a composite solution composed of a mixture containing photocatalytic titanium oxide, nitric acid and alcohol together with pathogenic microorganisms attached to a medical device. Dip and irradiate with UV while shaking.

[0012]

Function: Generally, a sterilization method in which photocatalytic titanium oxide is irradiated with UV to be activated. Sterilization method using strong acid such as nitric acid.
Sterilization method by alcohol. Sterilization method by UV irradiation.
Sterilization methods by etc. are known. However, as shown by the examples according to the present invention, the invention of the means makes it possible to inactivate pathogenic microorganisms which were originally impossible in a short time. Incidentally, an effective means of sterilizing and cleaning in a shorter time is to use an alcohol solution or a cleaning agent, and after thoroughly washing off dirt, blood, and mucous membrane tissue adhered to the medical device by brushing, A method employing the means of the present invention is preferred.

The photocatalytic titanium oxide has a light wavelength of 380 n.
Irradiation with near-ultraviolet rays of m or less (some of which may be visible light) creates two carriers, electrons and holes. Utilizing the fact that the oxidizing power of holes is stronger than the reducing power of excited electrons, which is also characteristic of photocatalytic titanium oxide, and H ₂ O on the catalyst surface is utilized.
The holes act on the base to generate hydroxy radicals. This hydroxy radical has a very strong oxidizing power compared to chlorine and ozone, which are widely used for disinfecting water,
Carbon-carbon bonds in molecules that make up organic matter (83 kcal / mo
l), carbon-hydrogen bond (99kcal / mol), carbon-nitrogen bond (73kcal / mol), carbon-oxygen bond (84kcal / mol), oxygen-hydrogen bond (111kcal / mol), nitrogen-hydrogen bond (93kcal)
/ mol), and the energy of hydroxy radicals is much larger at 120 kcal / mol, so these bonds can be easily cleaved and decomposed. It has been confirmed that this action can also decompose toxins such as endotoxin produced in bacterial infections. Furthermore, by adding a transition metal such as Pt, Ag or Cu, it is possible to improve the redox function and enhance the sterilization power.

Means for immersing a medical device to which pathogenic microorganisms are attached in a composite solution composed of a photocatalytic titanium oxide and a mixture containing nitric acid and alcohol is preferable. The alcohol recommended here is Preferably, ethanol 50
It is an aqueous solution containing ˜95 v / v%, more preferably 65-85 v / v%. However, isopropanol and phenol may be used.

A method of immersing a medical device to which pathogenic microorganisms are adhered in a composite solution composed of a mixture containing photocatalytic titanium oxide and nitric acid and alcohol, and vibrating is preferred. As means, an ultrasonic vibration method, a magnetic stirrer vibration method, an air-lation vibration method using a compressor, and the like are considered.

A medical device to which pathogenic microorganisms are attached is dipped in a composite solution composed of a photocatalytic titanium oxide and a mixture containing nitric acid and alcohol, and is irradiated with UV while being vibrated by the method described above. Preferably. Recently, a photocatalytic titanium oxide that is effective even with light that does not necessarily contain ultraviolet rays has been developed.

The step of immersing the medical device to which the pathogenic microorganism is attached in a composite solution composed of a mixture containing photocatalytic titanium oxide, nitric acid and alcohol, and immersing the medical device in the composite solution and shaking. And a step of irradiating the medical device with the composite solution and irradiating with UV while vibrating.

As a step of the medical equipment sterilization cleaning device, a step of immersing the medical equipment to which pathogenic microorganisms are attached in a composite solution composed of a mixture containing photocatalytic titanium oxide, nitric acid and alcohol, When the step of immersing the device in the composite solution and shaking, the step of irradiating the medical device in the composite solution and irradiating with UV while vibrating, next
The step of rinsing and washing the remaining deposit containing the composite solution of the medical device, the step of rinsing and washing the residual deposit containing the composite solution of the medical device to dry the complex solution of the medical device. A method of incorporating a step of drying the wet portion of the remaining adhered substance containing it by rinsing and washing and then storing it hygienically is desired. The liquid used for rinsing and washing may be clean water, sterile water, or sterile purified water.

In the medical device sterilizing and washing apparatus, the pathological microorganism is a composite solution composed of a mixture containing photocatalytic titanium oxide, nitric acid, and alcohol, and is provided with a storage section and is constantly irradiated with UV. It is preferable to keep it
Further, a means for circulating and using a purifying device such as a filter is desired in the flow circuit of the composite solution.

The immersion time of the medical device to which the pathogenic microorganisms are attached in the composite solution composed of the mixture containing photocatalytic titanium oxide and nitric acid and alcohol may be 1 second or more and 1 hour or less. .

Pathogenic microorganisms are roughly 1 μm, and tubercle bacilli, which are spore-forming bacteria, are relatively large at 1 to 4 μm. For pathogenic microorganisms and viruses, for example, endoscope scope tubes are used. Even if the photocatalytic titanium oxide used in the present invention has a particle size of 7 n even if it penetrates and lurks in cracks, channel operating parts, or other recesses of the article to be sterilized.
m, which is extremely fine and has excellent dispersibility, allows all pathogenic microorganisms and viruses, including spores, to invade any place, and even if they are hidden, they can be contact sterilized and washed.

[0022]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The present invention is different from the method of coating (forming thin film coating) of photocatalytic titanium oxide, which has been widely adopted in the past, to fix the photocatalytic titanium oxide to a target medical device. That is, I found a feature in the means to utilize it without any problems. As a general method, the photocatalytic titanium oxide is applied to the surface of the base material (endoscope or accessory) (coating), and the surface is photoexcited to contact the photocatalytic titanium oxide on the surface. It is known that organic substances containing pathogenic bacteria can be decomposed and removed, and has been put to practical use in various fields. However, all (?) Methods fix (bond) photocatalytic titanium oxide to the surface of the substrate.
Then, as long as possible, a means to maintain its effectiveness is used. Furthermore, in the conventional method, a photocatalytic titanium oxide is applied (co-coated) to all or part of the medical device.
There is also a patent application by means of decomposing harmful substances that are brought into contact with the portion by photoexcitation. On the other hand, the photocatalytic titanium oxide, nitric acid and alcohol are photoexcited and activated in a composite solution, and the medical solution in which pathogenic microorganisms are adhered is immersed in the composite solution so that it can be hidden anywhere. There is no precedent for any means for inactivating the pathogenic microorganisms that come into contact with it by photocatalytic reaction of photocatalytic titanium oxide that is photoexcited, and it is a completely new and original idea.

The reason for paying attention to the complete sterilization of medical devices is that the medical device used by a subject is given to the next subject while the "iatrogenic infection" caused by the used medical device is becoming a social problem. This is because I was keenly aware of the duty, right, and responsibility to provide clean, completely sterilized products to prevent secondary infection before use. The infection routes and sources of nosocomial infections have been diversified and diversified, but at least they can make a significant contribution to the prevention of infection sources by medical devices, and the risk of cross-infection is reduced, thereby performing safety work for nurses, etc. And to contribute to society by preventing secondary infections.

Recently, in the medical field such as the AIDS (HIV) problem, epidemics of infectious diseases caused by bacteria and viruses have been regarded as problems. Not long ago, it was said that infectious diseases were already obsolete, as tuberculosis had fallen sharply and WHO had declared the eradication of smallpox. However, Ebola virus and enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157 have become major social problems. Also, MR
There is also the problem of nosocomial infection, such as SA, which causes almost no effect on healthy people but causes infections in sick people and elderly people who have once become less resistant, and that antibiotics do not work and in the worst case cause death. Still not resolved. Therefore, in the medical field, there is great interest in how to get rid of bacteria and viruses.
Due to the nature of bacteria and viruses, they are not there in large numbers from the beginning, but they are transferred from somewhere in some way, and when they are found to be in a suitable environment in which to multiply, they multiply in a rat. The photocatalyst is not suitable for decomposing a large amount of substances at once, but it has been found to be very effective for such a small amount that gradually increases at first. . There are many types of antibacterial agents, disinfectants, and sterilizers that have been used so far, but the main difference is that antibacterial agents such as Ag can kill bacteria. However, while the carcass remains, the photocatalytic titanium oxide not only kills bacteria, but also has the property of decomposing the carcass.

[0025]

The present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the following examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. Example 1. Test purpose: Escherichia coli inactivation effect test reagent-Composite solution composed of a mixture containing photocatalytic titanium oxide, nitric acid, and alcohol (CLEARX # 001.
General Research Institute) was used as a reagent. Escherichia coli ATCC 8739: Preparation of Escherichia coli ATCC 8739: SCD broth medium at 35 ℃, 2
The cells were cultured for 4 hours and suspended in sterilized phosphate buffer to give a bacterial solution. (Bacterial solution: about 10 ⁶ cfu / ml) Operation ・ Coating a glass tube (diameter 8 mm, height 10 mm) with 0.1% aspartate, immersing in bacterial solution for 15 minutes, and drying on sterile filter paper for 30 minutes and carrier And Reagents (100
ml) and irradiated with black light with stirring, and operated for 1 minute and 5 minutes. After the operation, the carrier was taken out, washed with 10 ml of sterilized purified water seven times, placed in 10 ml of a normal broth medium and cultured at 35 ° C. for 48 hours, and the presence or absence of bacterial growth was observed. As a control, a contaminated carrier was washed with 10 ml of sterilized purified water seven times and put in a normal broth medium and cultured. However, the test was repeated 10 times. Test result Number of 10 bacteria developed Number of times Action time (min) 1 minute → 0 5 minutes → 0 Control → 10

Example 2. Test purpose: MRSA inactivation effect test reagent ・ Composite solution composed of a mixture containing photocatalytic titanium oxide, nitric acid and alcohol (Clriax # 001.
General Research Institute) was used as a reagent. Test bacterium / MRSA (Staphyiococcus aureus MRSA human isolate) Preparation of bacterium solution / Test bacterium in SCD broth medium at 35 ℃, 2
The cells were cultured for 4 hours and suspended in sterilized phosphate buffer to give a bacterial solution. (Bacterial solution: about 10 ⁶ cfu / ml) Operation ・ Coating a glass tube (diameter 8 mm, height 10 mm) with 0.1% aspartate, immersing in bacterial solution for 15 minutes, and drying on sterile filter paper for 30 minutes and carrier And Reagents (100
ml) and irradiated with black light with stirring, and operated for 1 minute and 5 minutes. After the operation, the carrier was taken out, washed with 10 ml of sterilized purified water seven times, placed in 10 ml of a normal broth medium and cultured at 35 ° C. for 48 hours, and the presence or absence of bacterial growth was observed. As a control, a contaminated carrier was washed with 10 ml of sterilized purified water seven times and put in a normal broth medium and cultured. However, the test was repeated 10 times. Test result Number of 10 bacteria developed Number of times Action time (min) 1 minute → 0 5 minutes → 0 Control → 10

Example 3. Test purpose: Pseudomonas aeruginosa inactivating effect test reagent ・ Composite solution composed of a mixture containing photocatalytic titanium oxide, nitric acid and alcohol (Clriax # 001.
General Research Institute) was used as a reagent. Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 902
7) Prepare the bacterial solution and test bacteria in SCD broth medium at 35 ℃ for 2
The cells were cultured for 4 hours and suspended in sterilized phosphate buffer to give a bacterial solution. (Bacterial solution: about 10 ⁶ cfu / ml) Operation ・ Coating a glass tube (diameter 8 mm, height 10 mm) with 0.1% aspartate, immersing in bacterial solution for 15 minutes, and drying on sterile filter paper for 30 minutes and carrier And Reagents (100
ml) and irradiated with black light with stirring, and operated for 1 minute and 5 minutes. After the operation, the carrier was taken out, washed with 10 ml of sterilized purified water seven times, placed in 10 ml of a normal broth medium and cultured at 35 ° C. for 48 hours, and the presence or absence of bacterial growth was observed. As a control, a contaminated carrier was washed with 10 ml of sterilized purified water seven times and put in a normal broth medium and cultured. However, the test was repeated 10 times. Test result Number of 10 bacteria developed Number of times Action time (min) 1 minute → 0 5 minutes → 0 Control → 10

Example 4. Test purpose: Inactivation effect test reagent for Candida bacteria-Composite solution composed of a mixture containing photocatalytic titanium oxide and nitric acid and alcohol (Clriax # 001.
General Research Institute) was used as a reagent. Sample bacteria ・ Candida aibicans ATCC 10231 Preparation of bacterial solution ・ Sample bacteria in SCD broth medium at 35 ℃, 2
The cells were cultured for 4 hours and suspended in sterilized phosphate buffer to give a bacterial solution. (Bacterial solution: about 10 ⁶ cfu / ml) Operation ・ Coating a glass tube (diameter 8 mm, height 10 mm) with 0.1% aspartate, immersing in bacterial solution for 15 minutes, and drying on sterile filter paper for 30 minutes and carrier And Reagents (100
ml) and irradiated with black light with stirring, and operated for 1 minute and 5 minutes. After the operation, the carrier was taken out, washed with 10 ml of sterilized purified water seven times, placed in 10 ml of a normal broth medium and cultured at 35 ° C. for 48 hours, and the presence or absence of bacterial growth was observed. As a control, a contaminated carrier was washed with 10 ml of sterilized purified water seven times and put in a normal broth medium and cultured. However, the test was repeated 10 times. Test result Number of 10 bacteria developed Number of times Action time (min) 1 minute → 0 5 minutes → 0 Control → 10

[0029]

Since the present invention is constructed as described above, it has the following effects.

Glutaraldehyde preparations, which are widely used in Japan, have a strong protein denaturing effect and cause coloring and dermatitis when attached to the skin. Further, steam causes mucous membrane irritation to the eyes and nose. Titanium oxide, which is the main ingredient of this method, must be used for toothpaste, cosmetics,
It is a safe substance that has been certified as a food additive that is harmless to humans and animals, such as white pigment, and has the effect that medical personnel can work with peace of mind.

The photocatalyst is effective for all pathogenic microorganisms including spore bacteria, and as a method of blocking the infection source, the disinfection and sterilization time is much shorter than that of glutaraldehyde preparation, electrolytic acid water, chlorine dioxide water, peracetic acid, etc. It is very short and stable in quality, so it can be adopted at a low price and with peace of mind.

The particle size of the photocatalytic titanium oxide used in the present invention is nanometer size, which is extremely fine as compared with bacteria, and bacteria act as cracks or channels in the tube of an endoscope scope. Even if it invades and lurks in a part, it is possible to completely sterilize it by immersing it in all parts and contacting it.

In the conventional disinfectant / sterilizer, when the bacteria are killed, the carcass remains, but the photocatalytic titanium oxide used in the present invention has an effect of decomposing the carcass.

The cleaning liquid and the composite solution are effective in saving cost and resources by the circulation cycle system of use → recovery → purification → reuse.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example in which pathogenic microorganisms attached to a medical device are inactivated.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 medical equipment 2 pathogenic microorganisms 3 Photocatalytic titanium oxide 4 UV irradiation 5 UV lamp 6 UV lamp light source

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Hideyo Yamaguchi             359 Otsuka, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo Teikyo University Medical Fungus             Research Center (72) Inventor Junichi Kobayashi             2200 Toyozawa, Fukuroi City, Shizuoka Prefecture 2 Shizuoka Science and Technology             University Institute of Technology (72) Inventor Motofumi Tokita             9 finite, 7-9 Hondori, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture             Corporate Research Institute (72) Inventor Satoshi Shinogaya             9 finite, 7-9 Hondori, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture             Corporate Research Institute (72) Inventor Izumi Tazuru             9 finite, 7-9 Hondori, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture             Corporate Research Institute (72) Inventor Kei Akaishi             1 Akashi, 6-6 Imiya-cho, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture             Ardy Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Akio Maeda             3-9-5 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Stocks             Company SJ F-term (reference) 4C058 AA12 AA13 AA14 AA15 AA16                       AA17 BB02 BB06 BB07 BB09                       CC02 CC06 CC07 JJ06 JJ07                       JJ08 KK02

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A medical device to which pathogenic microorganisms are attached,
A member and means for inactivating pathogenic microorganisms in 1 minute, which is characterized by being immersed in a composite solution composed of a photocatalytic titanium oxide, and a mixture containing nitric acid and alcohol. 2. A medical device to which pathogenic microorganisms are attached,
The member and means for inactivating the pathogenic microorganisms according to claim 1, wherein the member and means are soaked in the composite solution and shaken. 3. A medical device to which pathogenic microorganisms are attached,
The member and means for inactivating pathogenic microorganisms according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the member and means are soaked in the composite solution and irradiated with UV while vibrating. 4. A step of immersing a medical device to which pathogenic microorganisms are attached in a composite solution composed of a mixture containing photocatalytic titanium oxide, nitric acid and alcohol, wherein the medical device to which pathogenic microorganisms are attached is said. A step of immersing in a composite solution and shaking,
A member and means for inactivating pathogenic microorganisms in 1 minute, and a step of immersing a medical device to which pathogenic microorganisms adhere in the composite solution and irradiating with UV while vibrating. Sterile cleaning method. 5. A step of rinsing and washing residual deposits containing the composite solution of a medical device after completion of the step according to claim 4, a portion of the residual deposits of the medical device containing the complex solution being rinsed and washed. In a minute, and a step of storing residual deposits containing the composite solution of the medical device by rinsing and washing to dry the wet part and then storing the pathogenic microorganisms in 1 minute. Inactive member and means, and method for sterilizing and cleaning medical equipment.