WO2020141359A1

WO2020141359A1 - Super-fast sterilizer device for medical equipment with advanced oxidation process (aop) technology

Info

Publication number: WO2020141359A1
Application number: PCT/IB2019/051106
Authority: WO
Inventors: Majid MOHAMMADI KHOSHBAKHT
Original assignee: Mohammadi Khoshbakht Majid
Priority date: 2019-02-12
Filing date: 2019-02-12
Publication date: 2020-07-09

Abstract

Low temperature sterile device using safe sterilizing and oxidizing materials and using various technologies for the production of free radicals and ions, such as hydroxyl, and increasing the number and synergy of their kinetic energy, using advanced oxidation techniques, plasma, ozonation and ultrasonic cavitation without limitation of the use of sterile instruments on the device. In order to avoid loss of temperature of the chamber and increase its resistance, the liquid polymer is sprayed into the outer wall, which, after drying, forms a solid insulating layer. Tiny bubbles produced by the ultrasound generator apply mechanical shock to the wall of microorganisms. The strong pulsed electric field of plasma electrodes induces an electric charge on the bacterial cell and destroys it.

Description

Super-fast Sterilizer Device for Medical Equipment with Advanced Oxidation Process (AOP) Technology

Technical field of the device is related to medicine discipline and is sub-category of medical equipment.

According to the searches conducted at the Central Bank for Intellectual Property and International Registration of Patent, the description of the past inventions is as follows:

Ultrasonic sterilizer device for medical equipment- Registration number: 83424

Traditional and costly methods are usually used for washing parts, each of which, in turn, has a lot of problems. Through designing this device, many of these problems can be solved with lower costs. The function of this device is that the input energy is taken from the city's electricity and its frequency is converted to 35 kHz with an electronic circuit and the frequency enters an ultrasonic transducer that the design and construction of the transducer is also undertook by us. The transducer converts the input frequency into ultrasonic frequency and transmits it directly to the washing liquid. Then the desired part, from the industrial and medical parts to the types of clothes and dishes, is placed in the liquid, which is the water. Then, through the ultrasonic wave that enters the solution, there is a high stress and pressure between the molecules of solution and also a temperature of up to 5500 ° C is created that this pressure and temperature will make cleaning and sterilizing in the best manner. It should be noted that the temperature and pressure do not cause any damage to the parts and also, this high temperature and pressure will be only among the molecules, and the liquid temperature will not change, except for a slight change to a few degrees and eventually up to 50 to 70 ° C.

Sterilizer device and disinfecting of medical and dental equipment in plasma environment using hydrogen ion- Registration number: 85120

Today, the use of ultraviolet (UV) radiation is used for the disinfection, pasteurization and sterilization of the weather and is considered as one of the safest and closest methods to nature. The use of ozone gas as a strong oxidant and an agent for the chemical treatment of air and the elimination of unpleasant smells has also recently been considered and, despite misconceptions, is gradually being accepted and its application is being widely used. Devices using ultraviolet radiation are the cheapest, simplest, yet most efficient, disinfecting devices, and can destroy microbes, viruses, fungi, and so on as much as 99.99%. Ultraviolet radiation in Iran is used only in hospitals in an incomplete manner for the operation rooms. In this project, plasma capacitors have been used in series to generate electromagnetic flux. High voltage electric power with a voltage of 600 volts is provided by inductive capacitor circuits to capacitor probe and generates electromagnetic arc. The ambient air is blown by the air pump into the capacitor channel, and after leaving the flux, it becomes a negative hydrogen ion. The magnetic field generated by the circuits produces a negative charge from hydrogen or plasma environment. Then, microwave waves are emitted into the environment by magnetron light bulbs. This strong electromagnetic field generates a hot plasma environment and disinfects the tools to 100%.

Ozone sterilizing apparatus- United States Patent: 4309388

Sterilizing apparatus contains a chamber that the central sterilization chamber is located on the top, bottom and sides of it and opens the area of the inlet and adjacent area to the outside of the chamber at the opposite end. A continuous conveyor belt carries containers that is horizontally sterilized through the inlet chamber, sterilization and outlet chamber. The space of the sterilization chamber is divided by the separating walls into an upper chamber that the bottom of it is opened, so that the bottom chamber, immediately above the path that opens, passes through the containers which passes through the bottom chamber of the space of the sterilization chamber. The ultraviolet lamps producing the ozone are generated in the upper part, and an air blower between the lower and upper parts, through opening the upper part into the lower chamber to the ozone, is generated to transfer in the upper part towards the openings of the moving in the chamber. The acceleration of the ozone decomposition with ultraviolet lamps is located in the spaces of the entrance and exit areas to eliminate the rate of ozone decomposition in the air through the spaces of the entrance and exit areas of the environment.

A system to neutralize pathogens of air or chemical pesticides has been revealed. The system has a flow reaction chamber with an air chamber inlet at the end of the first reaction chamber to enter polluted air to pathogens and an air chamber outlet at the second end of the reaction chamber for the release of air that does not contaminate and defines the intersection between the air inlet and the air outlet. The next system consists of a single channel hydrogen peroxide supplier to indicate the water hydrogen peroxide to the reaction chamber and an ultraviolet light source to indicate the UV light in the reaction chamber.

Hydroxyl free radical-induced decontamination of airborne spores, viruses and bacteria in a dynamic system- United States Patent 20060104858

A method and apparatus to neutralize airborne pathogens and chemical pesticides in air conditioning and heating systems and air conditioning are discovered. The system of neutralizing pathogen chemicals against a wide range of pathogens and toxins is used commercially available compounds and can be easily used in HVAC commercial systems, if a large amount of air-conditioned air in real-time is integrated without any chemical reaction. The system has a shifting reaction that contains a UV light source that emits intense light flashes from ultraviolet rays, a hydrogen peroxide source that can be a hydrogen peroxide reservoir or generator and is a selectively an ozone source. The interaction of UV light and hydrogen peroxide leads to the formation of hydroxyl radicals, which destroy the pathogens and chemical pesticides that pass through the reaction in real time. Pathogens that can be neutralized by the system include bacteria, viruses, spores, fungi and parasites.

Electro-kinetic device with enhanced anti-microorganism capability- United States Patent 6544485

It is the invention of an ionizing electro-kinetic device with a baffle mechanism and a germicidal lamp placed inside the device, so that the baffle mechanism prevents the UV light from being seen by humans. In one situation, germicidal lamps inside a chamber are partially arranged with a row of first and second electrodes that are axially located at one end of the lamp. In an alternative method, the rows of the first and second electrodes are axially located at each end of the lamp. In different parts, the inlet and outlet valves on each end of the chamber exhibit the electric current of the air movement without the permission of light rays. The combination of rows of electrodes includes angular pin and high angle electrodes, including pin electrodes made from an arc or cone guided materials ring, and symmetric arrays of electrodes formed as a single component. Electrodes in a row are preferably symmetrically arranged with each other in the direction of air flow. The effectiveness of germicidal lamp in the destruction of bacteria, viruses, germs, etc. in the air flow appears to be proportional to the duration of the airflow under the rays of the lamp. Thus, the axis of the invention involves the longitudinal axis of the germicidal lamp parallel to the longitudinal axis of the electro-kinetic device. If desired, moisture-containing materials such as Porex may include increased moisture in the air-conditioned vents. In one of the portable components, which include the kinetic electric current generated by ions and ozone at the outlet, the particles are reduced at the outlet of the airflow by reducing or eliminating the microorganisms resulting from ultraviolet radiation produced by a Micro Silica type light bulb inside the device. In another object, kinetic electrical components can be replaced by a small battery fan to generate a device where the air is substantially produced in relation to microorganisms. A Porex component can also be included so that the user can increase the amount of moisture in the air outlet.

Ultraviolet area sterilizer and method of area sterilization using ultraviolet radiation- United States Patent 6911177

The Ultraviolet Area Sterilizer (UVAS) is portable or stationary. The UVAS is in a chamber is placed like an operating room or an intensive care unit. Motion detection ensures that the personnel are removed in sterile manner. As a result, UV-C generators, such as mercury lamps, enclose UV-C from different places within the room or other space. The multiple UV-C sensors scan the room and determine the area that reflects the lowest UV-C surface to the sensors. The device reflects the time required to obtain a germicidal UV-C amount to the sensor. Once an effective bactericidal dose is reflected to all sensors, it informs the operator and leaves the device. Sterilizer and sterilization procedure is performed using ultraviolet radiation.

ANTIVIRAL COMPOSITIONS- United States Patent Application 20150196032

The invention relates to new antiviral compositions that are bonded to solid and macro surfaces in a quantum form. In another project, the invention relates to novel antiviral compositions, including polymer materials, and an antiviral composition is embedded in its compound. In other designs, the invention relates to the creation of an antiviral surface and the production of an antiviral of polymer materials.

According to the findings in the past, as given above, and according to other patents including US20070231202, US20050244297, US5413759A, US6528011161B1, US2189279A, etc., there are some differences and advantages that have the following disadvantages:

1) Use of toxic substances for sterilization that are very harmful to humans and the environment.

2) Use of hot steam that its high temperature damages sensitive and expensive tools and equipment.

3) Use of safe methods that have little power and depth of penetration.

4) Use of inefficient materials and technologies that prolong the time of the sterilization process.

The following measures are considered in the device for eliminating the above disadvantages:

The non-toxic and safe sterilizing materials are used for sterilization. In order to increase its power, substances are added to it, which will enhance their effect on bacteria and viruses. Furthermore, in order to increase the effect of these materials and accelerate the process of sterilization, their kinetic energy and oxidizing potential are multiplied by other technologies, which ultimately lead to the process of sterilizing with a high power and depth of penetration without remaining toxic substances in the least possible time.

The device is used for sterilization of medical and surgical instruments and equipment in the shortest time and at low temperature and humidity, including steel sterile chamber, UV light inside the sterile chamber and inside the ozone generator chamber, ultrasound generator, element (heat generator), temperature sensor, pressure sensor, screen, control center, vacuum pump, sewage outlet, plasma chamber, high-voltage electrode of plasma generator, sterilizing solution reservoir, high-voltage direct current power supply with high capacitance capacitors, AC power supply of solenoid valve, oxygen inlet and oxygen to ozone converter. Several sterilizing factors that have a synergistic and extensor effect on each other, cause the severe reduction in time of sterilization process. After discharge of the chamber air, active hydrogen peroxide and ozone gas are entered to it and produce hydroxyl and free radicals under the influence of UV radiation and the plasma state created inside the chamber that causes the oxidation of protein and bacterial lipids and causes rapid death of them. At the same time with the process, generating ultrasound crystals create bubbles in the vapor inside the chamber, and mechanical and thermal shocks to the cell wall of the bacteria and its disintegration by producing ultrasonic waves. In addition, plasma electrodes, by creating a varying electric field, cause the movement of charged ions inside the bacteria and its disintegration.

Sterilizing or disinfection is a process that destroys microorganisms and their transmission agents, including fungi, bacteria, spores of bacteria and viruses from the surface of the things. Depending on the type of equipment, sterilizing process requires sterilization, including dry heat methods (hot air oven), moist heat methods (autoclave) and chemical heat methods, radioactive (gamma ray) and filtration. Disinfection or sterilization means completely free of bacteria or fungi or viruses or other pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms (in the case of inanimate objects). The aim of sterilizing is to prevent transmission of infection.

The definition of sterilization in medicine is different from the environment and food. The SAL factor shows the assurance level of sterility. In medical science, SAL.10 ^ -6 means if there is a living microorganism from 1000000 particles contained in sterile packets, it is considered sterile. This number is higher in food and environment.

In the case of transmission of infection from surgical instruments or the hospital environment and surgery room, which is very common, the patient's body has an overall infection that delayed the repair of surgical wounds for a long time, requiring the take of high-dose antibiotics with a wide range that imposes a high risk and cost to the patient and the country, which in some cases leads to the death of the patient.

One of the most important problems in hospitals and operating rooms is the rapid and timely sterilization of hospital equipment and tools that various methods and technologies are currently using. Variety of methods with different prices and usage time and various advantages and disadvantages are used for this purpose.

1) Heat method by devices such as autoclave and oven is used in this method to influence the heat (above 121 ° C) and water vapor pressure to kill microorganisms. Autoclave is one of the most commonly used equipment required in the majority of medical centers, which is used in high capacities for sterilization of normal and insensitive hospital equipment.

2) Chemical method by disinfectants such as hydrogen peroxide and formaldehyde and ethylene oxide gas and ozone gas. Ethylene oxide has a very high permeability, so that it can easily sterilize the porous materials. It is suitable for sterilizing instruments that are sensitive to moisture (metal devices) as well as temperature-sensitive devices such as medical catheters, and hydrogen peroxide is less harmful to humans and the environment than ethylene oxide and does not leave toxic and dangerous substances after sterilization.

Ozone gas is also used to treat water and, in some cases, sterile medical devices. To prepare ozone consumed, ozone gas capsule or ozone generator device is used that converts oxygen to ozone by UV rays.

3) Irradiation method by gamma radiation, X-ray and ultraviolet radiation.

Gamma is an electromagnetic radiation with high frequency and therefore with high energy, which has a lot of penetration. Due to having many dangers for humans, it is usually used in sterile process on an industrial scale.

The production and use of UV radiation is simpler than other methods of radiation, and is economically cheaper and the depth of penetration and its absorption rate also change by changing the wavelength of UV light. UV radiation with a wavelength of 180 nm to produce ozone and UV with a wavelength of 254 nm to sterilize surfaces and treat sewage are used.

In using the above methods, there are the following issues and problems:

1) Although the steam autoclave is widely used in medical centers, it cannot be used due to the use of high-pressure and high-temperature steam for surgical and medical instruments that are most sensitive to temperature and moisture and are very expensive. Meanwhile, sterilization time in large autoclaves is very long.

The disadvantages of this method require that low-temperature sterilization devices be placed next to the autoclave devices, where the heat-sensitive instruments be sterilized.

2) Hot air oven device that uses high heat for sterilization is applied in very small scale for small and low-volume instruments. In addition, overheating and spending a lot of energy are also major limitations for this method.

3) Chemical methods such as formaldehyde and ethylene oxide are highly toxic and carcinogenic. Removing the remaining gas from the sterilization process is a major dilemma and the sterilized instruments by these methods are not immediately applicable and should be exposed to air, so that the toxic gas to be completely separated from them, because the substances are also carcinogenic at very low doses.

The toxicity of ethylene oxide gas causes an increase in the incidence of cancer among staff in the sterilized department and the timing of this method leads to an increase in the cost of purchasing medical equipment.

4) Hydrogen peroxide, which is commonly used with plasma technology, is a safe and immune way that its intensity and depth of penetration are not too high and the sterilization time is between 50 and 120 minutes and the capacity of the devices working with the technology is low. The device is also very sensitive to the presence of water and cellulose particles within the chamber.

This restriction increases the frequency of using the device and increases the purchase of surgical instruments and rises the health care costs.

5) Gamma irradiation is an expensive method that the risk of working with it is very high and is not usually used for medical purposes. A radioactive source such as cesium 137 is used in the method that there is a need to a lot of heavy lead plates to protect against radiation, and obtaining permission from government authorities to use it is required.

The restrictions of this method have led to limiting its use in certain industrial centers.

6) UV irradiation method is a relatively inexpensive and simple approach, and is used for clear and transparent devices, although its intensity and depth of penetration are low and the life span of UV lights is limited, and it is best used in combination with other methods.

The weaknesses of this approach have caused UV, along with sterilizing chemicals, to be used for sterilizing surfaces and operating room.

7) Sterilization via ozone gas: Ozone gas is commonly used to disinfect water in the pool and to treat water and sewage, as because smelling the gas in large quantities is harmful to human health. By oxidation of the cell wall of microorganisms, the gas would destroy them.

The sterilization power of this gas is not so much.

Disadvantages of existing methods are as follows:

1) Use of toxic substances for sterilizing that are harmful to humans and the environment.

2) Use of hot steam that its high temperature damages sensitive and expensive tools and devices.

3) Use of safe methods that have little power and depth of penetration.

The best method for sterilizing at low temperature without using toxic gases is currently the use of plasma sterilization device, and cool and dry sterilizer systems sterilize the equipment with a temperature of about 50-55 ° C in a completely dry condition. Hydrogen peroxide vapor is used as a sterilizer fluid. Hydrogen peroxide, with its strong oxidizing properties, destroys microorganisms through the destruction of cell DNA. In the molecule of hydrogen peroxide, there is one oxygen atom more than the water molecule, and therefore acts as a strong oxidant. As you know, plasma is the fourth state of matter (solid, liquid, gas, plasma), and in fact, it is a state that gas is highly ionized and the number of free electrons is almost equal to the number of its positive ions. By applying energy to any gas, so it can be converted to plasma. In fact, the hydrogen peroxide vapor contained in the device is the main cause of sterilization and the destruction of microorganisms, and the main application of the plasma cloud in the systems is the removal of the hydrogen peroxide vapor residuals used during the sterile process. So, in general, the mechanism of function of the plasma sterilizer is to carry out sterile action with hydrogen peroxide gas, or the hydrogen peroxide vapor, and eventually removing the gas by the plasma cloud. Although the free radicals in their plasma state also have a sterilization effect, this effect is less important than hydrogen peroxide vapor in the sterilization process. Due to the evaporation of ultraviolet rays from the plasma phase, which has the sterilization effect, plasma availability is also useful in this respect.

Components of the device are as follows:

steel sterile chamber, UV light inside the sterile chamber and inside the ozone generator chamber, ultrasound generator, element (heat generator), temperature sensor, pressure sensor, screen, control center, vacuum pump, sewage outlet, plasma chamber, high-voltage electrode of plasma generator, sterilizing solution reservoir, high-voltage direct current power supply with high capacitance capacitors, AC power supply of solenoid valve, oxygen inlet and oxygen to ozone converter.

All sterile reactions and sterilizing agents, as well as surgical instruments that should be sterilized, are inside a metal chamber. In fact, the main chamber is the heart of the device, and it is necessary to be completely tight and closed so that it does not pierce when the inside is vacuumed and the air does not enter it. For this purpose, a thick stainless steel sheet is used. The shape of the chamber can be a cylinder or a cube. The chamber is tightly connected by a number of legs to the chassis and body of the device.

To accelerate the evacuation of air inside the chamber at the time of the start of the sterilization process in an emergency, and as soon as possible to achieve the near-vacuum pressure, a large capsule with a thick and solid wall between the vacuum pump and the chamber is predicted. When the pump is idle and it is unused, the solenoid valve is closed after the capsule and separates it from the chamber. Then the pump will work and empty air inside the capsule and vacuum inside it. After that, the solenoid valve between the chamber and the capsule is closed. At the time of the start of the sterilization process, as soon as the vacuum pump starts, the capsule enters the circuit and discharges part of the air into the chamber, and pump discharges the rest of the air. Thus, less time is spent to drain the chamber air.

In the sterile chamber, after closing and starting the process, and before the engine is switched on, the vacuum pump should be locked that the lock can be either mechanical or magnetic. The lock can be opened after the end of the sterile stages and after reaching the pressure inside the chamber to the pressure level of the atmosphere, and a thick glass can be placed on it to see the contents of the chamber.

The temperature inside the chamber has a great impact on the amount of producing active particles and better performing of sterile process. Of course, it is necessary that the temperature of the chamber does not exceed 65 ° C to prevent the damage to the sensitive surgical equipment placed for sterilizing inside the chamber. To heat the chamber, we use an element plates that are attached to the outer surface of the chamber. To keep the heat produced, as well as to prevent leakage of the chamber, liquid polymer is sprayed to the outer wall of the chamber. The temperature inside the chamber is received by the thermocouple and the elements are automatically turned on and turned off (Figure 3), and the temperature is maintained at about 60 degrees. The temperature can rise up to 65 degrees, and above which will damage the equipment inside the chamber. The air temperature inside the chamber is usually about 5 degrees below the element temperature, and it takes a few minutes, while the element is turned on, to transfer the heat from it to the chamber air. Also, due to the closure of the chamber space and the insulation coating around the chamber, at least 10 minutes is required for lowering the temperature of the chamber. This difference in time and temperature between the chamber and the element, during the planning on connection and disconnection of the elements, should be considered.

The main sterilizer agent of hydrogen peroxide is with a concentration of 40% that some performic acid and peracetic acid at a concentration of 1.5% are added to it to increase oxidizing power. The compound has less corrosion rate than pure hydrogen peroxide. So, it has higher safety. This solution produces active hydroxyl particles and free radicals of oxygen and hydrogen, which has highly oxidizing properties. The oxidizing properties and the hydroxyl content of the new compound are much higher than that of pure hydrogen peroxide (Figure 9). Because of low pressure close to a vacuum chamber, the sterile liquid in the chamber turns into gas. In addition, the remainder of this chemical process is harmless materials such as water vapor and carbon dioxide. To increase the more impact of sterile liquid, we add a very small amount of hydrophobic surfactant to the solution, which increases the absorbance of the solution by the bacterial cell wall composed of lipid compositions. The temperature of 55 to 60 degrees has a positive effect on the amount of production of hydroxyl (how the process is depicted in Figure 1). The process of effect of hydrogen peroxide in the presence of ultraviolet radiation is much stronger under the influence of the advanced oxidation and photolysis process. Photolysis is a process in which photons are absorbed by compounds, and released energy is used to further oxidation and reduction (redox) processes. UV radiation is part of an electromagnetic radiation whose wavelength range is 144-440 nm and one of the main characteristics of UV radiation is that the photons associated with the wavelengths of this radiation have enough energy to create an excited electronic state in most atoms or molecules. The excited state is usually unstable and can lead to further chemical reactions in low-energy state recovery of released energy. The use of ultraviolet radiation along with a suitable oxidant, such as H2O2, is an appropriate method for removing organic contaminants resistant to biological degradation. The photon absorption by the H2O2 molecule splits it into two hydroxyl radicals. Through absorbing hydrogen, these radicals can attack organic molecules and, under appropriate operating conditions, can produce final products of water and carbon dioxide and inorganic oxides.

Sterile solution is maintained in a pressurized and even cool container to prevent solution decomposition. A specific amount of about 10 ml of solution is drained in each cycle by a small pump from the reservoir and pumped to the chamber. In order to move the solution faster, the elements in the carrier pipe wall are intended to reach the liquid to boiling temperature and evaporate. The steam is then sprayed into the chamber. Another sterilizing material that is used in the system is ozone gas. Ozone is a very strong oxidant with an oxidation-reduction potential of 2.07 volts. Significant oxidizing power and the presence of oxygen molecules as a byproduct has become ozone the best choice for oxidation and disinfection. To supply ozone gas consumed, the device is connected to the oxygen gas network of the hospital. The oxygen is then exposed to UV radiation with a wavelength of 180 nm and ozone is produced by the breakdown of the oxygen molecule. Ozone gas participates in the oxidation process.

Chemical formulas of the process are as follows :

Decomposition at the end of the sterilization process.

This method of production and use of ozone is used in water treatment and other industries. The inside of the chamber is converted to ozone due to the presence of ultraviolet radiation and also the plasma state, while still a number of oxygen molecule remain. Ozone disrupts the bacteria metabolism and prevents its enzyme activity. Ozone breaks down walls of the bacteria with a sufficient concentration and causes it to kill. Ozone attacks viruses through the penetration of protein coating into the nucleus, causing damage to the RNA. Ozone with higher concentrations causes damage to the outer protein layer of the virus and its oxidation. DNA or RNA structure of the microorganism is also influenced.

To increase the oxidizing power of hydrogen peroxide and increase the strength and number of active ions, a cold plasma generator is used. Hydrogen peroxide gas can be passed through plasma in two ways; the plasma unit can be placed before the chamber in the first mode, and the electrodes can be placed in the chamber and the entire chamber can be put in plasma state in the second mode. In the first case, two plasma electrodes can be placed in about one centimeter of each other in parallel into a small chamber with only two input and output channels. In this method, hydrogen peroxide passes through two metal electrodes, which a potential difference of 20000 volts is applied to it, before entering the sterile chamber. In the second case, two large electrodes, one of which is on the cap and the other is opposite of it at the bottom on the wall of the chamber, are placed. In the second case, the entire chamber is placed in plasma state during the process, and plasma has a greater and longer impact than the first case that its lethal effect on bacteria is much more. In fact, only hydrogen peroxide passes through the plasma in the first case, but the whole bacteria are exposed to plasma in the second case, in addition to applying the plasma on solution. The voltage applied to the two ends of the electrodes is alternating between 20 and 25 thousand volts, which is a pulsed voltage and high-energy pulses with a length of 10 to 100 microseconds is applied to the electrode by high-capacity capacitors. In this case, in addition to creating a plasma state, ultraviolet radiation is produced between two electrodes, and the electric field with high potential difference causes the induction of field to the microorganism cell particles and the placement of positive and negative charges based on the field. And with the rapid change of the field direction, cell particles also change immediately that this change in polarity and direction leads to the destruction of proteins and lipids, and, on the other hand, a sudden change in the cell shape. As a result, simultaneous with the events listed, the bacterial cells undergo structural destruction and death. On the other hand, hydrogen peroxide converted into gas, after passing through the two electrodes, becomes the fourth state of matter, i.e., the plasma; And the product of this process is the high-energy and oxidizing particles of hydroxyl and free radicals, which, with a severe collision with the cell wall, cause severe oxidation of the cell wall and its contents, resulting in cell splitting.

To increase the safety and prevent the discharge of electrical energy of the electrodes, it is essential that the plasma electrodes are covered with dielectric materials such as glass powder, Teflon or ceramic and other materials. Also, further increase of the electrode surface will help to increase the electric field intensity and further impact on more bacteria over more time. To increase the electrode surface, other electrodes can be attached to upper and lower parts of the chamber.

Another factor used to increase the power of the sterilizers is UV radiation with a wavelength of 250 to 280 nm inside the chamber. A pulsed xenon lamp is used to increase the energy of UV radiation, which requires a few capacitors to feed its input voltage, so that the capacitors are charged several times per second, and, by discharged them, high-energy UV light is generated many times per second. At this stage, UV has two sterilizing and stimulating roles. UV radiation with a wavelength of 254 nm has a destructive effect on bacteria and somewhat eliminates them. On the other hand, by impacting on hydrogen peroxide and ozone molecules, it helps to produce hydroxyl particles and free radicals. The effect of ultraviolet radiation on the hydroxyl production process is synergistic and multiplying. The process is known as the Advance Oxidation Process (AOP) (Figure 8), which is used in large-scale water and wastewater treatment advanced systems that a lot of research has been conducted on its effectiveness and efficiency and many articles have been published.

In order to increase the number of hydroxyl particles inside the chamber, all internal surfaces of the chamber and shelves and other components are covered, if possible, with white in color, the main substance of which is titanium dioxide. Titanium dioxide, as a catalyst and photocatalyst, is an active substance that causes the doubled production of hydroxyl in the presence of ultraviolet light. The term "photocatalyst" originally means accelerating a photon reaction by the catalyst. More precisely, the catalyst will accelerate the photon reaction in its excited or normal conditions through interaction with reactants or primary products.

Another technology used to increase the destruction and death of microorganisms is Thermal Ultrasound Cavitations. In this method, we bring the temperature of the chamber to 60 to 65 degrees Celsius and simultaneously produce ultrasound waves with a frequency of 25 to 100 kHz into the chamber by piezoelectric crystals that are generating ultrasonic waves. These waves produce very tiny bubbles (Figure 9) in the steam inside the chamber, which gradually become larger and suddenly burst in the vicinity of the bacteria, following two effects: first, applying a severe mechanical energy shock to the cell wall and its sudden rupture; second, the bursting of these bubbles, with the change in the energy level of the hydrogen peroxide and the water vapor contained in the chamber, creates high-energy ions that strengthen the oxidation process. It should be noted that the temperature mentioned in this process has an increasing effect and the temperature embedded inside the chamber is measured by sensor and, if necessary, is compensated by the electrical elements inside the chamber, and is always maintained between 65 and 60 degrees. In order to increase the efficiency of the device and the number of active particles, hydroxyl and free radicals, a small closed container is embedded next to the chamber, which is connected to the top and bottom of the plate by two thick pipes. A high-speed fan is placed within the chamber (Figure 4), creating a closed cycle with the main chamber that sucks the gas produced inside the main chamber from the bottom and inserts it into the top of the chamber with a high pressure. This causes more circulation of particles inside the chamber and their further contact with stimulating agents such as the UV lamp and plasma electrodes and the ultrasound generating unit, and increases their energy, as well as the increasing collision of these particles with microorganisms and their further loss.

The pressure inside the chamber plays an important role in sterilizing process, so that the air inside the chamber is evacuated by a vacuum pump before starting the process, and, after entering, sterilizing agents are in the form of gas. The pressure is maintained in the range of 25 to 30 kilopascals, and the pressure value is measured by the pressure sensor embedded inside the chamber and, if necessary, compensated by the pump. At the end of the sterilization process, all gases in the chamber are evacuated by the pump and entered into the sewage system by the drainage pipe, and it is emphasized that output materials are not toxic and carcinogenic. Before opening at the end of the process, it is necessary that the pressure of the chamber reaches the level of the atmospheric pressure, where the solenoid valve that is connected to the outside air opens. After passing through the HEPA filter that separates its microorganisms, air enters the chamber and its pressure reaches the level of the atmospheric pressure and cap can be opened and the surgical instruments that are inside the V-Pack paper for plasma are removed. Instruments packed are sterilized and can be used immediately.

The placement of these oxidizing and sterilizing agents together causes the multiplying and synergistic increase of the above factors and intensification of the advanced oxidation process and acceleration in the sterilization of medical equipment and tools inside the chamber. This contributes to the distinction and preference of the recent device over the past technologies.

Summary of the functions of different parts of the device (Figures 1 and 2): The surgical instrument packaged with V-Pack specific to plasma are placed inside the chamber and then cap of the chamber is closed. By pressing the start button on the touch screen, the device starts up and cap of the chamber is automatically locked. Elements around the chamber will turn on and hold the temperature of the chamber about 60 to 65. The UV lamp lights up inside the chamber. Plasma unit is activated. The solenoid valve related to vacuum capsule is opened and pulls the air inside the chamber into it. The vacuum pump is turned on and the remaining air inside the chamber is evacuated and reaches near zero. 10 ml sterile solution is sucked from the storage chamber and sprayed into the chamber after warming. The ultrasound generator is turned on and the ultrasound waves collide to the components inside the chamber. The oxygen enters the ozone production chamber, and the UV lamp in the ozone chamber lights up and then the ozone generated enters the chamber. At the time of the sterilization process, the fan on the side of the device is turned on, it rotates the air inside the device with high speed and increases the efficiency of the device in the shortest time. At the end of the sterilization process, all generators are turned off and the inlet valve of the chamber is opened and the air enters the chamber and the chamber pressure reaches the atmospheric pressure, and then the lock is unlocked and the cap of the chamber is opened, and the surgical instruments are removed from the device and used.

Technologies used in this device are as follows:

1- Advance Oxidation Process

2- Cold Plasma

3- Thermal Sono-cavitations

4- Photo Chemical Oxidation

5- Ultraviolet Sterilization

6-Ozonation Sterilization Process

1) Use of different new sterilizers to increase the power and depth of sterilization

2) Reducing the corrosive effect of the new sterilizer by adding new materials

3) Use of a safe and non-toxic solution without any threat to humans and the environment

4) Cheap and economical sterilizing materials

5) Use of modern technologies used in other industries with proven positive results.

6) Clever use of several new technologies in parallel to increase the synergistic and multiplying effect of different sterilizing agents.

7) Need to less surgical sets due to low time for sterilizing the instruments

8) Low temperature of the sterile chamber and preventing damage to the expensive instruments and equipment

9) High reduction of sterilizing time due to the use of several technologies with high efficiency

10) Automatic performing of all sterile steps without the operator intervention

11) Increasing the internal volume of the chamber in this method and the high capacity inside it

12) Ease of use by non-expert user

13) Automatic control and troubleshooting of all components and elements

14) Device required for all hospitals due to their high efficiency and wide range of application

15) The ability to sterilize all medical instruments and equipment without limitation

16) Reducing treatment costs in the health and medical sector

The drawings show embodiments of the disclosed subject matter for the purpose of illustrating the invention. However , it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities ahown in the drawings , wherein :

Fig.1

is Overview of the device according to embodiments of the discliosed subject matter .

Fig.2

illustrates a sole of the Fan or blower, according to an embodiment herein.

Fig.3

illustrates a Heater, according to an embodiment herein.

Fig.4

illustrates a sole of the Supplying machine power , according to an embodiment herein.

Fig.5

illustrates a sole of the Plasma Electrode, according to an embodiment herein.

Fig.6

is UV lamp , according to an embodiment herein.

Fig.7

illustrates a diagram of the various stages of the sterilization process, according to an embodiment herein

In the following detailed description, a reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which the specific embodiments that may be practiced is shown by way of illustration. The embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments and it is to be understood that the logical, mechanical and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the embodiments. The following detailed description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense.

FIG. 1 is Overview of the device according to embodiments of the discliosed subject matter . 1 Insulation body , 2 Plasma electrode , 3 Heater , 4 UV lamp , 5 Ultrasound , 6 Capsule ,7 Blower fan , 8 25-volt power supply , 9 Electromotor , 10 Pump , 11 Solenoid valve .

FIG. 4 is Containing : 12 Engine , 13 Pump .

It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims.

Examples

This device is used for sterilization of narrow and long vascular catheters. The device can be used in small capacities for clinics and physicians' offices and laboratories.

All medical and hospital centers can use this device for sterilization of all surgical and medical and hospital instruments and equipment made of temperature-sensitive plastic and various alloy metals, as well as electrical and electronic equipment such as digital endoscopes and the rest of the devices used in the hospital.

The device can be installed in all departments and units of hospitals and medical centers.

The device can be an alternative for the existing devices in hospitals.

Claims

A Super-fast sterilizer device for medical equipment with advanced oxidation process (AOP) technology, using safe sterilizing and oxidizing materials and using various technologies for the production of free radicals and ions, such as hydroxyl, causes sterilization of medical equipment. The device comprising : plasma electrode, UV lamp, ultrasound, heater, 25-volt power supply, blower fan, capsule, solenoid valve, pump, connecting pipe.
According to Claim No. 1, wherein the combination of hydrogen peroxide plus formic acid (performic acid) and acetic acid (peracetic acid) as well as ozone gas produced from oxygen are used for the sterilization.
According to claim No. 1, wherein the ozone gas decomposes and becomes safe by the oxidizing agents inside the chamber, such as UV radiation, with a wavelength of 260 nm before leaving the device.
According to claim No. 1, wherein UV lamp with a wavelengths of 260 nm has been used to apply advanced oxidation technology to enhance the energy of particles and produce even more hydroxyl ions.
According to claim No. 4, wherein to increase the amount of production of hydroxyl particles, the solution containing the titanium dioxide photocatalytic material dissolved in the air dry liquid resin is sprayed into the inner wall of the chamber.
According to claim No. 5, wherein side fan system is used to increase the energy of hydroxyl particles and their number, which rotates the contents of the air inside the chamber with high speed and increases the collision of these particles with plasma and UV.
According to claim No. 1, wherein a piezoelectric crystal generators have been used to apply Sono-cavitation technology and create microscopic bubbles that produce ultrasound waves with a frequency of 20 to 100 kHz.
According to claim No. 1,wherein to apply plasma technology to produce ions and free radicals, such as hydroxyl, hydrogen peroxide from the cold plasma generator is placed in a sterile container.
According to claim No. 1, wherein to increase the impact of plasma, plasma electrodes are placed inside the chamber and the entire chamber is affected by it.
According to claim No. 2, wherein to increase the adhesion of sterile materials to the wall of the bacterial cell, the hydrophobic surfactant substance is added to the sterile solution.
According to claim No. 2, wherein an ozone gas generator including a UV light bulb with a wavelength of 180 nm converts input oxygen to the device into ozone.
According to claim No. 2, wherein pulsed xenon UV lamps are used to increase the output energy intensity of the lamp.
According to claim No. 2, wherein a power supply with high-capacity capacitors is used to supply light energy of pulsed UV lamp.
According to claim No. 4, wherein tiny bubbles produced by the ultrasound generator have been used to apply mechanical shock into the wall of microorganisms.
According to claim No. 9, wherein the strong pulsed electric field of plasma electrodes causes the induction of electric charge on the bacterial cell and destroys it.
According to claims No. 2, 4, 11 and 14, wherein the application of the mentioned technologies and the effect of embedded systems will result in a multi-fold increasing the effect of sterilizing agents and synergy effects.