(325e) Utilizing Compressed Carbon Dioxide for Cold Sterilization and Cleaning of Medical Plastics

Liquid and supercritical carbon dioxide have demonstrated potential for processing biomedical materials and devices, to achieve goals as diverse as sterilization and formation of pharmaceutical nanopowders. Of particular focus for this presentation are applications of compressed CO₂ for medical plastics (e.g. PTFE, nylon, and polypropylene). Devices such as stents, catheters, endoscopes, and gastroscopes are manufactured with such plastics, which require extensive decontamination prior to clinical application. Current clinical practices are usually adequate, but occasionally adverse outcomes arise when clinical procedures are inadequate, or are improperly implemented. Because of its flexible physico-chemical properties and favorable range of operating temperatures, compressed CO₂ may provide clinical advantages in medical cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization. Recent laboratory results will be reviewed, and current challenges in the material and device industry will be highlighted, with a view toward identifying high-priority application areas in the field.