sterilants

Sterilants are chemical agents used to achieve sterilization by destroying all forms of microbial life, including spores, when applied in validated procedures. They are employed to sterilize heat- or moisture-sensitive medical instruments, laboratory equipment, and some pharmaceuticals, where traditional steam sterilization is unsuitable.

Common chemical sterilants include ethylene oxide gas, vaporized or liquid hydrogen peroxide-based systems (including hydrogen peroxide plasma), and peracetic acid-based solutions or vapors. Other agents such as chlorine dioxide are used in niche applications. Many of these agents require controlled environmental conditions and validated cycles to ensure sterilization rather than disinfection.

Performance depends on the agent, exposure time, temperature, humidity, and the design and material of the device. After treatment, some residuals may need aeration or rinsing to remove toxic residues. Regulatory and standards frameworks govern validated sterilization cycles and equipment validation, performance verification, and monitoring.

Compared with traditional steam sterilization, chemical sterilants enable processing of heat- and moisture-sensitive items but introduce safety and material compatibility considerations. They are chosen when low-temperature, material-compatible, or complex-device sterilization is required, with the trade-off of toxic gases, residues, and longer cycle times depending on the method.