Evaluation and optimization of the process parameters that affect the inativation of microorganisms in supercritical ambients applied to the sterilization of biomedical implants

• Grant number: 09/02677-2
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Duration: October 01, 2009 - September 30, 2012
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Industrial Operations and Equipment for Chemical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Theo Guenter Kieckbusch
• Grantee: Theo Guenter Kieckbusch
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia Química (FEQ). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The existing methods used for the inactivation of microorganisms that contaminate solid surfaces, like thermal treatment with autoclaves, exposure to ethylene oxide, gamma or UV radiations are efficient but can induce damages to the materials like the degradation of thermal sensitive components, nutrients denaturation or changes in physical, biochemical or optical characteristics. The use of supercritical CO2 (CO2-SC) in the sterilization of vegetative forms of microorganisms has already produced convincing results, but its effectiveness in the decontamination of spores is still to be established. This research intend to evaluate the inactivation potential of combined process variables like temperature, pressure, additives and co-solvents, type of solid support, depressurizing rates, and pressure cycles by monitoring their effects on three different microorganisms. The main objective is the optimization of a CO2-SC process in order to be able to operate at moderate temperatures and pressures. This study will consider: (i) if the spores are fully inactivated or only inhibited (by counting the viable spores after storage at 4ºC for weeks), (ii) the advent of cortex ruptures, internal structure alterations of the spores and leaching of vital components, (iii) the inactivation kinetics. This study can contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in the spore inactivation by CO2-SC and define operational conditions that allow the use of CO2-SC as a sterilizing agent, mainly for materials that need less aggressive treatments, like biomedical implants and devices. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

DA SILVA, MARIANA ALTENHOFEN; DE ARAUJO, AMANDA PITON; FERREIRA, JULIANA DE SOUZA; KIECKBUSCH, THEO GUENTER. Inactivation of Bacillus subtilis and Geobacillus stearothermophilus inoculated over metal surfaces using supercritical CO2 process and nisin. JOURNAL OF SUPERCRITICAL FLUIDS, v. 109, p. 87-94, MAR 2016. (09/15849-6, 09/02677-2)