Abstract: The invention relates to a stable disinfectant composition and the use of said composition for spraying hatching eggs prior to in ovo vaccination, for disinfecting vaccination equipment including vaccination needles, and for flushing vaccination equipment post vaccination cycles.

Abstract: There are provided methods of treating edible matter comprising applying a composition comprising performic acid to the edible matter or a substrate therefor. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: In an example implementation, a reagent storage system for a microfluidic device includes a microfluidic chamber formed in a microfluidic device. A blister pack to store a reagent includes an electrically conductive membrane barrier adjacent to the chamber. A thinned region is formed in the membrane barrier, and a conductive trace is to supply electric current to heat and melt the thinned region. Melting the thinned region is to cause the membrane barrier to open and release the reagent into the chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed are to a plasma enhancement member, and a plasma supplying apparatus and a medical instrument including the same. The plasma enhancement member includes a coupling part coupled to an apparatus for generating plasma, an enhancement material accommodating part configured to accommodate an enhancement material for enhancing an operation of the plasma, and a plasma discharge part configured to discharge the plasma including the enhancement material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of sterilizing an article by sequentially exposing the article under vacuum first to a gaseous conditioning agent for forming radicals and then to a sterilant. The preferred conditioning agent is hydrogen peroxide and the preferred sterilant is ozone. The chamber is initially evacuated to a first vacuum pressure and then sealed for the remainder of the sterilization process and during all sterilant injection cycles, without removal of any component of the sterilization atmosphere, which means without any measures to reduce the water vapor content. Keeping the chamber sealed and maintaining the conditioning agent and the radicals generated thereby in the chamber for the sterilization with sterilant results in a synergistic increase in the sterilization efficiency and allows for the use of much lower sterilant amounts and sterilization cycle times than would be expected from using the conditioning agent and the sterilant in combination.

Abstract: A system for charging an onboard battery of a medical device prior to use of the medical device may include a package configured to accommodate the medical device therein. A power source may be disposed relative to the package and may be capable of charging the onboard battery of the medical device prior to use of the medical device. The system may be capable of being subjected to a sterilization process with the power source disposed within the second cavity. In some instances, the power source is uncharged during sterilization. In some cases, the power source is encapsulated or otherwise sealed during sterilization.

Abstract: An electrolytic additive including a compound represented by Formula 1: wherein, in Formula 1, R1 and R2 are each independently hydrogen or a substituted or unsubstituted C1-C20 aliphatic hydrocarbon group, and at least one of R1 and R2 is a substituted or unsubstituted C2-C20 alkyl group, and R3 to R6 are each independently hydrogen, a substituted or unsubstituted C1-C20 alkyl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted C5-C20 cycloalkyl group.

Abstract: A fill assembly sterilization method and system for a blow/fill/seal machine utilizes a closed loop circulation of sterilant containing gas. A typical sterilant is nitrogen dioxide in humidified air. The closed loop includes a shroud that defines a plenum and encloses the fill system. Optionally, at least one high efficiency particulate absorption (HEPA) filter is provided in the closed loop. Sterility assurance level of 10?6 can be achieved by subjecting the fill system to the sterilizing gas for at least 20 minutes at a temperature in the range of about 18° C. to about 30° C. Preferred sterilant gas is humidified air containing about 10 to about 20 milligrams of nitrogen dioxide per liter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of extending the measurement range during the determination of the concentration of a dissolved substance (2), where the solution of the dissolved substance (2) is metered by means of a micrometering device (3, 4, 5) to a specified amount of precharged reagent (1) into a measuring cell (11) until the coloration which forms as a result of the reaction of the dissolved substance with the reagent, ascertained photometrically, achieves a predetermined extinction value X, whereupon the amount of consumed dissolved substance (2) is ascertained at the micrometering device (3, 4, 5) and the concentration is calculated on the basis of this, where the volume of (2) is much smaller than of (1).

Abstract: There are provided methods of treating edible matter comprising applying a composition comprising performic acid to the edible matter or a substrate therefor. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a compact ion generator. A control substrate (30) and an ion generating section (41) are provided concentrically around a motor (31) without overlapping each other, which motor (31) is configured to cause a fan (33) to rotate. The fan (33) is configured to send, more outwards than a radial direction, air sucked in from a side of a first direction which is along a rotational axis direction. A fan cover (50) has (i) a first air flow path (52) configured to guide, in the radial direction, the air sent by the fan (33) and (ii) a second air flow path (53) configured to cause the air, which has been guided by the first air flow path (52) to flow in the radial direction, to be sent towards the side of the first direction. The ion generating section (41) constitutes a part of a wall of the first air flow path (52).

Abstract: Compositions and methods of utilizing the same are provided for treating bacterial infections. The compositions comprise acidified nitrite in combination with an iron chelator and an antibiotic. The compositions of the present invention are effective at treating bacterial infections with minimal to no side effects. Surprisingly, the combination of these three agents has a synergistic effect, which advantageously permits a lower dose of one or more of the active agents (e.g., the antibiotic).

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for carrying out on-board diagnostics of a plurality of components of an exhaust heat exchange system. In one example, degradation of one or more of a heat exchanger and a coolant system fluidically coupled to the heat exchanger may be detected based on a first temperature estimated upstream of the heat exchanger, a second temperature sensor estimated downstream of the heat exchanger, a coolant temperature, and a pressure estimated upstream of the heat exchanger. Also, degradation of a diverter valve of the heat exchange system may be detected based on inputs of a position sensor coupled to the diverter valve.

Abstract: The sensitivity and/or selectivity of a chemoresistor type gas sensor is enhanced by measuring the response of the sensing material to a gas sample while the sensing material is subjected to illumination using specially-tailored pulses of ultraviolet radiation. For a given target gas to be detected there is an optimal duration of the UV pulses to achieve peak sensitivity of the sensing material.

Abstract: A composition including at least one strong oxidant, a color indicating system, and one or more thickening agents is provided. A method of using the composition on an aqueous basis includes detecting any contaminants on a surface with organic substances by visual control after superficially applying the composition to the surface. The composition is not flowable for a predefined period after the superficial application due to the effect of the thickening agent. The one or more thickening agents are stable in the composition during the predefined period, and are selected from synthetic sheet silicates, pyrogenic silicic acid, fatty alkyl (benzene) sulfates, sulfonates, carboxylates, phosphates and aminoxides and mixtures thereof. A color change in the composition applied to the surface during the predefined period indicates that organic contaminants are present on a portion of the surface.

Abstract: Material and methods are disclosed involving the generation and containment of solutions incorporating reactive precursors and reactive treatment agents. Formulations of these materials can be applied widely as disinfectants, odor control agents, decontamination and fumigation agents, liquid, gas, and air treatment materials, respiratory agents, food and beverage processing agents, neutralization agents, and in many industrial, residential, medical and military surface treatment operations.

Abstract: Aspects of the present subject matter are directed to a method comprising contacting an fluid, optionally containing an added organic material, with a non-thermal plasma to form a disinfection composition, wherein the disinfection composition is a liquid, and contacting a surface with the disinfection composition, wherein the surface is at least partially disinfected upon contact with the disinfection composition. Additional aspects of the present subject matter are directed to a method comprising forming a disinfection composition by contacting an organic material with a non-thermal plasma, wherein the disinfection composition is a liquid. A further aspect of the present subject matter is directed to a disinfection composition comprising an organic material contacted by a non-thermal plasma, wherein the disinfection composition is a liquid.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a sterilizer, an oral cavity sterilizer, a sterilization method, a sterilization apparatus, and a sterilizer evaluation method capable of enhancing a sterilization effect. The sterilizer including hydrogen peroxide and a catalase activity inhibitor containing scutellaria or green tea is brought into contact with a sterilization target. Next, the sterilization target is irradiated with light having a wavelength of 350 nm to 500 nm using a light emitting device formed of a semiconductor laser. By the light irradiation, the hydrogen peroxide is photolyzed to generate hydroxy radicals, and sterilization is achieved by the thus-generated hydroxy radicals.

Abstract: A sterilization method and sterilization processing apparatus having a high sterilization effect and capable of shortening a sterilization time are provided. An electrolysis apparatus 2 electrolyzes water in a reservoir 1 and generates strongly acidic electrolytic water in an anode chamber 11 and generates strongly alkaline electrolytic water in a cathode chamber 12. A first wash container 3 is provided with a drain having an on-off valve and retains the strongly alkaline electrolytic water in the cathode chamber 12. A second wash container 4 is hermetically sealable, provided with a drain having an on-off valve and retains the strongly acidic electrolytic water of the anode chamber 11. A gas jetting apparatus 5 has a collector pipe 51 communicating with the inside of the second wash container 4 and causes air or a chlorine gas collected from the inside of the second wash container 4 through the collector pipe 51 to jet in the strongly acidic electrolytic water inside the second wash container 4.

Abstract: A decontamination system (2) suitable for cleaning and disinfecting a medical instrument (26) such as an endoscope, the system comprising: (I) a plurality of pre-clean wipes for wiping an instrument to be decontaminated each pre-clean wipe comprising a moist fabric member in its own sealed container (4); (II) a two-part disinfectant system comprising: (a) a first part comprising a first reagent in a carrier medium; and (b) a second part which is miscible with the first part and which comprises a second reagent in a carrier medium; wherein the first reagent and the second reagent will react when mixed to provide a disinfecting composition; the first part being contained in a dispenser (6) whereby it will be dispensed as a fluid when the dispenser is actuated, and the second part being absorbed or impregnated in a plurality of disinfecting wipes (30) each of which comprises a fabric member (30) in its own sealed container (8); and (III) a plurality of rinse wipes, each rinse wipe comprising a moist, sterile, fa

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a mixture for producing chlorine dioxide gas provided in an enclosure comprising an impregnate comprising a chlorine dioxide precursor impregnated in a porous carrier and a proton-generating species, wherein the impregnate and proton-generating species are intermixed to produce a stable mixture and the mixture is provided in an enclosure. The present disclosure also relates to methods for producing chlorine dioxide gas.

Abstract: A device and system is disclosed for sterilizing objects, commonly dental, medical, or veterinary instruments, by directing high velocity hot air into a container having pre-constructed plenums to direct, diffuse, and re-circulate the sterilizing agent uniformly throughout the chamber to effect sterilization of contained medical objects. More specifically, the invention employs high velocity hot dry air as the sterilizing agent, generating the heat and rapid airflow by means of a base unit. The high velocity heated air is forced into the medical instrument container where a removable air supply/return plenum directs the heated, rapidly flowing air uniformly throughout the container. During the sterilization process heated air temperature is maintained in the container by a continual re-circulating of exhaust air back to the base unit for re-heating and return to the container.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a dispensing system and a sanitizing system. The apparatus has a dispensing mode and sanitizing mode. The dispensing system may comprise a first valve and at least one component, the at least one component comprising an inner surface. The first valve has an open position to send a free-flowing material to the at least one component when the apparatus is in the dispensing mode, in a closed position when the combination is in the sanitizing mode. The sanitizing system comprises a processing unit, having an electrochemical cell configured to produce an anolyte solution and a catholyte solution. The sanitizing system comprises a second valve having an open position to send the anolyte solution and the catholyte solution to the at least one component when the apparatus is in the sanitizing mode. The second valve has a closed position when the apparatus is in the dispensing mode.

Abstract: A liquid mixture that forms a film on a surface which inhibits the life functions of bacteria. In particular the film may include copper or silver, or a combination thereof, to provide an environment hostile to bacteria and other infectious organisms.

Abstract: An ultraviolet treatment method is provided for a metal oxide electrode. A metal oxide electrode is exposed to an ultraviolet (UV) light source in a humid environment. The metal oxide electrode is then treated with a moiety having at least one anchor group, where the anchor group is a chemical group capable of promoting communication between the moiety and the metal oxide electrode. As a result, the moiety is bound to the metal oxide electrode. In one aspect the metal oxide electrode is treated with a photoactive moiety. Exposing the metal oxide electrode to the UV light source in the humid environment induces surface defects in the metal oxide electrode in the form of oxygen vacancies. In response to the humidity, atmospheric water competes favorably with oxygen for dissociative adsorption on the metal oxide electrode surface, and hydroxylation of the metal oxide electrode surface is induced.

Abstract: A bactericidal water generating system and a method of bactericidal washing which can enhance the bactericidal capacity and washing effect of acidic electrolyzed water. An electrolyzer electrolyzes a chloride-containing aqueous electrolyte solution to generate acidic electrolyzed water, the aqueous electrolyte being pre-adjusted to pH 3 to 5 with a pH adjuster. An acidic water container is connected to the electrolyzer, and stores the acidic electrolyzed water generated by the electrolyzer. A gaseous chlorine circulator collects gaseous chlorine generated from the acidic electrolyzed water in the acidic water container, and the gaseous chlorine collected is supplied to the acidic electrolyzed water in the acidic water container by bubbling. A transition metal supply unit is provided so that a transition metal-containing solution can be supplied to the inside of the acidic water container.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for cleaning and disinfecting contact lenses. In various respects, the invention is directed to an insulated system that reduces heat loss from catalyzed neutralization of a disinfecting solution resulting in an increased temperature of the disinfection solution during the disinfection process and neutralization of the disinfection solution. The increased temperature increases the kill rate (i.e., better reduction) of microorganisms present on the lenses, and increases the neutralization rate of the disinfection solution. Increase of the kill rate allows better reduction of microorganisms resistant to elimination using previous systems and methods, (e.g., Acanthamoeba cysts), and decreases the amount of time as compared to previous systems and methods necessary to reduce microorganisms to acceptable levels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for inducing apoptosis of disease cells and disease-causing micro-organisms using plasma for bio-medical use, the method comprising the steps of: generating plasma by means of a high-pressure plasma jet produced using a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) technique; plasma-processing by applying a solution with the plasma; exposing cells to the plasma-processed solution; and inactivating disease cells and disease-causing micro-organisms from among the exposed cells. According to the present invention, after applying plasma to a solution such as a buffer solution or water, targets to be processed such as micro-organisms or animal or plant cells are exposed thereto, and thus the present invention can be used in both bio and medical fields, and has the benefit of effectively inducing apoptosis of disease cells and disease-causing micro-organisms with low power due to indirect processing.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for hand washing and disinfection by nebulization of an in-situ electrolyzed active solution. The dispensed solution contains active chlorine optionally added with ozone or peroxides.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an electrochemical softening apparatus that is relatively convenient and inexpensive and a washing machine including the same. The softening apparatus regenerates a zeolite compound that has been used to perform ion exchange using hydrogen ions (H+) generated using an electrochemical method such that the zeolite compound is repeatedly used. Hydrogen ions (H+) generated during a re-softening process are used to remove contaminants due to microorganisms and a scale component. The softening apparatus includes a regeneration unit to generate regeneration water containing hydrogen ions (H+) and a softening unit, including an Ion exchange material regenerated by the regeneration water, to convert raw water containing a hardness component into soft water containing hydrogen ions (H+).

Abstract: A water filter-pitcher includes a water pitcher with at least two chambers separated by at least one filter, and an ozone generator to generate ozone for sanitizing at least internal surfaces of said two chambers.

Abstract: A method for disinfecting a room includes generating a fog from an enclosure having first and second air inlets and an air dispersion outlet including a fan configured to draw air into the enclosure through first and second air inlets and to force air out of the enclosure. A filter assembly is disposed relative to the second air inlet such that air that flows between the exterior and interior of the enclosure through the second air inlet passes through the filter assembly. The method further includes actuating an air intake assembly, activating the fan, actuating the air intake control assembly, and deactivating the fan.

Abstract: By focusing on the fact that nitrogen dioxide exhibits an increased sterilizing effect among other sterilant gases including nitrogen oxide, the present invention is made to provide a sterilization method which may be suitably used for sterilizing items to be sterilized such as medical instruments which require increased reliability by using a high concentration NO2 gas of 5,000 ppm or above, for example. An inside of a sterilizing chamber containing an item to be sterilized is humidified, and a concentration of NO2 in the sterilizing chamber is made to be from 9 to 100 mg/L by filling a high concentration NO2 gas.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use of a sterilization agent comprising H2O2 or a derivative thereof, capable of generating H2O2 as the sterilising component under sterilization conditions, for enhancing the hemocompatibility of objects.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing a material, said method comprising the steps of: (a) introducing a solution comprising peroxyacetic acid into a hot gaseous stream to produce a peroxyacetic acid vapor; and (b) contacting such peroxyacetic acid vapor with the material to be sterilized.

Abstract: Systems and methods for plasma sterilization are described. The sterilization method includes placing a substance to be sterilized in a rotating chamber (e.g., drum) and exposing the substance to a radio frequency (RF) plasma. The mixing of the substance and plasma is further promoted by generating a magnetic field that produces a force on the substance in a direction opposite to the rotational direction of the chamber. In other aspects, the chamber may have a gas permeable wall. In addition, the substance may be exposed to acoustic shock waves produced by a modulating RF generator.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing a material, said method comprising the steps of: a) providing a sterilizing composition comprising (i) peracetic acid and (ii) a stabilizer selected from the group consisting of citric acid, isocitric acid, aconitic acid and propane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid; b) introducing such sterilizing composition into a hot gaseous stream to produce a peracetic acid vapor; and c) contacting such peracetic acid vapor with the material to be sterilized. The use of such an organic acid stabilizer results in an unexpected reduction in the amount of residue deposited on the heating surface employed to vaporize the sterilizing composition.

Abstract: Aspects of the present subject matter are directed to a method comprising contacting an fluid, optionally containing an added organic material, with a non-thermal plasma to form a disinfection composition, wherein the disinfection composition is a liquid, and contacting a surface with the disinfection composition, wherein the surface is at least partially disinfected upon contact with the disinfection composition. Additional aspects of the present subject matter are directed to a method comprising forming a disinfection composition by contacting an organic material with a non-thermal plasma, wherein the disinfection composition is a liquid. A further aspect of the present subject matter is directed to a disinfection composition comprising an organic material contacted by a non-thermal plasma, wherein the disinfection composition is a liquid.

Abstract: A mobile disinfection unit for use in a method of disinfecting a given facility or equipment such as a room, apparatus, container or vehicle. The unit includes a catalytic converter device for decomposing ozone, a VOC filter for removing bacterial viruses and other contaminants and an electrostatic filter for removing molecules, particles, droplets, smoke and dust. The method includes a treatment step for adding ozone and steam/water droplets into the air of the facility or equipment, a detection step of continuously detecting the ozone concentration in the facility or equipment, and a removal step arranged for removing residual ozone and any contaminates from the facility or equipment when a predefined ozone concentration has been reached and maintained for a specific time interval.

Abstract: A method for generating a non-thermal plasma having predetermined ozone concentration includes: providing an at least approximately closed volume as a reaction region; activating a plasma source and generating a non-thermal plasma in the reaction region. The plasma is held in the reaction region at least until a predetermined ozone concentration is reached or the ozone concentration falls below a predetermined upper limit for the ozone concentration.

Abstract: An antimicrobial solution for disinfecting instruments in an automatic sterilization device, the solution comprising: a peracid reaction product formed in situ from combining a liquid acetyl donor with a solid source of peroxide, wherein the in situ reaction takes place in the sterilization device, along with a containment and delivery ampule for use in an automatic sterilization device, and methods for disinfecting a medical instrument employing the inventive antibacterial solution.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates generally to a system and method of generating at least one disinfecting gas within a package through a photochemical reaction. More particularly, the presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a system and method for controlled release of a generated gas from a polymeric film or lamination through selection of a suitable combination of lighting conditions.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a sterilizer, an oral cavity sterilizer, a sterilization method, a sterilization apparatus, and a sterilizer evaluation method capable of enhancing a sterilization effect. The sterilizer including hydrogen peroxide and a catalase activity inhibitor containing scutellaria or green tea is brought into contact with a sterilization target. Next, the sterilization target is irradiated with light having a wavelength of 350 nm to 500 nm using a light emitting device formed of a semiconductor laser. By the light irradiation, the hydrogen peroxide is photolyzed to generate hydroxy radicals, and sterilization is achieved by the thus-generated hydroxy radicals.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to efficiently sterilize microorganisms present in or on a surface of a liquid. Plasma is generated in a vicinity of or in a manner to make contact with a liquid whose pH value is adjusted to become 4.8 or lower, more preferably 4.5 or lower. The plasma is generated in an atmospheric gas containing nitrogen, e.g., in the air. Superoxide anion radicals (O2?.) that are generated by the plasma react with protons (H+) in the liquid to form hydroperoxy radicals (HOO.). Further, nitrogen and oxygen included in the air are combined together by the action of plasma to form nitrogen oxide such as nitric oxide (NO.). The nitric oxide (NO.) combines with the hydroperoxy radicals (HOO.) to become peroxynitrite (ONOOH(ONOO?)) having a high microbiocidal activity.

Abstract: Exemplary methods for killing or deactivating bacteria are provided herein. One exemplary method includes providing a plasma system and a filter below the plasma system. Energizing the plasma generator to create indirect plasma downstream of the filter and activating a fluid with the indirect plasma and applying the activated fluid to bacteria is shown to deactivate and kill bacteria.

Abstract: Disclosed is a plasma sterilization apparatus including a chamber including a sterilization target, a vaporizer heating air, a vacuum unit discharging moisture and cold air from the chamber to the outside, an air supply unit injecting heated air into the chamber, and a control unit controlling the air supply unit to inject air heated by the vaporizer into the chamber, controlling the vacuum unit to discharge air to the outside until an internal pressure of the chamber becomes a firstly set pressure, and controlling the air supply unit to inject heated air into the chamber until the internal pressure of the chamber becomes a secondly set pressure.

Abstract: A portable gas transfer device for sterilization at a sterilization site includes: a housing; a pressurized gas canister held by the housing; a first passageway in fluid communication with the pressurized gas canister and configured to supply pressurized pre-sterilization gas from the pressurized gas canister to the site; a gas discharge canister held by the housing; and a second passageway in fluid communication with the gas discharge canister and configured to supply post-sterilization gas from the site to the gas discharge canister. Additional related devices, systems and methods are provided.

Abstract: A system, device and method for sterilizing or decontaminating an object that by exposing the object to a sterilant gas comprised of one or more oxides of nitrogen, such as NO, NO2, NO3, N2O3, N2O4, N2O5, N2O and mixtures thereof. The source of the sterilant gas can be generated from a sterilant gas-generating composition or provided by a source of the sterilant gas.

Abstract: Apparatus for concentrating a nebulant comprising a nebulant flow conduit and a counter-flow conduit, or preferably, a plurality of alternating nebulant flow conduits and corresponding counter-flow conduits eg in layered or coaxial arrangement. and wherein at least a portion of the nebulant flow conduit and said counter-flow conduits define respective opposed sides of a gas permeable membrane. In use a nebuliser is in communication with the nebulant flow conduit and the nebulant flow and counter-flow are in the same or opposite directions and act to concentrate the amount of active in a droplet eg from 35 wt % to 60 wt % hydrogen peroxide in water to disinfect and/or sterilize an article.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for reducing the growth of microbial contamination, such as bacteria, virus, mold and biofilms, in an air-handling unit. The apparatus includes a mounting member configured to couple with a housing of an air-handling unit and a turbine coupled with the mounting member and configured to produce energy when positioned in an air flow path through the air-handling unit. The apparatus also includes an electrode assembly including an anode configured to be placed in a condensate pan and receive energy from the turbine. The anode produces agents that reduce the growth of microbial contamination when energized.