Low-temperature plasma sterilizer: Overview, principle and application

1. Basic introduction of low-temperature plasma sterilizer
Low-temperature plasma sterilizer is a device that uses plasma to sterilize items at a lower temperature. It is widely used in medical, pharmaceutical and laboratory fields. Unlike traditional high-temperature steam sterilizers, low-temperature plasma sterilizers operate at lower temperatures and are suitable for precision instruments and heat-sensitive materials that cannot withstand high temperatures. Its high efficiency, safety and environmental protection make it an important part of modern sterilization technology.

2. Working principle of low-temperature plasma sterilizer
The working principle of low-temperature plasma sterilizer can be divided into the following steps:

Pretreatment stage:

Before sterilization begins, the sterilizer will extract the air in the chamber through a vacuum pump to form a low-pressure environment. This can reduce the oxygen content in the air and provide conditions for subsequent plasma generation.
Plasma generation:

Hydrogen peroxide solution or other sterilizing agents are injected into the chamber in atomized form and excited into plasma by electromagnetic field in a low-pressure environment. Plasma is a high-energy substance containing a large number of active ingredients (such as free radicals, ions and electrons). Sterilization stage:

The active ingredients in the plasma can destroy the cell membranes, proteins and DNA of microorganisms, thereby killing bacteria, viruses, fungi and their spores. Throughout the process, the temperature is kept at a low level (usually between 45°C and 50°C) to ensure the safety of heat-sensitive materials.
Decomposition and removal:

After sterilization is completed, the plasma will automatically decompose into harmless water and oxygen and discharge it from the chamber through the exhaust system. This ensures that there are no chemical residues in the sterilized items.
Cooling and removal:

After the sterilization is completed, the chamber is allowed to cool to a safe temperature before opening the door to remove the sterilized items. The whole process is fast and efficient, without long waiting times.
3. Advantages of low-temperature plasma sterilizers
Low-temperature operation:

Low-temperature plasma sterilizers operate at lower temperatures and are suitable for sterilizing heat-sensitive materials and precision instruments. Compared with high-temperature steam sterilizers, low-temperature operation reduces the risk of thermal damage.
Efficient sterilization:

The active ingredients in the plasma can quickly and effectively kill a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses and spores. The sterilization process is usually completed within 30 to 60 minutes, greatly improving work efficiency.
No chemical residue:

Plasma decomposes into harmless water and oxygen during the sterilization process, and there is no chemical residue after sterilization, ensuring the safety of the sterilized items.
Environmental safety:

The sterilizing agent (such as hydrogen peroxide) used in the low-temperature plasma sterilizer does not pollute the environment after decomposition, which meets modern environmental protection requirements. In addition, the entire sterilization process is carried out in a closed environment, avoiding the risk of chemical exposure to operators.
Wide range of application:

Applicable to items of various materials and shapes, such as metal instruments, plastic products, electronic equipment and optical instruments. Whether it is a complex-shaped instrument or a heat-sensitive material, it can be effectively sterilized by a low-temperature plasma sterilizer.
IV. Application of low-temperature plasma sterilizer
Medical field:

In the medical field, low-temperature plasma sterilizers are mainly used to sterilize surgical instruments, endoscopes, catheters and other medical equipment. Ensure that these items are sterile before use to prevent infection.
Pharmaceutical industry:

In the pharmaceutical industry, low-temperature plasma sterilizers are used to sterilize pharmaceutical packaging, production equipment and sterile clothing. An efficient sterilization process ensures the sterility of drugs during production, packaging and storage, and ensures the safety and effectiveness of drugs.
Laboratory:

In the laboratory, low-temperature plasma sterilizers are used to sterilize experimental instruments, culture media, reagents and precision instruments. Through sterilization, the experimental results can be prevented from being contaminated, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the experiment.
Electronics industry:

In the electronics industry, low-temperature plasma sterilizers are used to sterilize electronic components and precision equipment to prevent microbial contamination from affecting product quality and performance.
V. Operation steps of low-temperature plasma sterilizer
Preparation:

Before using the low-temperature plasma sterilizer, you first need to prepare the items to be sterilized and place them in the sterilizer chamber. Make sure there is enough space between the items so that the plasma can fully penetrate.
Setting parameters:

Set the temperature, pressure and time parameters of the sterilizer according to the nature of the items to be sterilized and the sterilization requirements. Different items and sterilization purposes require different parameters to ensure the sterilization effect.
Start the sterilization program:

Start the sterilizer and start the sterilization program. The sterilizer will automatically perform vacuum extraction, plasma generation, sterilization, decomposition and exhaust steps. During the whole process, ensure the safe operation of the sterilizer and avoid misoperation.
Removing items:

After the sterilization procedure is completed, wait for the chamber to cool to a safe temperature before opening the door to remove the sterilized items. Ensure that the removed items remain sterile to avoid secondary contamination.
VI. Maintenance and care of low-temperature plasma sterilizers
Regular cleaning:

Regularly clean the chamber and filter of the sterilizer to prevent the plasma generation device and the exhaust system from being blocked by impurities. Keeping the equipment clean can extend its service life and ensure the sterilization effect.
Inspection and calibration:

Regularly check the accuracy of various parameters of the sterilizer, such as temperature, pressure and time. Calibrate when necessary to ensure the normal operation of the equipment and the sterilization effect.
Replace wearing parts:

Regularly replace the wearing parts of the sterilizer, such as seals, valves and electrodes. Timely replacement of wearing parts can avoid equipment failure and improve sterilization efficiency and effect.
VII. Development trend of low-temperature plasma sterilizer
With the advancement of science and technology and the continuous expansion of application fields, low-temperature plasma sterilizers will show the following trends in future development:

Intelligence:

The future low-temperature plasma sterilizer will be more intelligent, with functions such as automatic control, remote monitoring and data recording. Through intelligent control, the sterilization efficiency can be improved and human operation errors can be reduced.
Environmental protection:

Environmental protection has become the focus of global attention, and the future low-temperature plasma sterilizer will pay more attention to energy conservation and environmental protection. Through optimized design and improved technology, energy consumption and waste emissions can be reduced, meeting the requirements of sustainable development.
Multifunctionality:

The future low-temperature plasma sterilizer will have more functions, such as rapid sterilization, low-temperature sterilization and a variety of sterilization mode options. Through multifunctional design, it can meet the sterilization needs of different fields and different items.
Humanized design:

The future low-temperature plasma sterilizer will pay more attention to humanized design to improve the convenience and safety of operation. Through humanized design, the labor intensity of operators can be reduced and work efficiency can be improved.
In short, as an efficient, safe and environmentally friendly sterilization equipment, low-temperature plasma sterilizer is widely used in the fields of medical, pharmaceutical, laboratory and electronic industries. Through continuous technological innovation and improvement, low-temperature plasma sterilizer will continue to play its important role and safeguard people's health and safety.