Evaluation of the sporicidal activity of ozone

Journal Article · Wed Apr 01 00:00:00 EST 1987 · Appl. Environ. Microbiol.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6514339

Rickloff, J R

This study was undertaken to determine the feasibility of sterilizing surfaces with ozone-saturated water by the methods of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). Initially, it was determined that there was no apparent difference in ozone resistance between spores of Bacillus subtilis and Clostridium sporogenes when they are suspended in water. Both species were inactivated by a 10-min exposure at ambient temperature. Resistance was increased when the spores were dried on AOAC carriers. Viable organisms were recovered after an exposure of 40 min at ambient temperature. An increase in the reactor water temperature to 60/sup 0/C did not improve the effectiveness of the ozone in sterilizing AOAC carriers. Dried spores of C. sporogenes were more resistant than B. subtilis spores because of a greater accumulation of organic matter on the carriers. No significant sporicidal activity was demonstrated after 40 min for spores of either species when they were inoculated on silk suture loops. The data suggest that organic loading and poor ozone penetrability are key factors in effecting the ability of ozone to sterilize surfaces rapidly.

• Research Organization: American Sterilizer Co., Erie, PA
• OSTI ID: 6514339
• Journal Information: Appl. Environ. Microbiol.; (United States), Vol. 53:4
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
BACTERIAL SPORES
SENSITIVITY
OZONE
TOXICITY
BACILLUS SUBTILIS
BIOLOGICAL VARIABILITY
CLOSTRIDIUM
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
STERILIZATION
BACILLUS
BACTERIA
MICROORGANISMS
SPORES
560300* - Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology