Peroxide biodecontamination is a process used to eliminate microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, spores) from surfaces, equipment or closed environments by using hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in vapor or aerosol form.
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Peroxide disinfection

 

Peroxide biodecontamination is a process used to eliminate microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, spores) from surfaces, equipment or closed environments by using hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in vapor or aerosol form.

Description

Peroxide biodecontamination is a process used to eliminate microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, spores) from surfaces, equipment or closed environments by using hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in vapor or aerosol form.

How does it work?

1. Generation of the decontaminant

Hydrogen peroxide is used in liquid form that is transformed into vapor (VHP: Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide) or microdroplets (dry spray).

2. Biocidal action

H₂O₂ is a very powerful oxidant. When it comes in contact with microorganisms, it destroys essential components such as:

  • Cell membranes
  • Proteins
  • Nucleic acids

This causes the death of the microorganism.

3. Typical cycle phases

  • Conditioning: Ambient humidity and temperature are adjusted.
  • Injection: Peroxide vapor or aerosol is introduced.
  • Exposure: Concentration is maintained for a specified time to ensure inactivation.
  • Aeration: Residual peroxide is removed, returning the environment to safe conditions.

Advantages:

  • High efficacy against spores and resistant microorganisms.
  • It does not leave toxic residues (it decomposes in water and oxygen).
  • It can be applied in clean rooms, medical equipment, laboratories, pharmaceutical industry.

Applications:

  • Hospitals: Disinfection of operating rooms, isolation rooms.
  • Pharmaceutical industry: Sterilization of critical areas.
  • Laboratories: Decontamination of biosafety cabinets.

 

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More information about Peroxide disinfection

Most commonly used methods

  1. Vaporization of Hydrogen Peroxide (VHP)
  • Description: H₂O₂ vapor is generated from a liquid solution and introduced into the closed environment.
  • Advantages:
    • High penetration in surfaces and equipment.
    • It does not leave toxic residues (it decomposes in water and oxygen).
  • Applications: Clean rooms, isolators, production equipment.
  • Considerations: Strict temperature and humidity control to avoid condensation.
  1. Fogging (dry or wet spray)
  • Description: H₂O₂ is dispersed as microdroplets (aerosol) by nebulization systems.
  • Advantages:
    • Homogeneous coverage.
    • Lower product consumption than vaporization.
  • Applications: Hospital areas, operating rooms, biosafety cabins.
  • Considerations: Longer exposure time than VHP.
  1. Hydrogen Peroxide Plasma
  • Description: H₂O₂ in vapor phase is used and subjected to an electric field to generate plasma.
  • Advantages:
    • High efficacy against resistant microorganisms.
    • Fast process.
  • Applications: Sterilization of medical instruments and devices.
  • Considerations: Requires specialized equipment.
  1. Hydrogen Peroxide Liquid (Direct Spray)
  • Description: Direct application of liquid solution on surfaces.
  • Advantages:
    • Simple and economical method.
  • Applications: Cleaning of small surfaces, non-sensitive equipment.
  • Considerations: Reduced range, risk of corrosion in some materials.

Critical factors for effectiveness

  • Concentration: Normally between 30% and 35% for VHP, and 6%-12% for nebulization.
  • Exposure time: Depends on method and bioburden.
  • Temperature and humidity: Controlled to avoid condensation and ensure diffusion.
  • Validation: Use of biological indicators ( Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores).