RADIATION

Physical agents in sterilization

Two types of radiation are used for sterilization

Ionising radiation Non Ionising radiation

High energy type Low energy type

Gamma rays Infrared
High energy electrons Ultraviolet

Non ionizing radiation

 Electromagnetic rays with wavelengths longer than those
of visible light is used.
 These are to large extent absorbed as heat.
 Infrared radiation is used for rapid mass sterilization of
prepacked items such as syringes and catheters.
 Ultraviolet radiation is used for disinfecting enclosed areas
such as biosafety cabinets in laboratories, entryways,
operation theatres & laboratories.
 Ultra violet radiation with wavelength of 240 -280 nm has
marked bactericidal activity
 It acts by denaturation of bacterial proteins and
interference with DNA replication
 Most vegetative bacteria are susceptible to UV radiation
but spores are highly resistant. Susceptibility of virus is
variable

Ionizing radiation

 X rays, Gamma rays and cosmic rays are highly lethal to

DNA and other vital constituents.
 They have a high penetration power.
 Gamma radiation from cobalt 60 source are commercially
used for sterilization of disposable items such as plastic
syringes, swab, culture plates, cannulas, catheters
 Since there is no appreciable increase in temperature in
this method it is referred as a cold sterilization.
 They are highly lethal to all cells including bacteria.
 They damage DNA by various mechanism.
 The advantages of this method include speed, high
penetration power (it can sterilize materials through outer
packages and wrappings), and the absence of heat.
 Bacillus pumilis has been used for testing the efficiency of
Ionising radiations.