Sterile environments in life sciences through innovative materials

Ortner Reinraumtechnik

Two new processes that were nominated for the Cleanroom Award at the last Cleanzone trade fair are opening up new possibilities in efforts to eliminate micro-organisms in hospitals and the food and pharmaceuticals industries. For the first time, it is now possible to sterilise surfaces using natural, environmentally neutral processes without damaging people or other creatures. The concept is based on taking advantage of the effects of photosensitisers that, when exposed to light, absorb its energy and transfer it to oxygen molecules. This leads to the formation of highly aggressive, cytotoxic oxygen species – a powerful weapon against (pathogenic) micro-organisms. This new process is called “Photodynamic Disinfection certified technology”, or PDc technology for short.

A joint research team comprised of Ortner Reinraumtechnik, Graz University of Technology and Muggensturm-based Dastex, in conjunction with textile dye specialists M. Dohmen discovered a blue dye that was wash-resistant and colour-fast. It achieves its ideal effectiveness when activated at 640 nanometres, i.e. the red wavelengths of daylight. In addition, the active ingredient is not volatile, unlike ozone, for example. A thorough assessment was conducted in a testing laboratory at the Hohenstein Institute in Bönnigheim, which specialises in the development, testing and certification of textile products, with the following result: the new disinfection system utilising PDc technology does not damage the skin. While minor skin irritation may occur if an employee wears clothing that has been treated with this blue dye, these “complications” lie within the realm of those generally known for cotton or polyester attire. As a result, it is recommended that persons who are particularly sensitive wear something underneath this clothing.

A key advantage of PDc technology lies in the fact that its disinfectant properties are activated through normal activities: the blue suit can be worn as work attire by medical personnel, and the light wavelengths necessary for activating the dye are present in normal daylight. It is no wonder that the product, which was submitted by Ortner Reinraumtechnik for consideration for the Cleanroom Award in 2015, was one of the five nominees when the award was presented at the Cleanzone cleanroom trade fair last year.

There is no reason to expect the development of resistance to this product. Thought is already being given to the creation of an entire ‘blue hospital’: why not also use blue PDc paints and coatings for floors, walls and other surfaces? This technology is extremely attractive for the large field offered by the food industry, as it also kills such things as mould spores and yeasts during the production of baked goods, meats and beverages. In the field of pharmaceuticals, PDc technology can also offer added security, whereby it should be clear that it does not render applicable regulations obsolete.

Microbiologically stable and suitable for creative colour design

Another innovation presented at Cleanzone, one which was also among the nominees for the coveted Cleanroom Award 2015, is now becoming an integral component of furnishing concepts in the life sciences. This involves surfaces made from a plastic (Senoplast Klepsch & Co., Piesendorf, Austria) that is extremely stable microbiologically.

The innovation lies in an extremely scratch- and chemical-resistant plastic film that is extremely hard, and therefore abrasion-resistant. As a result, there are no micro-niches in which microbes can remain during hygiene measures. This innovative new plastic surface can therefore be effectively cleaned and disinfected and – when necessary – sterilised. The film is certified for use in cleanroom classes 1 to 9 in accordance with DIN EN ISO 14644 and is in compliance with the specifications of GMP, classes A to D.

Almost immediately, other uses were found for this film: modular systems in aseptic facilities, biological applications and more – including doors, cupboards, wall systems, beds, laboratory furniture, laboratory cupboards and walls. Efforts are currently under way to develop an entire hospital on this basis (Dittel Engineering, Kochel/Ried). Wherever possible, this hospital is to benefit from the innovative surface technology and gain additional security against potential pathogenic micro-organisms.

The film is also available in an almost unlimited range of colours. There is tremendous scope for dyeing this new plastic surface, meaning that all rooms can be designed in accordance with the latest psychological findings. After all, the impact of colours on the well-being of patients and employees is particularly important in hospitals.

The cleanroom trade fair Cleanzone will be offering an outstanding overview of all of the possibilities on offer for reducing and measuring microbiological contamination on Tuesday and Wednesday, 8 and 9 November 2016, in Frankfurt am Main. Interested companies can submit their innovations for consideration for the Cleanroom Award until 31 August.