An Investigation of the Visual Impact of the Combined Exposure to Residual Cleaning Agents and Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide on Materials used in Barrier Systems

Abstract

Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide (vapor-phase hydrogen peroxide, vH₂O₂) treatment is the main approach for sporicidal surface bio-decontamination in restricted access barrier systems and isolators. Prior to vH₂O₂ exposure, surfaces are cleaned to prepare the barrier system for the decontamination cycle, removing surface residues that could impede the cycles effectiveness. The presence of residual cleaning agents alongside vH₂O₂ exposure could potentially impact the integrity and longevity of materials, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of these interactions. To gain more knowledge about the influence of cleaning agents and vH₂O₂, various materials were exposed to a combination of cleaning agents and vH₂O₂ in order to visually assess the interaction. Introduction: Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide has emerged as a valuable tool for bio-decontamination due to its ability to efficiently eliminate a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and spores [1]. The penetration of vH₂O₂ is limited, so surfaces are cleaned to remove contaminants that may interfere with vH₂O₂ penetration and effectiveness prior to vH₂O₂ exposure. While studies have investigated the compatibility of materials with vH₂O₂ or cleaning agents alone [2,3], the interactions between residual cleaning agents and vH₂O₂ have received limited attention until now. Residual cleaning agents might persist even after thorough rinsing, potentially influencing the interaction of the vapour phase gas with materials. Reactive components within cleaning agents could react with vH₂O₂, probably leading to material deterioration, discoloration, or altered mechanical properties. Additionally, accumulated residues within surface microstructures might hinder vH₂O₂ diffusion, thus impacting its efficacy. Investigating these combined effects is pivotal to prevent unintended material outcomes during decontamination processes.