Sterilization characteristics of dental instruments using oxygen plasma produced by narrow gap RF discharge

Abstract

Sterilization characteristics and material compatibility of low-pressure RF oxygen plasma sterilization method for dental instruments are investigated. Regarding the characteristics of the plasma sterilizer for dental instruments, it is small and can rapidly sterilize owing to a narrow gap discharge. Sterilization of vial-type biological indicators is achieved for the shortest treatment period of 40 min at an RF power of 80 W at a temperature of 70 °C. At a temperature lower than 60 °C, a sterilization period of 90 min is required using a water-cooled electrode. No surface modifications of dental instruments such as chemical composition and deterioration of fine crystals of a diamond bar were observed under a scanning electron microscope.

Radio frequency heating and material processing using carbon susceptors

“…The non-contact processing with rapid heating rates can be exploited by various industries ranging from automotive to chemical synthesis to sterilization of medical devices. 23,24,45 Most of these advances have been made in the last 5-7 years and show immense potential for revolutionizing the manufacturing and processing industry. This novel method of heating using RF elds has seen substantial intellectual property development.…”

“…41 For medical applications, RF plasma can be used for sterilization of surgical and dental devices to eradicate cellulose and bacterial spores, 42,43 and other contaminants; 44 furthermore, dental devices can also be sterilized by RF elds. 45 Additionally, RF elds can be used for hyperthermia and drug release, [46][47][48] and non-invasive body fat reduction. 49,50 Other notable applications include soil decontamination and drying of brickwork, 51,52 adsorptive catalytic off-gas, 51 oil recovery, 53 sterilization of vacuum-packaged food, 54,55 and non-chemical pest disinfestation.…”

Current Plasma Sterilization and Disinfection Studies

“…The compatibility of the plasma sterilizer with different materials is an important consideration in sterilizer development [39]. High velocity ions in the plasma can cause damage to the medical equipment requiring sterilization.…”

“…These techniques are now achieving the required sterilization standards, and practical application is close to becoming realized. However, there remain key areas requiring further investigation such as; the speed of the sterilization process [18][19][20], disinfection of abiotic materials that have pathogenicity [21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38], and understanding the compatibility of plasmas with different materials [39]. This work is necessary for the continued development of this very promising area.…”

Field-emission enhanced breakdown in oxygen microdischarges from direct-current to radio-frequencies

“…It may also be combined with other gases to etch a variety of materials such as plastic and rubber. Besides, high interest in oxygen ions is reported in biomedical application where O − and O − 2 play a dominant role in sterilizations [5]. The majority of plasmas used in industrial applications operate either in vacuum or at atmospheric pressure.…”