1887

Chapter 2 : Physical Disinfection

Author: Gerald E. McDonnell1
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Affiliations: 1: Vice President of Research and EMEA Affairs STERIS Limited

Basingstoke, Hampshire, United Kingdom
Content Type: Monograph
Publication Year: 2007

Category: Industrial Microbiology; Clinical Microbiology

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Abstract:

Disinfection is the antimicrobial reduction of the number of viable microorganisms on or in a product or surface to a level previously specified as appropriate for its intended further handling or use. This chapter considers the most widely used methods of physical disinfection, including heat (moist- and dry-heat methods), cold, radiation, and filtration. It discusses heat convection and conduction, with further consideration of radiation (for disinfection). Heat treatment leads to the release of dipicolinic acid and calcium from spores; dipicolinic acid and calcium are considered to play roles in protecting proteins in the inner core from heat damage and are examples of the multiple resistance mechanisms that protect spores from the effects of heat. Electromagnetic radiation is energy transmitted in the form of waves or rays, including X rays and UV and infrared (IR) radiation, which are considered to be within the electromagnetic spectrum. Nonionizing-radiation methods used for disinfection include UV and IR radiation and microwaves. Filtration is one of the oldest and most widely used physical methods for the removal of contaminants from liquids and gases. Filter types can also be classified as screen or depth filters.

Citation: McDonnell G. 2007. Physical Disinfection, p 55-77. In Antisepsis, Disinfection, and Sterilization. ASM Press, Washington, DC. doi: 10.1128/9781555816445.ch2

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Figures

Physical Disinfection
Citation: McDonnell G. 2007. Physical Disinfection, p 55-77. In Antisepsis, Disinfection, and Sterilization. ASM Press, Washington, DC. doi: 10.1128/9781555816445.ch2
/content/10.1128/9781555816445.ch02.ch02fig01
FIGURE 2.1
Typical microbial sensitivities to moist-heat disinfection.
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Image of FIGURE 2.1
FIGURE 2.1

Typical microbial sensitivities to moist-heat disinfection.

Citation: McDonnell G. 2007. Physical Disinfection, p 55-77. In Antisepsis, Disinfection, and Sterilization. ASM Press, Washington, DC. doi: 10.1128/9781555816445.ch2
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FIGURE 2.2
Effect of temperature on microbial lethality and -value determination.
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Image of FIGURE 2.2
FIGURE 2.2

Effect of temperature on microbial lethality and -value determination.

Citation: McDonnell G. 2007. Physical Disinfection, p 55-77. In Antisepsis, Disinfection, and Sterilization. ASM Press, Washington, DC. doi: 10.1128/9781555816445.ch2
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/content/10.1128/9781555816445.ch02.ch02fig03
FIGURE 2.3
A pasteurizer for heat treatment of liquids. Courtesy of System Products Ltd.
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Image of FIGURE 2.3
FIGURE 2.3

A pasteurizer for heat treatment of liquids. Courtesy of System Products Ltd.

Citation: McDonnell G. 2007. Physical Disinfection, p 55-77. In Antisepsis, Disinfection, and Sterilization. ASM Press, Washington, DC. doi: 10.1128/9781555816445.ch2
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/content/10.1128/9781555816445.ch02.ch02fig04
FIGURE 2.4
Moist-heat resistance of microorganisms.
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Image of FIGURE 2.4
FIGURE 2.4

Moist-heat resistance of microorganisms.

Citation: McDonnell G. 2007. Physical Disinfection, p 55-77. In Antisepsis, Disinfection, and Sterilization. ASM Press, Washington, DC. doi: 10.1128/9781555816445.ch2
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/content/10.1128/9781555816445.ch02.ch02fig05
FIGURE 2.5
Atomic structure and the source of radiation.
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Image of FIGURE 2.5
FIGURE 2.5

Atomic structure and the source of radiation.

Citation: McDonnell G. 2007. Physical Disinfection, p 55-77. In Antisepsis, Disinfection, and Sterilization. ASM Press, Washington, DC. doi: 10.1128/9781555816445.ch2
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/content/10.1128/9781555816445.ch02.ch02fig06
FIGURE 2.6
The electromagnetic spectrum. The range of wavelengths is shown on the axis in meters, with the longest wavelengths (radio waves) on the left and shortest (γ rays) on the right.
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Image of FIGURE 2.6
FIGURE 2.6

The electromagnetic spectrum. The range of wavelengths is shown on the axis in meters, with the longest wavelengths (radio waves) on the left and shortest (γ rays) on the right.

Citation: McDonnell G. 2007. Physical Disinfection, p 55-77. In Antisepsis, Disinfection, and Sterilization. ASM Press, Washington, DC. doi: 10.1128/9781555816445.ch2
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/content/10.1128/9781555816445.ch02.ch02fig07
FIGURE 2.7
A representation of a typical UV (low-pressure UV mercury) lamp and the generation of UV radiation.
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Image of FIGURE 2.7
FIGURE 2.7

A representation of a typical UV (low-pressure UV mercury) lamp and the generation of UV radiation.

Citation: McDonnell G. 2007. Physical Disinfection, p 55-77. In Antisepsis, Disinfection, and Sterilization. ASM Press, Washington, DC. doi: 10.1128/9781555816445.ch2
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/content/10.1128/9781555816445.ch02.ch02fig08
FIGURE 2.8
Simple structure of a magnetron used for the production of microwaves. Voltage applied to a central cathode causes the release of electrons (shown in black), which are forced to circulate by attraction to the anode and the effect of the surrounding magnetic field. Microwaves are released as the circulating electrons lose their energy.
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10.1128/9781555816445/f0066-01.gif
Image of FIGURE 2.8
FIGURE 2.8

Simple structure of a magnetron used for the production of microwaves. Voltage applied to a central cathode causes the release of electrons (shown in black), which are forced to circulate by attraction to the anode and the effect of the surrounding magnetic field. Microwaves are released as the circulating electrons lose their energy.

Citation: McDonnell G. 2007. Physical Disinfection, p 55-77. In Antisepsis, Disinfection, and Sterilization. ASM Press, Washington, DC. doi: 10.1128/9781555816445.ch2
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/content/10.1128/9781555816445.ch02.ch02fig09
FIGURE 2.9
A simple continuous-duty UV disinfection system for liquids. The UV light is encased centrally in a chamber through which the liquid flows.
10.1128/9781555816445/f0066-02_thmb.gif
10.1128/9781555816445/f0066-02.gif
Image of FIGURE 2.9
FIGURE 2.9

A simple continuous-duty UV disinfection system for liquids. The UV light is encased centrally in a chamber through which the liquid flows.

Citation: McDonnell G. 2007. Physical Disinfection, p 55-77. In Antisepsis, Disinfection, and Sterilization. ASM Press, Washington, DC. doi: 10.1128/9781555816445.ch2
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/content/10.1128/9781555816445.ch02.ch02fig10
FIGURE 2.10
The theory of filtration. Various types of filtration processes are shown, with larger particles being retained by the filter and smaller particles allowed through the filter. Dead-end (A and B) and cross-flow (C) filters are shown. (A) Simple screen filter; (B) depth screen filter; (C) cross-flow filter.
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10.1128/9781555816445/f0070-01.gif
Image of FIGURE 2.10
FIGURE 2.10

The theory of filtration. Various types of filtration processes are shown, with larger particles being retained by the filter and smaller particles allowed through the filter. Dead-end (A and B) and cross-flow (C) filters are shown. (A) Simple screen filter; (B) depth screen filter; (C) cross-flow filter.

Citation: McDonnell G. 2007. Physical Disinfection, p 55-77. In Antisepsis, Disinfection, and Sterilization. ASM Press, Washington, DC. doi: 10.1128/9781555816445.ch2
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/content/10.1128/9781555816445.ch02.ch02fig11
FIGURE 2.11
The microscopic structures of the surfaces of three filter materials. Reproduced with permission of Whatman International Ltd.
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10.1128/9781555816445/f0071-01.gif
Image of FIGURE 2.11
FIGURE 2.11

The microscopic structures of the surfaces of three filter materials. Reproduced with permission of Whatman International Ltd.

Citation: McDonnell G. 2007. Physical Disinfection, p 55-77. In Antisepsis, Disinfection, and Sterilization. ASM Press, Washington, DC. doi: 10.1128/9781555816445.ch2
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/content/10.1128/9781555816445.ch02.ch02fig12
FIGURE 2.12
Examples of a variety of liquid filter types. Reproduced with permission from the Pall Corporation.
10.1128/9781555816445/f0071-02_thmb.gif
10.1128/9781555816445/f0071-02.gif
Image of FIGURE 2.12
FIGURE 2.12

Examples of a variety of liquid filter types. Reproduced with permission from the Pall Corporation.

Citation: McDonnell G. 2007. Physical Disinfection, p 55-77. In Antisepsis, Disinfection, and Sterilization. ASM Press, Washington, DC. doi: 10.1128/9781555816445.ch2
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/content/10.1128/9781555816445.ch02.ch02fig13
FIGURE 2.13
An example of a rigid-walled isolator system, with glove access ports on the front and transfer hatches on either side.
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10.1128/9781555816445/f0072-01.gif
Image of FIGURE 2.13
FIGURE 2.13

An example of a rigid-walled isolator system, with glove access ports on the front and transfer hatches on either side.

Citation: McDonnell G. 2007. Physical Disinfection, p 55-77. In Antisepsis, Disinfection, and Sterilization. ASM Press, Washington, DC. doi: 10.1128/9781555816445.ch2
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/content/10.1128/9781555816445.ch02.ch02fig14
FIGURE 2.14
Air pressure in environmentally controlled enclosed areas. (A) Rooms under negative pressure draw air into the room, maintaining microorganisms within the room. Negative pressure is typically used in rooms or cabinets where pathogenic organisms are manipulated. (B) Rooms under positive pressure force air out of the room to reduce the risk of contaminants entering the room. Uses of positive pressure include clean rooms and sterility control isolators.
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10.1128/9781555816445/f0073-01.gif
Image of FIGURE 2.14
FIGURE 2.14

Air pressure in environmentally controlled enclosed areas. (A) Rooms under negative pressure draw air into the room, maintaining microorganisms within the room. Negative pressure is typically used in rooms or cabinets where pathogenic organisms are manipulated. (B) Rooms under positive pressure force air out of the room to reduce the risk of contaminants entering the room. Uses of positive pressure include clean rooms and sterility control isolators.

Citation: McDonnell G. 2007. Physical Disinfection, p 55-77. In Antisepsis, Disinfection, and Sterilization. ASM Press, Washington, DC. doi: 10.1128/9781555816445.ch2
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/content/10.1128/9781555816445.ch02.ch02fig15
FIGURE 2.15
Biological safety class I, II, and III cabinets. Class I cabinets provide the lowest level of biological control, with all air that leaves the cabinet passing through a HEPA filter. Class III cabinets provide the highest level of control; they are totally enclosed, with access via a glove port, as shown.
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10.1128/9781555816445/f0074-01.gif
Image of FIGURE 2.15
FIGURE 2.15

Biological safety class I, II, and III cabinets. Class I cabinets provide the lowest level of biological control, with all air that leaves the cabinet passing through a HEPA filter. Class III cabinets provide the highest level of control; they are totally enclosed, with access via a glove port, as shown.

Citation: McDonnell G. 2007. Physical Disinfection, p 55-77. In Antisepsis, Disinfection, and Sterilization. ASM Press, Washington, DC. doi: 10.1128/9781555816445.ch2
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/content/10.1128/9781555816445.ch02.ch02fig16
FIGURE 2.16
Range of filtration methods and reference size exclusion capabilities. Note that the size ranges are shown on a log scale.
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Image of FIGURE 2.16
FIGURE 2.16

Range of filtration methods and reference size exclusion capabilities. Note that the size ranges are shown on a log scale.

Citation: McDonnell G. 2007. Physical Disinfection, p 55-77. In Antisepsis, Disinfection, and Sterilization. ASM Press, Washington, DC. doi: 10.1128/9781555816445.ch2
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References

/content/book/10.1128/9781555816445.ch02
1. Block, S. S. (ed.). 1991. Disinfection, Sterilization, and Preservation, 4th ed. Lea & Febiger, Philadelphia, Pa.
2. Block, S. S. (ed.). 2001. Disinfection, Sterilization, and Preservation, 5th ed. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia, Pa.
3. Carlberg, D. M. 2005. Cleanroom Microbiology for the Non-Microbiologist, 2nd ed. CRC Press, Boca Raton, Fla.
4. Gardner, J. F., and, M. M. Peel. 1998. Sterilization, Disinfection and Infection Control, 3rd ed. Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
5. Jornitz, M. W., and, T. H. Meltzer. 2004. Filtration Handbook: Liquids. PDA, Bethesda, Md.
6. Lewis, M. J., and, N. J. Heppell. 2000. Continuous Thermal Processing of Foods: Pasteurization and UHT Sterilization. Springer, Cambridge, Mass.
7. Ljungqvist, B., and, B. Reinmüller. 1996. Clean Room Design: Minimizing Contamination through Proper Design. PDA, Bethesda, Md.
8. Russell, A. D.,, W. B. Hugo, and, G. A. J. Ayliffe. 1992. Principles and Practice of Disinfection, Preservation and Sterilization, 2nd ed. Blackwell Science, Cambridge, Mass.

Tables

Physical Disinfection
Citation: McDonnell G. 2007. Physical Disinfection, p 55-77. In Antisepsis, Disinfection, and Sterilization. ASM Press, Washington, DC. doi: 10.1128/9781555816445.ch2
/content/10.1128/9781555816445.ch02.ch02tab01
TABLE 2.1
Examples of various standards and guidelines for heat disinfection
Generic image for table
TABLE 2.1

Examples of various standards and guidelines for heat disinfection

Citation: McDonnell G. 2007. Physical Disinfection, p 55-77. In Antisepsis, Disinfection, and Sterilization. ASM Press, Washington, DC. doi: 10.1128/9781555816445.ch2
/content/10.1128/9781555816445.ch02.ch02tab02
TABLE 2.2
Wavelengths and energies of types of electromagnetic radiation
Generic image for table
TABLE 2.2

Wavelengths and energies of types of electromagnetic radiation

Citation: McDonnell G. 2007. Physical Disinfection, p 55-77. In Antisepsis, Disinfection, and Sterilization. ASM Press, Washington, DC. doi: 10.1128/9781555816445.ch2
/content/10.1128/9781555816445.ch02.ch02tab03
TABLE 2.3
Types of UV radiation
Generic image for table
TABLE 2.3

Types of UV radiation

Citation: McDonnell G. 2007. Physical Disinfection, p 55-77. In Antisepsis, Disinfection, and Sterilization. ASM Press, Washington, DC. doi: 10.1128/9781555816445.ch2
/content/10.1128/9781555816445.ch02.ch02tab04
TABLE 2.4
IR wavelength range
Generic image for table
TABLE 2.4

IR wavelength range

Citation: McDonnell G. 2007. Physical Disinfection, p 55-77. In Antisepsis, Disinfection, and Sterilization. ASM Press, Washington, DC. doi: 10.1128/9781555816445.ch2
/content/10.1128/9781555816445.ch02.ch02tab05
TABLE 2.5
Typical uses of filtration for liquid and gas applications
Generic image for table
TABLE 2.5

Typical uses of filtration for liquid and gas applications

Citation: McDonnell G. 2007. Physical Disinfection, p 55-77. In Antisepsis, Disinfection, and Sterilization. ASM Press, Washington, DC. doi: 10.1128/9781555816445.ch2
/content/10.1128/9781555816445.ch02.ch02tab06
TABLE 2.6
Classification of clean rooms based on number of ≥0.5-μm particles detected within a given volume of air
Generic image for table
TABLE 2.6

Classification of clean rooms based on number of ≥0.5-μm particles detected within a given volume of air

Citation: McDonnell G. 2007. Physical Disinfection, p 55-77. In Antisepsis, Disinfection, and Sterilization. ASM Press, Washington, DC. doi: 10.1128/9781555816445.ch2
/content/10.1128/9781555816445.ch02.ch02tab07
TABLE 2.7
Examples of standards and guidelines for disinfection and sterilization filtration applications
Generic image for table
TABLE 2.7

Examples of standards and guidelines for disinfection and sterilization filtration applications

Citation: McDonnell G. 2007. Physical Disinfection, p 55-77. In Antisepsis, Disinfection, and Sterilization. ASM Press, Washington, DC. doi: 10.1128/9781555816445.ch2

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