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Sterilization by electrohydraulic discharges
Author(s) -
Holland R. V.,
Board P. W.,
Richardson K. C.
Publication year - 1972
Publication title -
biotechnology and bioengineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.136
H-Index - 189
eISSN - 1097-0290
pISSN - 0006-3592
DOI - 10.1002/bit.260140314
Subject(s) - sterilization (economics) , electrode , contamination , shock wave , electric discharge , plasma , electric shock , chemistry , materials science , mechanics , electrical engineering , physics , ecology , biology , quantum mechanics , economics , foreign exchange market , foreign exchange , engineering , monetary economics
High voltage electric discharges between two electrodes immersed in a liquid (“electrohydraulic discharges”) inactivate microorganisms suspended in the liquid. The intense pulse of UV radiation emitted from the plasma formed between the electrodes causes most of the bactericidal effects, rather than shock waves, or free radicals or other chemical species formed in the liquid medium. A method of sterilizing materials without contamination from electrode debris is described. Possible applications and limitations of the technique are outlined.