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The use of β-propiolactone for the sterilization of heat-labile materials

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Abstract

A short literature survey on chemical sterilization with β-propiolactone is given. The auto-inactivatio 1 of this compound in aqueous solution appears to be one of its main advantages.

Time-kill studies have been carried out with bacterial cells and spores, and with fungal spores. The compatibility of BPL with textiles and plastics was also studied to some extent. It is concluded that heat-sensitive materials can be sterilized with a 1.0% aqueous solution of BPL within one hour at room temperature. The compatibility of BPL with the materials studied does not appear to offer serious problems.

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Hazeu, W., Hueck, H.J. The use of β-propiolactone for the sterilization of heat-labile materials. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek 31, 295–300 (1965). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02045909

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