Effective Sterilization Method Research Articles

Explant Sterilization Technique Castanopsis argentea (Blume) A.DC. with the addition of Ascorbic Acid and Sodium Hypochlorite (NaOCl) In Vitro

Castanopsis argentea (Blume) A.DC. has the local name saninten. This plant is one of the woody plants that has the potential to be developed because it is beneficial for wildlife to nest and is used in reforestation. The seeds of this plant can be used for food by boiling and burning. This plant must be preserved so that it does not become extinct. However, the propagation, so it must use the technique of propagation through tissue culture. This study aims to determine the best sterilization technique for in vitro culture of C. argentea. Eight methods of explant sterilization have been carried out in this study. Methods 1-4 do not use ascorbic acid immersion, while methods 5-8 use the addition of ascorbic acid. Based on observations, it is known that the best sterilization is in the 8th method because the level of contamination and browning is lower than other methods, namely on the fifth day after planting only 20%. The 8th method is graded sterilization. In graded sterilization, explants were gradually immersed in 10% NaOCl, 20% NaOCl, and 30% NaOCl, respectively. Multilevel sterilization is the most effective method of sterilization to reduce contamination and browning. Ascorbic acid acts as an antioxidant and reduces contamination in the enzymatic browning reaction. The combination of sterile substances, time, sequence, and method of immersion affects the sterility of explants.

The influence of UV irradiation on fish skin collagen films in the presence of xanthohumol and propanediol

Fish skin collagen films are widely used as adhesives in medicine and cosmetology. Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation can be considered as an effective sterilization method for biomaterials, however, it may also lead to material photodegradation. In this work, the influence of xanthohumol and propanediol on the physico-chemical properties of collagen films before and after UV irradiation was studied.Collagen for this research was extracted from silver carp skin and thin films were fabricated by the solution casting methods.The structure of films was researched using infrared spectroscopy. The surface properties of films were investigated using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and contact angle measurements. Mechanical properties were measured as well. It was found that the addition of xanthohumol and propanediol modified the roughness of collagen films and their mechanical properties. UV irradiation led to the water loss from the film and modification of the collagen structure.In the presence of propanediol and xanthohumol the water loss after UV irradiation was smaller than in UV-irradiated collagen films without these additives.

Obtainment of bacterial cellulose with added propolis extract for cosmetic applications

AbstractBacterial cellulose (BC) is a versatile material produced by microorganisms in the form of a hydrogel film with high water retention capacity, porosity, and mechanical strength. BC can incorporate and release substances, making it an interesting polymer for use in the cosmetic and biomedical industries. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the use of a bacterium for the production of cellulose films in which propolis extract was added in situ and ex situ (during and after membrane production, respectively) with promising use as a skincare product. The bacterium Gluconacetobacter hansenii was grown in standard Hestrin–Schramm (HS) medium as well as HS medium with propolis extract for 7 days. A radiolytic process with 60Co was investigated as a safe sterilization method. The average yield was 120.55 ± 2.40 g of cellulose/L. The polymeric system exhibited antioxidant activity (15.16% inhibition of oxidant activity) and high water‐retention capacity (98.01 ± 0.17%). In conclusion, natural additives can provide the antioxidant characteristics of BC. Moreover, gamma irradiation proved to be an effective sterilization method, while maintaining the properties of the material.

Dual-mode antibacterial core-shell gold nanorod@mesoporous-silica/curcumin nanocomplexes for efficient photothermal and photodynamic therapy

Bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics because of their overuse. As a result, new therapies are urgently needed to replace traditional antibiotic therapies. Photodynamic therapy and photothermal therapy are considered to be effective sterilization methods instead of antibiotics to resist drug-resistant pathogens. In this work, silica-coated gold nanorods with photothermal conversion effects were employed as photothermal carriers, and curcumin was selected as photosensitizer, to form PTT/PDT dual-mode antibacterial nanocomposites (AuNRs@Cur). Comparing with their counterparts Cur and AuNRs, AuNRs@Cur exhibited higher singlet oxygen yield and photothermal conversion efficiency, which greatly improved the utilization rate of photosensitizer and consequently effectively enhanced the photoinactivation effect of bacteria. The inhibition rate of AuNRs@Cur on S. aureus and E. coli under 405 and 808 nm dual irradiation was higher than that of Cur or PDT alone. The changes of bacterial membrane structure were revealed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal fluorescence imaging. The reactive oxygen species and thermal energy generated by dual-wavelength (405 + 808 nm) laser irradiation can cause the destruction of bacterial outer membrane structure, resulting in bacterial death. In addition, the cytotoxicity and hemolytic activity of AuNRs@Cur were negligible. AuNRs@Cur nanocomposites proved thatphotodynamic-photothermal synergistic treatment can greatly improve the bactericidal effect. Therefore, construction of AuNRs@Cur provides a new idea for pathogen infection caused by drug-resistant bacteria, and provides relevant nano-carrier experience for follow-up drugs.

Metabolomics of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Treated by Atmospheric-Pressure Cold Plasma

With increasing drug resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a new sterilization method is needed. Plasma has been shown to be an effective method of sterilization, but no researchers have studied the effect of plasma on bacterial metabolism. In this paper, we studied the emission spectrum, liquid phase active particles, and other physical and chemical properties of a portable plasma device. Pseudomonas aeruginosa were then treated with activated water generated by surface plasma discharge. Using gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOF-MS) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, we obtained the differential metabolite pathways. The results showed that, after plasma activated water treatment, the carbohydrate metabolism of the bacteria was inhibited and the metabolic processes of protein and amino acid decomposition were enhanced. Therefore, water activated by atmospheric-pressure cold plasma can significantly change bacterial metabolites, thus promoting bacterial death.

Application of Homograft Valved Conduit in Cardiac Surgery

Valved conduits often correct the blood flow of congenital heart disease by connecting the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery (RV-PA). The homograft valved conduit was invented in the 1960s, but its wide application is limited due to the lack of effective sterilization and preservation methods. Modern cryopreservation prolongs the preservation time of homograft valved conduit, which makes it become the most important treatment at present, and is widely used in Ross and other operations. However, homograft valved conduit has limited biocompatibility and durability and lacks any additional growth capacity. Therefore, decellularized valved conduit has been proposed as an effective improved method, which can reduce immune response and calcification, and has potential growth ability. In addition, as a possible substitute, commercial xenograft valved conduit has certain advantages in clinical application, and tissue engineering artificial valved conduit needs to be further studied.

Effects of Electron Beam Irradiation Sterilization on Quality of Edible Kudzu Root Powder

To study the effects of electron beam irradiation on the quality of edible kudzu root powder, edible kudzu root powder was irradiated by electron beam of different doses (0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0 and 12.5 kGy), and sterilization effects, nutritional and functional activities and physical properties were investigated. The results showed that electron beam irradiation obviously bactericidal effect on edible kudzu root powder and the microbial survival decreased significantly with increasing of irradiation dose, the D10 value of aerobic plate count was 2.68 kGy. Different doses of electron beam irradiation had no obvious effects on general nutrients including moisture, ash, protein, starch, vitamin B1 and B2, isoflavones including puerarin, daidzein, genistin, and ·OH radical scavenging activitiy in edible kudzu root powder (P>0.05). After irradiation, the fat content increased significantly (P<0.05), while dietary fiber content, whiteness, DPPH radical scavenging activity and reducing power decreased (P<0.05), but the overall change was not too big. The polysaccharide content, solubility and swelling force significantly increased (P<0.05), and the freeze-thaw stability was significantly enhanced (P<0.05). Therefore, electron beam irradiation was an effective sterilization method for edible kudzu root powder, the doses within 12.5 kGy wouldn't cause obvious damage to its nutritional quality and functional composition, and was expected to improve its physical properties as food processing raw materials. This study would provide a theoretical reference for the control of microorganism in edible kudzu root powder and products processed by electron beam irradiation.

Use of Tubo-Ovarian Ligation Via Colpotomy as A Potential Method for Sterilization in Mares

The goal of this study was to develop a safe, effective, and economical method for permanent sterilization of mares based upon tubo-ovarian ligation performed via colpotomy. In this study, we evaluated the application of a nylon cable tie (zip-tie) to the ovarian pedicle and oviduct of mares to induce ovarian ischemia and tubal ligation without removal of ovaries. Initially, efficiency of zip-ties on the ovarian pedicle was tested in vitro and in vivo. Based on the absence of leakage through the zip-tie ligated vessels in anatomic specimens, we confirmed the potential efficacy of the technique. Next, ligation of the ovarian pedicle via a standing colpotomy was conducted in five mares. Although the surgical procedure in these mares appeared to be quick and efficient, all five mares were noted to develop ovarian adhesions to surrounding abdominal viscera in either one or both ovaries postoperatively. Ovarian ischemia led to loss of ovarian activity based upon ultrasound examination, which was confirmed by a low plasma progesterone concentration in four of the five mares. During the postoperative period, four mares demonstrated clinical signs related to the ovarian adhesions and were euthanized. The postoperative complications associated with ovarian adhesions to abdominal viscera presented significant challenges, limiting the success of this study. While this technique resulted in ovarian ischemia and atrophy in four out of the five mares, we were unable to assess long-term effects on the health and reproduction of the mares due to the ovarian adhesions to the surrounding tissues and the potential for secondary complications. Although technically feasible, tubo-ovarian ligation via colpotomy does not appear to be a viable option for sterilization of mares using the described technique due to ovarian adhesions post procedure.

Radiation sterilization as safe and effective way to obtain sterile biapenem

Biapenem is parenteral carbapenem antibiotic with a broad spectrum of activity. The objective of the study was to confirm that β-radiation irradiation with electron beam with a delivered dose of 25 kGy allows to obtain a sterile biapen, characterized by unchanged physicochemical and microbiological properties. Biological and chemical changes of biapenem were only observed when 400 kGy was used (the dose 16 times higher than dose needed to sterilization). The degradation product from radiolysis was identified by the LC-MS/MS method. Radiosterilization Radiation sterilization is safe and effective method of biapenem sterilization.

The Effects of Chemical Disinfection on Dimensional Stability among Different Type of Impression Addition Silicon Materials

Introduction: Saliva and blood contaminated impressions are often a source of cross contamination between the clinic and dental laboratory. Explicit communication and observance of an infection control protocol for handling of dental impressions must exist among the office staff as well as between office and dental laboratories. Though disinfection of impression is routinely followed, autoclaving elastomeric impression is an effective method of sterilization them. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate dimensional stability and detail reproduction of a new addition silicon impression material after disinfection. Methods: In this study, a total of twenty impressions for the master model using heat resistant plastic stock trays. The twenty impressions were divided into two groups according to disinfection technique: (Table 2) Group 1: (n=10) Control group, untreated impressions. (C.G) Group 2: (n=10) Impressions were chemically disinfected. (D.G). after all impressions treatment, they were poured with extra hard stone (type IV) to get stone casts. Dimensional accuracy and detail reproduction of the impression material were evaluated indirectly through the recovered improved stone casts from impressions of the master model using the travelling microscope. Results: Cross arch distance (A): Epoxy resin master model cross arch distance measurement (A) was (41.36 mm). 1.1 Measurements of the cross-arch distance of stone casts Control group (C.G): The mean and standard deviation values of distance (A) in stone models obtained from C.G. were 41.553 ± 0.170 mm. Disinfection group (D.G): The mean and standard deviation values of distance (A) in stone models obtained from D.G were 41.368 ± 0.083 mm. ANOVA test showed that there was a statistically difference shrinkage between the groups (P-value = 0.006). 1.2 Measurement of the dimensional changes in the cross-arch distance of the different groups. The mean and standard deviation values of cross arch distance changes in stone models of C.G. were 0.191 ± 0.170 mm. while dimensional changes in stone models obtained from D.G. were 0.006 ± 0.082 mm. Conclusion: The purpose of this study was to evaluate dimensional stability and detail reproduction of a new addition silicon impression material after disinfection. In this study an epoxy resin master model was duplicated from a modified dentate mandibular model. Within the limitations of this study, it could be concluded that Chemical disinfectant of polyvinyl siloxane impression material can be successfully used in making fixed partial dentures.

Determination of an effective method of Citrus aurantifolia lime and Citrus lemon varieties plant explants sterilization for in vitro introduction into the culture

Potted citrus plants are in constant demand, but the propagation of such plants requires the use of a winter greenhouse and several well-developed mother plants to obtain planting material. The use of microclonal propagation can accelerate the production of seed material though it requires detailed development of in vitro cultivation techniques. The aim of the research was to study the effectiveness of sterilizing substances and methods of sterilization on the yield of viable micro shoots of lime plants (Citrus aurantifolia) as well as Meyer and Jubilee lemon varieties and their growth in vitro. The research was conducted in the interdepartmental "Biotechnological Laboratory" of the Agrobiotechnological Faculty of Bila Tserkva NAU. The source material was microshoots from lime plants (Citrus aurantifolia), and lemon varieties (Citrus lemon) Meyer and Jubilee. The objects of the study were selected according to the diversity of genotypes, development type and varietal characteristics. The possibility of using different parts of plants for reproduction is a feature of in vitro culture. We used microshoots with a bud in our research. To neutralize the exogenous bacterial and fungal microflora, we used 70 % ethanol solution C2 H5 OH, sodium hypochlorite 5 %, 15 % solution of hydrogen peroxide H2 O2 , sulema (0.1) and washed the material in sterile water (for 5–10 min) under several schemes. The study revealed the influence of different sterilization regimes for obtaining sterile explants and the introduction into plant culture of explants of the species of lime Citrus aurantifolia as well as Meyer and Jubilee lemon varieties. It was found that the use of step sterilization using 2.5 % solutions of sodium hypochlorite gives a high percentage of sterile viable material – 27.7 %, which is significantly higher than in other variants of the experiment. Key words: microshoots, lime, sterile material, micropropagation, sterilization, hydrogen peroxide, viability of explants.

Direct comparison of gamma, electron beam and X-ray irradiation effects on single-use blood collection devices with plastic components

Effective sterilization methods for single-use devices are a growing need for the medical industry. Concerns with safety, throughput and source availability, however, prompt prudent contingency planning for gamma irradiation of devices suited for radiation sterilization. Electron beam (e-beam) and X-ray represent two alternatives to gamma radiation if they can be confirmed to be compatible with sterilization of the devices. To address this question, the effects of sterilization-relevant doses of e-beam and X-ray radiation are directly compared to the effects of gamma radiation using two prototypical commercial devices currently sterilized using cobalt-60 gamma radiation. These devices include components that comprise six distinct polymer materials commonly used in the medical device industry. The devices investigated are the Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD) VacutainerTMPlus tube, comprised of low-density polyethylene, chlorobutyl rubber, and polyethylene terephthalate components; and the BD VacutainerTMPush Button Blood Collection Set, containing polypropylene, polyolefin elastomer, and polyvinyl chloride components. Changes in functionality, discoloration and select mechanical properties of components of each device were measured following exposure to targeted doses of 15, 35, 50 and 80 kGy. A statistical analysis was performed to determine if the effects of e-beam or X-ray radiation differ from the effects of gamma radiation for the properties considered. No devices were found to fail the functional performance tests at any of the doses considered. Small, but statistically significant differences were observed in device discoloration from e-beam, X-ray and gamma radiation following processing for certain materials at certain dose levels. Both e-beam and X-ray irradiation appear as viable alternatives to gamma irradiation for sterilization of the medical devices and materials considered.

The current state and promising innovative directions to development methods for bioimplant sterilization

We have analyzed the state-of-the-art methods for sterilization of bone implants. The problem of finding effective bioimplant sterilization methods is still far from its optimal solution and remains as urgent as before. The factors limiting further development of the main biomaterial sterilization methods include limitations related to each existing method and the use of technologies with sterilizing effect. Comparative analysis of the main techniques for bioimplant sterilization that are used in medical and biological areas (treatment with ethylene oxide, radiation, wet warmth, liquid media, and ozone) allows for a conclusion on the advantages of the radiation sterilization. However, the choice is challenged by the dilemma: higher radiation dose would increase the sterilization effect, but at the same time can lead to multiple morphological abnormalities in the tissues, deterioration of their mechanical characteristics, destruction of morphogenetic proteins and consequently to lower efficacy of the reparative bone formation. As a result, the material can become unsuitable for clinical use. One of the real approaches to solve this problem is to use as low absorbed radiation dose as possible during irradiation of biomaterials, at least to 15 kGy. The developments made by the authors within the last years have shown that such a result can be achieved by the use of combines sterilization techniques based on combines effects of a number of physical and chemical factors on the biomaterial being sterilized. Mutual enhancement of the sterilizing effects of these factors creates prerequisites for their synergy, whereby the intensity of each factor can be reduced. This makes it possible to decrease the degree of harmful adverse events associated with each individual factor with higher total effect. The search for innovative solutions for the urgent problems of the bone bioimplant sterilization, for the development of the state-of-the-art health-sparing technologies can be successful only with unification of the efforts by specialists from related sciences. This would allow for creating of breakthrough technologies for sterilization and for optimization of this procedure with achievement of its high efficacy.

Physicochemical evaluation of gamma and microwave irradiated dental grafts

Periodontological bone or dermal grafts are materials which are used in dentistry to regenerate lost tissue which can be obtained from a human or animal source. As a result, the possibility of disease transmission from the source to the patient is high. Therefore, sterilization of grafts before implanting to the patient got a significant importance due to the direct contact with blood. Sterilization process for dental materials can be done by three different methods, chemical gas, heat and radiation sterilization. Sterilization by radiation is an accepted official method due to its reliability and applicability to many materials. Radiation sterilization could have different advantages in comparison to the others. The application of radiation to materials in their final packages makes this method as the first option that comes to mind for sterilization. However, this method can have disadvantages like unwanted effects as crosslinking or chain breaking in the sterilized materials. The possibility of causing adverse effects of gamma irradiation has got consideration among companies and tissue banks. Radiation can have a lethal effect on microorganisms directly or indirectly. It affects microorganisms in a direct way by targeting DNA of microorganisms and affects indirectly by aiming the water in the microorganism cell and causes formation of free radicals. Therefore, radiation sterilization as gamma irradiation can be a reliable and effective sterilization method (Nguyen, H; A. F. Morgan, D 2007; Rooney, et al., 2008; Jeng, D. K. H 1987). Microwave irradiation as a very novel radiation sterilization method also got importance recently. In recent studies, microwave radiation showed a successful performance in killing gram positive and negative bacteria at 2 min of microwave irradiation at 900 W and 2450 MHz, respectively (Jeng, D. K. H 1987). This method can be hopeful, acceptable and promising sterilization method to be a good substitute for gamma radiation due to low cost and much easier application process in comparison to gamma radiation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of gamma radiation and microwave sterilization processes on the physicochemical features of periodontological grafts by applying different physicochemical analyses as organoleptic analyses, FTIR, SEM, TGA and SAXS. Based on the results, both gamma radiation and microwave sterilization were found potential and successful as sterilization methods with no significant physicochemical changes in the characteristic features of the irradiated grafts. Additionally, HBG1, MBG3, PBG1 coded grafts were found as the most compatible materials to gamma and microwave radiation sterilization.

Physico-chemical properties and antioxidant activities of extracted essential oils from irradiated rosemary and clove buds

Abstract Dried rosemary leaves (Rosmarinus officinalis Lamiaceae), and dried clove buds (Syzygium aromaticum) were irradiated with γ-irradiation by Cobalt-60 as an irradiation source at different doses (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30kGy) as an effective method for sterilization, pasteurization and food decontamination, considered as safe method , and stored for 12months at room temperature (22±3 0C). The evaluation of irradiation depended on the chemical studies and antioxidant activity of extracted essential oils. Results showed significant difference for the essential oils yield (content %) at different doses during storage time. Compounds were fractionated and identified by GC/MS for extracted essential oils from each of non – irradiated and irradiated dried rosemary leaves and dried clove buds samples, the main components of essential oil extracted from either non-irradiated or irradiated rosemary leaves were 1,8 cineole, camphor and γ-pinene 26.36, 12.63 and 16.98%, respectively, while, eugenol was the major component in clove essential oil (which extracted from non-irradiated and irradiated samples (81.69%). No differences were noticed in the % of essential oils constituents. Antioxidant activity as % of DPPH scavenging increased with the increasing of essential oils concentrations (250 up to 2500ppm). Furthermore, the effect of adding these extracted oils from non-irradiated and irradiated samples as well as their mixture (1:1) on the threshold odor scores of sunflower oil (Mean of acceptable odor levels) was observed. Rancimat test shown the high oxidative stability in sunflower oil supplemented with 0.3% clove essential oil which extracted from 15kGy irradiated sample was 11.99 hrs, its relative stability was 144.11% comparing with the oxidative stability of sunflower oil supplemented with 0.5% rosemary essential oil extracted from non-irradiated sample (9.76hrs) with 117.3% relative stability. Adding different concentrations of rosemary, clove buds essential oils which extracted from different irradiation doses samples and their mixture (1:1) caused slightly increasing in oxidative stability of sunflower oil.

Are Adverse Events Attributed to Essure Associated With Nickel Sensitization?

Essure is an effective method for hysteroscopic sterilization. Reports of adverse effects, the underlying mechanisms of which are unknown, have increased in recent years. The aim of the study was to determine whether there is a relationship between adverse events attributed to Essure and nickel sensitization. Patients presenting alleged adverse reactions to Essure were referred for nickel patch testing before removal. Data regarding medical history of nickel sensitization and symptoms attributed to Essure were collected. Dimethylglyoxime spot tests were performed on the explanted Essure. There was a follow-up at 3 months to evaluate whether there is improvement of the symptoms after Essure removal. Nickel sensitization via the classic delayed hypersensitivity pathway did not seem to be responsible for adverse events attributed to Essure. Among systemic symptoms reported, extracutaneous symptoms had the highest prevalence. Systemic contact dermatitis to nickel could not be ruled out in one case.

Quality characteristics of fresh wet noodles treated with nonthermal plasma sterilization

Nonthermal plasma treatment has been a widely acknowledged effective method for food sterilization. This study presents the potential of nonthermal dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma treatment for sterilization of the surface of the fresh wet noodles (FWNs). The plasma treatment achieved a more than one logarithmic reduction of the total bacterial count and total mold count as measured by counting the total microorganisms and filamentous fungi, respectively. In addition, the qualities of FWNs exposed to nonthermal DBD plasma treatment had no undesirable changes to color, texture, acidity and water distribution as measured by a texture analyzer, color meter and low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR), respectively. Thus, nonthermal DBD plasma treatment is a promising alternative to the traditional sterilization method applied in FWN industry and provides a new idea for the preservation and processing of fresh food.

Application of Gamma Radiation on Hard Gelatin Capsules as Sterilization Technique and Its Consequences on the Chemical Structure of the Material.

Hard capsules are made from gelatin, an organic polymer obtained through the hydrolysis of collagen present in animal tissues. Gelatin can be degraded by microorganisms and some strategies can be used to control contaminating micro-organisms. Gamma irradiation is considered as an effective sterilization method; however, its application can alter the chemical structure of the irradiated product. Samples of hard gelatin capsules were irradiated at doses of 5, 15, and 25kGy at room temperature. The characterizations of the physical and chemical effects were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry, and differential scanning calorimetry techniques. Furthermore, hard gelatin capsule samples were dissolved and inoculated with Bacillus subtilis, a Gram-positive spore-forming bacterium, to evaluate the effect of gamma ray radiation on bacterial counts. The results showed that gamma radiation did not interfere on physical parameters of the capsule, such as moisture content, mass, body and cap length, and disintegration time. Nevertheless, differential scanning calorimetry results demonstrated changes in the glass transition temperature, indicating the formation of crosslinking in irradiated capsules. It was observed that there were significant reductions on the inoculated bacterial population starting from the lowest irradiation dose and there was no detection of bacterial growth from the 15 kGy dose, while in the non-irradiated samples were found with 104CFUmL-1 of bacteria. Therefore, this work concludes that the gamma radiation is effective on the reduction of the microbial population, cause discrete physical-chemical alterations, and could be used as a hard capsule sterilization technique.

Enhancement Effect of BAP and Spent Mushroom Compost in Micro-Propagation of Sabah Snake Grass

Medicinal plants which is Clinacantus nutans (C. nutans) that known as Sabah Snake Grass or Belalai Gajah can treat several diseases including cancer. In order to provide and grow this plant in large number for health and pharmaceutical industry, one of the solutions is through the plant tissue culture technique. In this experiment, C. nutans was cultured under controlled conditions which to provide sterile plantlets. The surface sterilization using three methods which involved ethanol, Clorox and mercuric chloride. In the comparison of them, it was found that the use of 70% ethanol (5 min) followed by 30% clorox (5 min) then with 0.1% mercuric chloride for one hour was the most effective sterilization method which gave the highest survival rate (100%) and zero contamination rate. The sterile explants were then cultured in media containing different concentrations of Benzylaminopurine (BAP) and Pleurotus ostreatus Spent Mushroom Compost (SMC). The SMC was tested and compared in powder and extracted form. The observations were made every week on responds of the culture using variables which are number of shoots, length of shoots and number of leaves. This article was aimed to evaluate the enhancement effect of BAP and SMC in micro-propagation of Sabah Snake Grass. The authors found that the best concentration for BAP is 1.0 μM. It produced 3.5±0.926 number of shoots and 2 μM BAP produced 7.286±1.496 number of leaves in their findings. When BAP and SMC were tested in combination, they managed to produce high number of shoots and leaves. Their result revealed a number of shoots (5.750±0.500) produced by 2% extract of SMC and some leaves (11.890±1.965) by 8% extract of SMC when both were cultured together with 1.0 μM BAP respectively. The authors thought that there was enhancement effect on the combination of BAP with extracts of SMC which gave about double regeneration rate as compared with the BAP alone and this method had high potential for future research in producing mass propagation of C. nutan and other related study by reducing the usage of plant growth regulator which may reduce the cost of micro-propagation of tissue culture plants.

Organization and workflow management of central sterile supply department of a tertiary care hospital of Haryana

Background: Nosocomial infection cause significant health issues and economic loss to the patients as well as the health care facilities. To combat hospital acquired infections, hospitals need an effective method of disinfection and sterilization which can be taken care by the central sterile supply department (CSSD). The objective of establishing a CSSD is to make reliably sterilized articles available at the required time and place. Aim and objectives were to study the organization and workflow management of CSSD of a tertiary care institution.Methods: This observational study was carried out from February 2018 to April 2018. An observation checklist was used for the purpose of study after obtaining permission from appropriate authorities.Results: CSSD of the institution is centrally located within the hospital premises and has 11 staff members. Linen, cotton, dressings, instruments and trays are sterilized in the CSSD. Sterilization is done by steam sterilization and gas sterilization with a total of seven autoclaves and two ETO machines. Physical, chemical and biological indicators are regularly used during the process of sterilization.Conclusions: CSSD of the institution is contributing its part towards reduction of nosocomial infections. Quality of standards for sterilization and disinfection is maintained.