Compatibilité avec la stérilisation des systèmes de barrière stérile

Technical White Paper

1. Introduction

The compatibility between sterile barrier systems (SBS) and sterilization processes is a critical engineering consideration in medical device packaging design. Inappropriate material-process combinations may lead to insufficient sterilant penetration, material degradation, or loss of microbial barrier integrity.

This technical white paper focuses on material compatibility principles for commonly applied sterilization technologies, with particular emphasis on ethylene oxide (EtO) and low-temperature sterilization processes used for complex and heat-sensitive medical devices.

2. Sterile Barrier System Requirements

Permeability to the selected sterilizing agent
Resistance to thermal, physical, and chemical stresses
Post-sterilization microbial barrier integrity
Stability during storage, transport, and handling

3. Sterilization Processes and SAL Considerations

Sterilization processes are validated to achieve a defined Sterility Assurance Level (SAL), typically 10^-6 for medical devices. Achieving this level of assurance requires alignment between device design, packaging materials, and sterilization system capability.

4. Overview of Applicable Sterilization Technologies

4.1 Ethylene Oxide (EtO) Sterilization

Ethylene oxide sterilization is widely applied for devices sensitive to heat and moisture. Typical EtO processes operate at 30–60 °C under controlled humidity conditions, enabling effective sterilization of complex geometries and porous packaging systems.

From an engineering perspective, industrial ethylene oxide sterilization systems are designed as integrated solutions combining sterilization chambers, gas circulation, humidity control, and emission management.

Figure 1. Relationship between EtO process parameters and sterile barrier material permeability.

4.2 Low-Temperature Oxidative Sterilization

Vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) and hydrogen peroxide gas plasma systems provide rapid cycle times and low operating temperatures. However, their strong oxidative properties impose stricter limitations on compatible packaging materials compared with EtO sterilization.

5. Material Compatibility Analysis

5.1 Porous Materials for Gas Sterilization

Medical grade paper and polyolefin non-woven materials are commonly used in sterile barrier systems for EtO sterilization due to their controlled porosity and ability to maintain microbial barrier performance after sterilization.

Table 1. Typical packaging materials and compatibility with EtO and low-temperature sterilization processes.

5.2 Films and Composite Structures

Impermeable films and laminated composite materials are widely used in pouches, reels, and blister packaging. Compatibility depends on polymer composition, laminate structure, and resistance to sterilization-induced thermal and chemical stress.

6. Engineering Implications for Sterilization System Design

Packaging material compatibility must be evaluated together with sterilizer performance, including gas distribution uniformity, load configuration, and post-sterilization aeration efficiency.

This is particularly important for large-scale production using industrial EtO sterilization equipment , where process robustness and residue control are critical.

7. Engineering Capability Statement

Engineering teams delivering EtO sterilization systems must integrate packaging compatibility considerations into system design, validation strategy, and environmental control.

Download

Download the BOCON Ethylene Oxide Sterilizer Product Catalog (PDF)

Table 2. Comparison of ethylene oxide and low-temperature oxidative sterilization from a packaging material perspective

Comparison Aspect	Ethylene Oxide (EtO)	VHP / H?O? Plasma	Engineering Implications
Operating Temperature	30–60 °C	< 60 °C	Both suitable for heat-sensitive devices
Packaging Material Range	Broad	Limited	EtO compatible with most porous materials
Compatibility with Cellulose	Suitable	Not Suitable	Cellulose reacts with hydrogen peroxide
Penetration Capability	High	Limited	EtO penetrates complex loads more effectively
Cycle Time	Long	Short	EtO requires aeration; VHP optimized for speed
Residual Risk	Requires control	Minimal	EtO needs validated aeration
Load Complexity	High tolerance	Limited	VHP penetration constraints
Material Degradation Risk	Low	Moderate	Oxidative stress affects polymers
Typical Applications	Complex medical devices	Simple, low-mass devices	Process selection driven by design constraints
Packaging Design Flexibility	High	Restricted	EtO allows wider material selection

This comparison highlights that sterilization method selection must consider packaging material compatibility, load complexity, and residual management requirements in addition to cycle time.