ClorDiSys' Patent for Conversion of Ethylene Oxide Chambers to Chlorine Dioxide Gas for Medical Device Sterilization

BRANCHBURG, N.J., April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ClorDiSys received US patent, System for converting existing ethylene oxide vacuum sterilizers to a chlorine dioxide vacuum sterilizers (patent number 12,201,738 B2). This will allow for the greater expansion of the sterilization modality as well as decrease the barrier to entry for sterilization facilities with existing infrastructure that they desire to transition away from ethylene oxide sterilization technology.

Ethylene oxide (EO) is an effective gas which sterilizes approximately 50% of the world's medical devices. In recent years, it has been deemed a carcinogen and is now under intense scrutiny from regulatory bodies due to its health and environmental impact in areas close to EO sterilization sites. This action has resulted in lawsuits and facility closures which have critically reduced sterilization capacity and consequently, risks of a shortage of medical devices for patients. Chlorine dioxide (ClO₂) gas sterilization is seen as the closest alternative to EO, with significant enhancements as well. Unlike EO, ClO₂ is non-carcinogenic, non-explosive, and lacks harmful residuals. Chlorine dioxide is a true gas, meaning that it will penetrate tight areas and fill a chamber completely and evenly, rather than condense onto surfaces or limit penetration as vapor would. It also sterilizes at ambient temperature, allowing for greater compatibility of temperature sensitive devices. Since it is non-explosive at use concentrations, ClO₂ can sterilize embedded batteries, whereas EO often cannot which limits the ability to innovate devices. One of the factors limiting the transition of sterilization away from EO and to alternative sterilization modalities, has been the limited infrastructure presently in place for ClO₂ sterilization, while there is a large installed base of EO sterilizers. This latest development opens the doors to converting existing EO chambers to ClO_2, easing the transition away from EO.

ClorDiSys' Pure CD™ sterilization method was developed by Johnson and Johnson and is an EPA registered sterilant which produces a non-acidic gas that is gentle on materials. ClorDiSys, established in 2001, is an FDA registered contract sterilization facility, and manufactures sterilization chambers, allowing for sterilization to be brought in-house. Since ClO₂ is non-explosive, it's an economical, simple approach, for manufacturers wanting to save on time and costs and transition to a more environmentally friendly technology. 

Media Contact: Emily Lorcheim, ClorDiSys Solutions, Phone: 908-236-4100, [email protected], 50 Tannery Rd, Suite 1, Branchburg, NJ 08876

SOURCE ClorDiSys Solutions Inc