The sterilization of
plastic containers for beverage, food and pharmaceutical products is a
significant cost to the associated industries. Currently, plastic containers are
sterilized using heat, which necessitates the use of polymers that can withstand
the high temperature without degrading or deforming. These heat resistant
polymers have a cost of up to 1.7 times that of comparable lower temperature
products. As such, any improvements in the sterilization process will have a
large econ omic impact.
Researchers at
Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory have developed a new process for
sterilization of plastic containers does not employ heat, gamma radiation or
chemical agents. The method uses a cold plasma discharge under partial vacuum
conditions. This new method lends itself to high speeds and volumes as
sterilization takes place in seconds. The process uses non-exotic equipment. A
functional prototype of the equipment exists. Patent protection is
pending.
The U.S. Department
of Energy's Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory is a Collaborative National
Center for plasma and fusion science. Its primary mission is to develop the
scientific understanding and the key innovations which will lead to an
attractive fusion energy source. Associated missions include conducting
world-class research along the broad frontier of plasma science and providing
the highest quality of scientific education. For additional information about
Princeton Plasma Physic s Laboratory, please visit the home page at
http://www.pppl.gov.
For more information
please
contact:
William H. Gowen
Office of Patents and
Licensing
Princeton University
5
New South Building
Princeton, NJ 08544-0036
(609) 258-6762
(609) 258-1159 fax
wgowen@princeton.edu