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A plastic labware that is used repeatedly for
experiments needs to be free from any contaminants to ensure a precise
result. To ensure this plastic labware are sterilised. In this section
different techniques of sterilisation are discussed.
Autoclaving : Autoclaving of plastic labware is done at 121°C,
15 psi for half an hour. Before autoclaving process ensure that the caps
are properly loosened or removed so as to check any accidental
implosion. It has been seen that few chemicals with no appreciable
effect on plastic resins at room temperature causes deterioration during
autoclaving temperatures. That is why they must be removed with
distilled water prior to autoclaving. Resins like Polymethylpentene,
PFA, Polypropylene, polypropylene copolymer can be autoclaved repeatedly
at 121°C/15 psi with a 15 minutes cycle length. Polysulfone (PSF)
and polycarbonate (PC) although autoclavable, but gets weakened on
repeated autoclaving. Nylon polyurethane, polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl
chloride (PVC), acrylic, LDPE(Low density polyethylene) and HDPE
(high-density polyethylene) labware cannot be autoclaved under any
conditions.
Gas Sterilization : Generally all types of resins can be gas
sterilized (ethylene oxide, formaldehyde). Before using the item it is
essential to permit a suitable aeration time suited to the particular
application.
Chemical Disinfectants : Mostly all types of plastics
mentioned can be treated to commonly used disinfectants like ethanol,
benzalkonium chloride, formalin, iodophors, quaternary ammonium
compounds etc. However on prolonged use of an aggressive chemical on
less resistant plastics like polycarbonate and acrylic there may be some
surface attack.
Dry Heat : Some of the resins for which dry heat is advised
includes ETFE, PFA, PMP, PSF, and TFE. For example for PSF the maximum
temperature applied is 160°C and minimum sterilization time is 2
hours.
Microwaving : It has been seen that all plastics permits
allow microwaves transmission. Among popular plastic labware PMP and PSF
are most transparent to microwaves.
Radiation : Gamma irradiation at 2.5 (Mrad) is done with
unstable plastic.
