There is an Army need for a portable, power-free, non-steam sterilization for use by Forward Surgical Teams and Combat Support Hospitals to sterilize surgical instruments. The P ortable C hemical S terilizer (PCS) was invented as a revolutionary breakthrough in surgical sterilization technology to meet urgent battlefield needs for energy-independence, lightweight portability, rapid mobility, and rugged durability. The PCS is a Modern Field Autoclave for point-of-use generation of chlorine dioxide. Two PCS units sterilize 4 surgical trays in 1 hour, which is equivalent to one large �Bertha� steam autoclave. However, the PCS operates using 100% less electricity (0 vs. 9 kW) and 98% less water (10 vs. 640 oz.), significantly reduces weight by 95% (20 vs. 450 lbs, a 4-man lift) and cube by 96% (2.1 vs. 602 ft3), and eliminates the difficult challenges of maintenance.The PCS technology proceeds from where no commercial device existed previously and has been validated to effectuate sterilization of Bacillus stearothermophilus and Bacillus atrophaeus spores. The PCS can also operate in less stringent conditions for Food Safety � it inactivates Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli on whole tomato surfaces and inactivates browning enzymes in sliced apples. The PCS and its novel effector chemistry have been Technology Transferred  to industry, government, and academia for commercialization, research, and undergraduate science education.The D isinfectant- sprayer for F oods and EN vironmentally-friendly S anitation (D-FENS) generates aqueous chlorine dioxide in a collapsible spray bottle for decontaminating food handling equipment and field feeding equipment in Army field kitchens and Navy Galleys, medical units, showers, and latrines. Validation tests showed D-FENS eliminated Staphylococcus aureus on porous surfaces, and a controlled release version ('D-FENS Lite') extends the shelf-life of packaged fresh berries. D-FEND ALL (D isinfectant for EN vironmentally-friendly D econtamination, All -purpose) provides a simpler, more convenient method for producing chlorine dioxide in large volumes for disinfecting waste and circulated water.

Portable chemical sterilizer (PCS), D-FENS, and D-FEND ALL: Novel chlorine dioxide decontamination technologies for the military

248th National Meeting (2014)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.