Reference Library-Technical Note

AlfaSIP™ - Sanitization by Pure Chlorine Dioxide

AlfaSIP gas inactivates microorganisms by oxidizing key components in proteins that regulate cell metabolism. Cell death is caused by a loss of permeability control and ultimately membrane potential. By oxidizing these specific protein components, chlorine dioxide is reduced to inactive byproducts. The chemical reaction pathway prevents the formation of free chlorine, trihalomethanes (THMs) or haloacetic acids (HAA5).

When used as directed, this chlorine dioxide-generating product is proven effective as: a disinfectant against: Candida albicans, Listeria monocytogenes, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), Mycobacterium bovis (TB), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica, Staphylococcus aureus, Trichophyton mentagrophytes (athlete's foot) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis; a virucide against Adenovirus type 5, Canine Parvovirus, Coronavirus, Feline Calicivirus, Hepatitis A, Herpes Simplex-2, Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1), Influenza-A, Norovirus (feline calici used as testing surrogate), Poliovirus-1, Rhinovirus type 37, Rotavirus, and Vaccinia and a sanitizer against E. coli (and E. coli O157:H7), Klebsiella pneumonia, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella typhimurium (MDRS), and S. aureus.

What is chlorine dioxide?
It is not chlorine, hypochlorous acid, or bleach

"In contrast to the use of chlorine or hypochlorous acid or bleach, chlorine dioxide is not a chlorinating agent. It does not form chlorinated organic by-products. This is an important distinction between the use of chlorine (Cl2, HOCl, OCl-), and chlorine dioxide (ClO2). In reactions with organic materials, chlorine invariably forms volatile chlorine-containing organic by-products."

Observations and Comments on the Use of Chlorine Dioxide for the Decontamination of the Hart Office Building", Gilbert Gordon, Ph.D., Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, OH.

Chlorine dioxide is certainly is not chlorine, hypochlorous acid, or bleach. In water, all of these compounds, including chlorine gas, rely on hypochlorous acid for biocidal effects.

Hypochlorous acid ionizes in water producing the OCl- radical that is approximately 1% as effective as the active biocide HOCl. However, HOCl itself reacts with natural organic matter (NOM) through substitution reactions to produce chlorinated byproducts such as trihalomethanes (THMs).

Biocidal Efficacy

Chemical properties make a difference

Chlorine Dioxide has less than ½ the oxidation potential of ozone, is 36% lower than bleach and 47% lower than peracetic acid. This, coupled with the fact that the activated solution does not alter the pH of the solution, translates to better compatibility with materials prone to oxidation.

Because it can gain 5 electrons, chlorine dioxide has a higher oxidation capacity than bleach, ozone, peracetic acid, or peroxide.

Properties of Pure Chlorine Dioxide - Advantageous in Biopharmaceutical Applications

Pure gas diffusing from the surface of the AlfaSIP solution decontaminates closed vessels, even in the head space.

Rapid flushing from tanks and piping, usually in a few volumes of water. Leaves no residue nor film.

Accommodates heat-sensitive equipment that cannot currently be effectively disinfected.

Chlorine dioxide presence is easily, accurately measured using cost effective, readily available detectors or test strips.

Able to penetrate and eradicate organic matter and slime established on surfaces and lines. Permits quick and easy removal.

Not corrosive to most materials, including ultracentrifuge components, at normal use concentrations.

Generated on-site without need for capital equipment.

Easier to use than other chemical disinfecting solutions. Unused solution can normally be sent to sewer without additional treatment (check local regulations first).

Click here for more product information and information about a Free Trial sample.

Downloads

Printable Versions:

Technical Notes

AlfaSIP™ - Sanitization by Pure Chlorine Dioxide

Custom Installation

Gradient Materials

Linear Scale-up Rotors for KII & PKII Ultracentrifuges

Protocol Development Technology on the AW Promatix 1000™

The Reorienting Gradient Technique

Single Step Clarification, Concentration and Purification

Application Notes

K Series Rotors for KII Production Scale Ultracentrifuges

PK Series Rotors for PKII Pilot Scale Ultracentrifuges

Return to Tech/App Note list

© 2007 Alfa Wassermann Separation Technologies  | All Rights Reserved.