ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces a new sterilization method that uses brief, intense flashes of broad-spectrum white light for sterilization. The sterilizing effects of PureBright® are due to the rich, broad-spectrum ultraviolet content, short duration and very high peak power of the light pulse. The method can sterilize products on-line at high throughput, since one to a few flashes yield high levels of microbial kill, and tens of flashes can be produced per second. The high killing effects obtained with pulsed light are easily demonstrated using a simple method treating different concentrations of a test microorganism in 25 mL droplets dried onto the surface of medium. The Food and Drug Administration has proposed that, wherever possible, drugs and devices should be terminally sterilized. PureBright® pulsed light is a rapid, high rate and throughput processing method that produces no residuals in most instances; it can be easily integrated for on-line sterilization.
