ABSTRACT
The actions of ionizing radiations on matter and the subsequent interactions of the irradiated molecules are useful for the sterilization of pharmaceutical and surgical supplies. The two most commonly used forms for sterilization are energetic electron beams and electromagnetic radiation. Adventitious impurities in pharmaceutical and surgical supplies may act as energy transfer acceptors, scavengers, or complexants and make radiation sterilization more difficult owing to radioprotective action. To design a protocol for sterilization of a solution or material by ionizing radiation, it is necessary to establish the exposure dose required to kill all living organisms present, which is the definition of the sterilization dose. It is also necessary to consider the physical and chemical environmental factors that cause variations in radiation sensitivity when establishing sterilization doses for the material, for the reasons that have been addressed. Ultimately, the goal of ionizing radiation treatment of pharmaceuticals is to kill all living organisms, that is, to sterilize the product.
