Sterilization Methods

[Hunter44]

Anyone ever read thru this or something similar for proper sterilization methods on vials, beakers, etc..? Been trying to do some research on how to properly sterilize items we would use for home brew and ran across this.

http://www.cdc.gov/hicpac/Disinfection_Sterilization/6_0disinfection.html

 

[Docd187123]

Interesting but what exactly are you trying to sterilize with these processes?

 

[Hunter44]

Interesting but what exactly are you trying to sterilize with these processes?

Beakers (bottom part of a filter top unit, glass (hybex)), vials, butyl stoppers.

Basically I'd filter the gear thru a .22um filter into media bottle, then into vial and cap it (but the link mentions there are potential viruses/bacteria that can get thru those too. I read an auto clave is best (link even mentions it), but right now I don't have one, and not sure it's 100% needed. Came across this and the various chemicals and methods and was wondering if the info could be used to properly sterilize those items. Also read varying opinions on using the oven and dry heat. Trying to do as much research into sterilization before embarking down this road and what is "acceptable". There is a lot to weed thru on the web.

 

[Docd187123]

Beakers don't need to be sterile just clean.

As for the glass media jar (bottom half of bottle top filter) and glass vials, simply clean them with warm water and detergent (something without fat) or lab glass cleaner. Rinse them off a few times and do a few rinses with distilled water. Put in oven or toaster oven at 500deg F for ~2hrs. For butyl stoppers, soak in isopropyl for 15-30min then out in oven or toaster oven at 180-200deg F until alcohol evaporates.

Instead of an autoclave you can use a pressure cooker that operates at 15PSI. Make a stand so the vials don't touch the water at the bottom. Pressure cook for 1-2hrs after filling and dealing the vials.

 

[Hunter44]

Thanks! Much appreciated!

 

[Big_paul]

You can also buy sterile vials from gpz. If I am only filtering a small amt, its worth it paying a couple bucks more for vials.

 

[Hunter44]

Thought about the pre-sterilized vials, might go that route for a first test run on a small batch.

I've looked into the pressure cooker before and sounds solid in place of an autoclave, couple questions come to mind where I have found conflicting opinions.

First how much distiller water is safe to add to ensure you don't run out while pressure cooking? I know with foods they recommend different levels based on the time and type of food.

2nd, I read on bass killer that pressure cooker shouldn't be used with oil based injectable's, but if it's sealed, not sure why?

3rd does the pressure cooker affect the hormone at all (degrade it), or is it too minor to mention.

Thanks!

 

[Docd187123]

Thought about the pre-sterilized vials, might go that route for a first test run on a small batch.

I've looked into the pressure cooker before and sounds solid in place of an autoclave, couple questions come to mind where I have found conflicting opinions.

First how much distiller water is safe to add to ensure you don't run out while pressure cooking? I know with foods they recommend different levels based on the time and type of food.

2nd, I read on bass killer that pressure cooker shouldn't be used with oil based injectable's, but if it's sealed, not sure why?

3rd does the pressure cooker affect the hormone at all (degrade it), or is it too minor to mention.

Thanks!

1) you don't need distilled water in the pressure cooker. Tap will do fine. Put as much water in as you can but like I said, you need a stand or something to make sure the vials don't sit in the water. The vials should be completely above the water level.

2) autoclaving works great as a sterilization method but for oil based compounds it's slightly less effective bc of the ability of the heat to penetrate oil. I make sure to run it slightly longer than the hour normally recommended. But it's an acceptable method when other methods are not an option.

3) pressure cooker doesn't get hot enough to damage the hormone.