The gamma irradiation process uses Cobalt 60 radiation to kill microorganisms on a variety of different products in a specially designed cell also to help eliminate microbial contamination including viruses, bacteria, pathogens, insects and other undesirable organisms. Gamma radiation is generated by the decay of the radioisotope Cobalt 60, with the resultant high energy photons being an effective sterilant. A key characteristic of gamma irradiation is the high penetration capability, which allows for delivery of target radiation dose to areas of products that may be higher in density. The simplicity, speed and effectiveness of gamma irradiation is what makes it the top choice for sterilization for the food, healthcare and packaging industries.
The gamma irradiation process can effectively treat a wide variety of products composed of different materials, with varying densities, configurations and orientations. Some examples of products processed include:
- Medical devices
- Pharmaceuticals
- Combination drug/device products
- Tissue-based and biological products
- Animal retail products
- Cosmetics and toiletries
- Horticultural supplies
- Packaging materials
What are the Benefits of Gamma Irradiation?
Gamma irradiation is safe, reliable and highly effective at treating a wide variety of products with varying densities. With the ability to penetrate products while sealed in their final packaging, gamma irradiation supports the manufacturing and distribution process by facilitating final packaged products as well as raw material needs, ensuring full sterility of the product.
Gamma sterilization is supported by the internationally recognized consensus standard, ISO 11137, which describes the approach to validating a dose to achieve a defined sterility assurance level (SAL).
Sterilization in an Industry can be done by several techniques such as Dry heating, Autoclaving (Steam sterilization), Gas sterilization (e.g. Ethylene oxide sterilization) etc., besides sterilization using Gamma rays. But the sterilization using Gamma rays has the following advantages:
Unlike heat sterilization or steam sterilization, Gamma ray sterilization does not significantly increase the temperature of the products and therefore can be used to sterilize safely even the heat sensitive materials as well as materials in frozen condition.
Unlike Ethylene oxide sterilization, Gamma sterilization does not leave any harmful residue. Products when exposed to Gamma rays from Cobalt-60 source at optimum dose level there is absolutely no danger of radioactivity or toxicity. Radiation processed products does not become radioactive as in similar case our body does not start emitting X -rays after being X-rayed.
Gamma sterilization is performed after packaging of the products in the final containers and does not involve any aseptic handling. Product sterility is retained indefinitely, as long as the packaging is intact.
Sterilization of products of any shape can be achieved due to the high penetrability of Gamma rays.
Gamma ray sterilization is non-polluting, environment friendly process and since it is a continuous process, the results are more uniform than gas or high temperature sterilization.
Why GAMMA IRRADIATION ?
Gamma irradiation is known as a ‘Cold Process’ as the temperature of the processed product does not increase significantly. It is also a chemical free process that is not reliant on humidity, temperature or pressure. Gamma Radiation is the most widely accepted choice, both by manufacturers & end-users. In the sterilization of medical products it offers an array of benefits. Pricing & sterility assurance on one side there is a long-list of other rewarding features like:
- Causing least damage to the basic material compared to any other preservation technique.
- Zero condensate drainage & heat stress in the process as there is no moisture or heat generation in the method.
- Environment friendly process.
- “Time of Exposure” is the only factor that needs to be checked.
- Speedy Process.|
- Sterilizes product of various dimensions.
- Product can be used immediately.
- Does not leave any residual fumigants.
- Can sterilize heat sensitive products.
- Inhibits sproutina of tuber. bulbs & rhizomes in Onion & Potato
- Extends shelf life by purging damage due to insect disinfestations & microbial load in cereals & legumes.
- Delays early ripening in fruits like mangoes.
- Eliminates pathogens & parasites like E Coli & Salmonella.
- Thoroughly sanitizes spices & condiments.
- Eliminates the quarantine barrier.
