Product News: New Sanitization Method for Continuous Flow Ultracentrifuges, Ultrafiltration and Chromatography Systems

In downstream processing, time is of the essence and minimizing it is one of the major benefits of the new sanitization and disinfection methods introduced by Alfa Wassermann Separation Technologies. The disinfecting fluid is prepared in advance by placing a patented reagent bag in a reservoir of water to produce a highly effective yet safe solution that can remove residual protein and biofilm and also kills all bacteria and viruses.

The first of the AlfaSIP™ family of products, AlfaSIP-50D produces enough solution to make 8-10 sanitizations and disinfections of the renowned KII and PKII continuous flow ultracentrifuges that purify over 85% of the world's influenza vaccine and also process other vaccines such as rabies, Japanese encephalitis and hepatitis. AlfaSIP-50D is also compatible with ultrafiltration systems and some chromatography columns.

Current sanitization methods include the use of sodium hydroxide. Caustic in itself, it requires careful preparation, storage and use. It must be neutralized with another aggressive reagent, a mineral acid that requires similar attention.

The AlfaSIP fluid is not considered as a contact sensitizer nor toxic in the low concentrations produced. Highly specific in its reaction, only minute quantities are needed compared to other sanitizing agents such are hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, sodium hypochlorite or ozone. Absolutely no chlorine is produced during the operation and metals, plastics and elastomers are unaffected by the product. In most cases, the residual fluid can be disposed of by regular sewers; only the wet reagent bag is treated by the usual chemicals disposal route.