Question

How does an autoclave kill microbes so efficiently?

Answer 1

Autoclave :-
• It is an instrument, which us used for sterilization process.
• It is based on killing of microbes by "moist heat".

• Basic principle of chemistry is that 'when the pressure of gas increases, the temperature of the gas increases proportionally.'
• In autoclave, steam is gas and increasing the pressure in a closed system increases its temperature.

Principle -
• Sterilizing agent - pressurized moist heat.
• Moist heat penetrates objects in autoclave and kills microbes via coagulation of proteins.

Sterilization conditions -
Temperature = 121°C
Pressure = 15 lb per square inch
Time = 15 Minutes

Advantages of autoclave :-
• It requires less energy and time the hot air over (dry heat).
• Large amount of material can be sterilized in one batch.
• Moist heat can penetrate the material, so it sterilizes across the surface.
• Equipments of plastic and rubber can be sterilized.

So, autoclave kill microbes so efficiently because of moist heat, which requires less energy and kills microbes by protein coagulation.