I have read some literature about the chemical based sterilization technique e.g. EtO, Ethanol, PAA based sterilization but I do not how they will effect the PDMS properties. It will be great if someone can guide me on this point.

Hi Muhammad. Greetings! Did you check gamma-irradiation?

Hi Ani,

Thanks for the response, Actually practically I have only tried the Autoclave sterilization technique because it is the only facility we have in the lab. But I have read some literature about the effects of Gamma-irradiation sterilization on PDMS based device. It will make the device more rigid and less sensitive so that's why I am looking for some chemical based technique which do not make any changes in the mechanical properties of the device.

AAMI TIR 17 Compatibility of materials subject to sterilization lists PDMS in its compatibility charts. It only lists PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) fluid in the lubricants section. But I think that the information can probably be extracted to a solid form of PDMS. The tables list 3 possibilities for each material and whether or not the material is compatible with a specific sterilization process: NL - not likely, L - likely and U - unknown. According to the charts the following sterilization methods are NL: radiation sterilization. This method is considered poor to good but there is a tendency for problems to occur especially at higher doses or with high viscosity material. Low viscosity is more stable and lower doses may work. You might want to explore this.

Several sterilization processes are listed as unknown. These include the following: Liquid Peracetic Acid, Hydrogen peroxide - Ozone, Ethylene Oxide, Moist Heat, Dry Heat, Hydrogen peroxide, and Peracetic Acid Vapor. The only method listed as Likely is Nitrogen Dioxide. I hope this information help.