Research and development (R&D) is the lifeblood of innovation and advancements in medicine and science. As new technology, research avenues, and guidelines are introduced, it impacts how academic and corporate R&D teams in life sciences approach their work. In recent years, growing regulatory pressures and the pursuit of cost savings, shorter timelines, and enhanced outcomes have driven increased interest in alternative sterilization methods and equipment. This shift aims to provide greater control over experimental conditions, improve research results, and boost development efficiency. By understanding the significance of selecting the appropriate sterilization modality for your specific needs and recognizing the impact of in-lab equipment, you can make more informed decisions that benefit your lab’s performance.  

Contamination Control: The Key to Successful Experiments

In R&D, contamination can be the silent killer of promising experiments. How often have you faced the frustration of experiment failure, only to realize that contaminated materials were the culprit? This common scenario highlights a vital truth: successful experiments rely heavily on the cleanliness and sterility of input materials.

More often than not, it is not your material or device that fails but the contamination that causes the failure. The challenge lies not only in recognizing this fact but in finding solutions that resolve this in your process so that you start with clean, sterile sample materials that deliver a valid experiment.

This is where innovative sterilization equipment, like NovaSterilis’ supercritical CO₂ (scCO₂) technology, comes into play.

NovaSterilis’ sterilization equipment can support R&D teams in life sciences control for contamination by:

1. Offering low-temperature sterilization or contamination control solutions for samples under test or materials that are part of your experiments, particularly valuable for sensitive materials used in R&D settings. 
2. Providing sterilization equipment that can sterilize, clean, and process sensitive materials in a repeatable, predictable manner, providing better control over experimental conditions.

Whether you want to improve the outcomes of your experiments, process sensitive biomaterials with minimal exposure to extreme process parameters, or achieve a repeatable sterility outcome – the right sterilization equipment is essential.

Sterilizing Sensitive Materials: Improving Performance with In-Lab Systems 

When it comes to in-lab sterilization systems for temperature-sensitive materials, options available on the market may seem limited. 

Sterilizing temperature-sensitive materials presents unique challenges. The medical device industry typically looks to Ethylene Oxide, Gamma, E-Beam, or Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide as a means for high-volume, low-temperature sterilization. Each of these can present challenges for implementation within an R&D lab setting. Considerations for an in-lab, benchtop scale implantation include:

• Facility restrictions on the use of radiation emitting equipment and ethylene oxide (EtO)
• Storage and emissions requirements for gas used in the sterilization process 
• Power requirements for equipment
• Physical size is appropriate for a lab setting
• Sterilization technology compatibility for a broad base of materials
• Sterilization technology offers flexibility for adaptation to novel materials 

NovaSterilis’ NovaGenesis platform was developed specifically for the flexibility and practicality required by R&D labs. The NovaGenesis, a scCO₂ low-temperature equipment system, is designed with several key features that make it ideal for research settings:

• Designed for ease of installation and broad applicability (benchtop size, 110V electric)
• CO₂ is widely available and standard facilities are equipped with chem hoods, which can be used for CO₂ventilation
• Broad applicability to biomaterials and polymers that are temperature-sensitive
• Ability to process a wide range of sample types, including liquids, moist materials, fibers, hydrogels, and lyophilized materials 
• Flexibility for applications including sterilization, cleaning, decellularization, and functionalization of biomaterials, allograft, xenograft, and associated devices

By considering in-lab sterilization systems that cater to sensitive materials, both academic and corporate labs can maintain control over experimental conditions, preserve the validity of experiments, reduce delays, and improve the consistency of their research processes.

Preparing for the Future: Alternative In-house Sterilization Equipment for Corporate R&D

For corporate R&D teams, there is an additional factor to consider: the changing regulatory landscape around traditional sterilization methods, particularly ethylene oxide (EO) sterilization. As new guidelines are introduced, many organizations are already looking ahead, recognizing that regulations around EO use are likely to become more stringent in the coming years. This foresight is driving interest in sourcing alternative sterilization modalities.

By beginning conversations and considering new sterilization modalities now, organizations can: 

1. Conduct research runs and compatibility studies with their existing and pipeline products to stay ahead of the curve 
2. Develop expertise in new sterilization technologies
3. Potentially reduce long-term costs associated with outsourced sterilization services
4. Position themselves advantageously for future regulatory changes

The initial investment in alternative in-lab sterilization equipment, such as the scCO₂ NovaGenesis system, can thus be seen as a strategic move, potentially yielding significant cost benefits and competitive advantages in the long run.

The NovaSterilis Advantage for R&D Life Sciences

As we look to the future of R&D in life sciences, it’s clear that sterilization development will continue to play a role in how R&D teams work. Whether the goal is to improve experiment outcomes, process sensitive biomaterials with minimal exposure to extreme parameters, or achieve better sterility levels, the right sterilization equipment can make all the difference.

By considering options like NovaSterilis’ scCO₂ technology, R&D teams can position themselves at the forefront of their field, ready to tackle the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. 

NovaSterilis’ scCO₂ sterilization technology offers several key advantages for R&D teams:

1. Achieve Sterility Assurance Level 10-6
2. Deep penetration capabilities, ensuring consistent sterilization
3. Low-temperature processing, ideal for sensitive materials
4. Versatility in handling various sample types
5. Repeatability and predictability in sterilization processes
6. Establishing sterilization compatibility that is scalable to commercial/regulatory requirements

In the ever-evolving landscape of life sciences research, staying ahead means being prepared. And when it comes to sterilization, preparation starts with having the right equipment in your lab. NovaSterilis‘ scCO₂ technology offers a versatile, efficient, and future-proof solution for R&D teams. 

As you consider your R&D needs for the future, don’t overlook the impact that advanced, in-house sterilization solutions can have on your research outcomes and efficiency. If you’re interested in learning more about NovaSterilis’ Supercritical CO₂ sterilization equipment, contact us today.