By Dec Group
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Faster BioDec® decontamination using advanced Aerosolized Hydrogen Peroxide (AHP) technology
Dec isolators and airlocks can now be fitted with BioDec® units that generate Aerosolized Hydrogen Peroxide (AHP). This represents a step change in bio decontamination speed and efficiency from previous Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide (VHP) systems, being more cost effective, user-friendly, and time saving.
A scientific study carried out by Dec Poland has shown BioDec® to achieve 6-log spore reduction of bioburden, ensuring robust sterility assurance levels for critical processes. Moreover, the unit achieves these superior results more rapidly and using lower amounts of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) solutions, compared with VHP.
BioDec® Design and Features
BioDec® introduces a new generation of rapid, reliable, and fully integrated hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) decontamination for isolators and airlocks.
H2O2 is precisely metered through the unit. When operated, the unit generates a hydrogen peroxide mist in aerosol form that rapidly and uniformly coats all internal surfaces.
Isolators and airlocks fitted with BioDec® decontamination offer:
- Automatic pressure decay test
- Interlocked visors
- Continuous H2O2 dose monitoring
- No alarm start conditions
- Catalytic aeration for fast cycle
- Real time residual H2O2
BioDec® in action
BioDec’s fast H2O2 aerosol formation and surface deposition results in extremely rapid and thorough sterilization, using a Four Phase Decontamination Cycle:
- Preconditioning – System checks, RH reduction, and line priming with aqueous H2O2.
- Conditioning – Controlled H2O2 aerosol injection into the isolator and CG void.
- Decontamination – Defined exposure time at a constant, validated dosage.
- Aeration – HEPA filtered fresh air and catalytic panels rapidly remove residual H2O2.
Validated results
The advantages of AHP over VHP for glovebox unit decontamination have been quantified in a case study authored by Dr. Kamila Gawel and Dr. Tomasz Regula, of Dec Poland.
They compared gas-phase hydrogen peroxide decontamination (VHP) and aerosolized hydrogen peroxide decontamination (AHP) of two isolator systems of identical size and chamber volume, with both systems unloaded (empty chambers) to ensure equivalent testing conditions.
They found that the VHP decontamination cycle (all biological indicators showing negative growth) took 70 minutes, whereas successful AHP decontamination was completed in only 15 minutes. Further, while effective VHP decontamination required 67.5 g of hydrogen peroxide solution for every cubic meter of internal space, the AHP decontamination used only 12 g/m3.
They also noticed that while the contact time was more than three times longer in the VHP cycle, some biological indicators survived and demonstrated positive growth results, suggesting that AHP effectiveness is likely due to a dual interaction mechanism, involving not just exposure to the H2O2 vapor but also to the thin liquid film of biocidal agent deposited on surfaces.
AHP benefits
The greatest advantage of aerosolized hydrogen peroxide decontamination (AHP) is its exceptionally high efficacy combined with a significantly shorter cycle time, providing a substantial advantage over conventional vapor-phase decontamination.
In addition, BioDec’s use of catalytic decomposition further reduces aeration time, resulting in a considerable reduction in overall cycle duration.
Because BioDec® generates hydrogen peroxide in a concentrated form directly at the point of use, inside the isolator chamber, it can be utilized with minimal losses. This contributes not only to high decontamination performance but also to low biocide consumption.
Furthermore, BioDec’s aerosol generator is inherently more compact and energy-efficient because it does not require pre-heating of the liquid hydrogen peroxide solution.
In summary, the BioDec® ultra-fast aerosol generation system combines superior AHP technology with precise metering and HEPA filtered compressed air to deliver rapid, validated, and highly efficient bio decontamination cycles.
Resources
See AHP vs VHP Decontamination in Pharmaceutical Isolators for full case study.
Go to OEB 7-ready Process Isolators to learn more.
BioDec® integrated catalytic panels break down residual H₂O₂ during aeration, reducing concentrations to <1 ppm and enabling fast return‑to‑operation.
BioDec® generates rapid buildup and fall of hydrogen peroxide concentration inside unit for faster decontamination cycle times.
Case study results: AHP vs VHP efficiencies compared. Note compressed cycle time for AHP (right) and residual spore presence after longer VHP cycle (left).
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