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Radiation Inactivation of Bio-hazards Using High Powered Electron Beam Accelerators
Closed for proposals
Project Type
Coordinated Research Project
Project Code
F23033CRP
2220Approved Date
8 November 2017
Status
Closed
Start Date
13 April 2018
Expected End Date
12 April 2022
Completed Date
30 June 2025Participating Countries
Argentina
Brazil
Canada
Egypt
Germany
Hungary
Kuwait
Malaysia
Poland
Portugal
Republic of Korea
Tunisia
Türkiye
United States of America
Description
Radiation technology has emerged as an effective tool for decontamination of biohazards. It has been instrumental in improving the quality of human life through its proven effectiveness in sterilization of medical and healthcare products, and also for improving food safety. Over the years this technology has been primarily based on using gamma radiation sources like Co-60 as the radiation source. However, the emerging concerns regarding the safety and security of radioactive sources coupled with issues related to shipping such materials through normal supply chain process have encouraged industry to look for machine based electron beam radiation sources in future. To bring out the full potential of electron beams in these areas related to treatment of biohazards, it is important to establish a number of factors that include the kinetics of inactivation which is complicated on account of the variety of radiation sources, their dose rates, and energies as well as because of differences in the nature of microbes and their environment. This Coordinated Research Project (CRP) relates to establishing the kinetics of inactivation of microbes at high dose rates so as to use electron beam technology for inactivation of biohazards.
Objectives
Formulate guidelines to enhance and strengthen use of electron beam accelerators for treatment of biohazards of concern under changing conditions such as at high dose rates, different ambient conditions, and varying substrates in applications such as radiation sterilization, hygienization of bio-solids, sanitizing infectious hospital waste or toxic effluents and eliminating deliberate biohazards.
Specific objectives
Demonstrate treatment of biohazards using electron accelerators.
Develop validation procedures for the processes of treating biohazards at high dose rates
Develop guidelines for treatment of biohazards using electron beam accelerators
Dose setting procedures appropriate to specific bio contaminants.
Provide reliable data about radiation inactivation of pathogenic microorganisms and other bio contaminants under varying physical conditions.
Develop appropriate methodologies for treatment of biohazards using electron beam accelerators
Impact
The impact of the CRP F23033, aimed at enhancing and strengthening the use of electron beam (e-beam) accelerators for treating biohazards is multifaceted. First of all, it was clearly demonstrated that electron beam accelerators effectively kill bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens by damaging their DNA/RNA, preventing reproduction. This technology can be used to disinfect medical supplies, protective equipment, and even wastewater, providing a rapid method to control pathogens. By treating biohazardous materials (such as medical waste or contaminated animal products) with e-beams, the spread of infectious diseases, which is crucial in preventing pandemics, can be significantly reduced. Second, as e-beam sterilization is a clean process, it significantly reduces the need for harsh chemicals (e.g., ethylene oxide, formaldehyde) traditionally used in sterilization. This minimizes the release of toxic byproducts, which is beneficial for both the environment and human health. Accelerated biodegradation of organic waste, like animal or plant byproducts, can help manage waste efficiently. Treated bio-waste can even be reused safely, potentially as fertilizer or other byproducts, contributing to a circular economy model. In addition, electron beam technology proved to be useful for food sterilization as it reduces or eliminates pathogens without significant alteration to the food's properties or nutritional content. This enhances food safety, shelf life, and supports export quality standards. Finally, this project encouraged the development of scalable, cost-effective e-beam technology, supporting new applications and research, from industrial sterilization to experimental treatments for other contaminants (e.g., pharmaceutical residues).
Relevance
This CRP is relevant to several IAEA topics (see below) and other CRPs, for example F23034, F23035, and D61025