A simple discovery can have an irreplaceable impact. One such discovery was the sterilization of surgical materials, which became widespread after the 19th-century publication of the treatise “The Antiseptic Principles of Surgery”. Intraoperative mortality decreased from 45% to 9%. The end of that century also saw the development of the first autoclave, a device capable of sterilizing surgical instruments. Its first model used a 6 liter alcohol tank and put the tool in a steam bath like a pressure cooker. Today, autoclaves have come a long way, but they still have something in common. It is the need for energy sources, usually electricity or fuel based, that are not always available in rural areas. This is why a prototype autoclave powered by renewable energy developed by MIT and the Indian Institute of Technology could further democratize its use in disadvantaged areas.
solar autoclave
The research team technology project Sterilize using only solar energy. It has a relatively simple design based on transparent silica airgel developed by researchers, and exhibits excellent thermal insulation performance. Instead of creating a customized device, developers used commercial solar heaters with added insulation to reduce heat loss. On top of that, they complemented it with a polished aluminum mirror that directs the sunlight onto a copper plate with an absorbent black paint coating and a series of tubes that direct the vapors.
A system that normally just heats water, but with advanced insulation and mirrors, it can generate steam. Water is gravity-fed from a top-mounted tank and converted to steam through pipes. Finally, steam is supplied to the autoclave chamber. For effective sterilization, instruments should be placed in a steam bath at 125ºC for at least 30 minutes. Tests conducted in Mumbai on a prototype show that even a day with 70% insolation can reach such temperatures at this time of day.
scalable model
Although the tests were conducted on small units, the researchers believe that a machine with a size of 1-3 square meters can provide the performance required for professional use. Undoubtedly, once it reaches the commercial stage, this technology will be the best ally for surgeons working in developing countries.
The main challenge is the production of silica aerogels, as current technology can only produce small quantities. However, once this hurdle is overcome, the equipment should not cost you anything. Prototypes cost $40, and researchers believe the final model will cost $160 once the airgel is commercially available. Their big achievement so far is producing hot steam in an energy efficient system.
If you want to learn more about other technological advances in the medical field, I recommend reading this article on innovative medical technology.
sauce: MIT
