NR AXUM
AU Plinston,C.; Fernie,K.; Prior,F.; Smith,R.
TI Electro-elution, A Novel Method to Remove Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy-associated PrPsc from Stainless Steel Surgical Instruments
QU International Conference - Prion 2007 (26.-28.9.2007) Edinburgh International Conference Centre, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK - Book of Abstracts: Protein Misfolding P01.54
IA http://www.prion2007.com/pdf/Prion Book of Abstracts.pdf
PT Konferenz-Poster
AB
Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy (TSE) infectivity is unusual in being resistant to autoclaving and the most commonly used chemical disinfectants. The iatrogenic transmission of TSEs has been demonstrated via surgical instruments, and concerns have arisen about the efficacy of the conventional decontamination techniques used to reprocess reusable instruments. We have developed the novel cleaning process of electro-elution that utilises an electrical current through an electrolytic buffer to effectively remove protein contamination from the surface of stainless steel.
Stainless steel discs, manufactured as surgical instruments, were contaminated with murine passaged scrapie (ME7) brain homogenate. The discs were subjected to a range of conditions to determine the ability of electro-elution to remove the deposits. To determine whether there was any residual PrPsc remaining on the disc after electroelution Direct Blot was used. Western Blot was used to determine whether there was any PrPsc in the electrolyte solution after the electro-elution process.
Initial experiments removed ME7 brain homogenate from the surface of the stainless steel disc in 5min at 12 volts in 0.5% sodium carbonate electrolyte buffer. These experiments tested up to 5mg equivalent of brain material, with the sensitivity of the Direct Blot being 3.1µg. Examination by Western Blot of the electrolyte buffer after electro-elution has shown no detectable PrPsc present, which suggests the PrPsc molecule is undergoing some form of degradation. Our investigation into the process of electro-elution has shown it can effectively remove dried on protein contamination from the surface of surgical instrument grade stainless steel without any visible signs of damage. The simplicity of the electro-elution process means that it could be used in conjunction with current sterilization techniques to recycle high risk surgical instruments without incurring large financial penalties. Additional research utilizing bioassay techniques is required to determine whether the electro-elution process does
indeed have the capacity to destroy the infectious agent that causes the TSE disease.
AD C. Plinston, K. Fernie, NPU, UK; F. Prior, R. Smith, Trust Sterile Services, UK
SP englisch
PO Schottland