A Closer Look at Biological Contamination Testing

Creating contamination-free life science containers

Container cleanliness is important for many life sciences applications. In fact, being simply “clean” isn’t enough. Containers need to be completely aseptic, meaning they are “free of contamination from bacteria, viruses or other microorganisms.” 

Although sterilization processes like autoclaving and gamma irradiation can help eliminate viable microbes, they can only do so as a consistent, validated process if the baseline bioburden is below a pre-set limit. 

Certain microorganisms, once killed, can leave behind contamination in the form of endotoxins. Even very small contaminations by some organisms can lead to unacceptable endotoxin levels. RNase, an enzyme that breaks down RNA, and DNase, which breaks down DNA, are prime examples of biological contaminants that can interfere with nucleotide research. 

Savillex employs clean manufacturing processes

The standard Savillex process sees all personnel properly gowned and wearing gloves near part manufacturing, as they are a significant source of microbes. Plus – any finished product is handled and packaged in a way to ensure maximum cleanliness.

Savillex’s Purillex^® range of fluoropolymer bottles, vials, and jars are the ideal containers for use in aseptic processes. Why? For a start, the container material itself provides non-stick properties and has surface characteristics that are not conducive to microbial survival and propagation. 

As well, the very high temperatures used to process fluoropolymers during container manufacturing – and the amount of time the material is at these high temperatures – eliminates virtually all microbes and microbial contamination.

Savillex biological contamination testing methods

Savillex regularly employs three testing methods on Purillex containers to ensure they are free from microbial contamination and suitable for the most critical applications. Read our full technical note and dive into the process and details behind each method.             

But before you check out our technical note, read more about the complete lineup of single-use Purillex containers for life sciences applications.