Enzymatic Cleaners in Healthcare

An enzymatic cleaner is used in healthcare facilities to aid in the cleaning and decontamination of medical devices and other medical equipment and utensils. Enzymatic cleaners are used in the Endoscopy and Sterile Processing Departments because they contain surfactants designed to lift soils from devices.

HOW DOES AN ENZYMATIC CLEANER WORK?

Enzymatic cleaners contain enzymes, which help to break down soils at a neutral pH (typically pH 6-8). There can be various types of enzymes in enzymatic cleaners, such as proteases, amylases, and lipases which break down various types of soils. All types of enzymes belong to a class of compounds called proteins. Proteins, and thus enzymes, are complex molecules comprised of amino acids that are joined together by peptide bonds.

The complex structure of an enzyme requires less energy to be expended in any reaction that breaks down soils. This can be likened to driving through a mountain using a tunnel rather than traversing up and over the mountain. Either way, you get to the other side but with the tunnel, the journey is much easier.

With or without an enzyme, the same reaction (soil break down) takes place. When using an enzyme, the energy used to break down the soil is lower, and the reaction takes place more quickly. This speeding up and reducing the amount of energy needed for a reaction to take place is known as catalysis, so enzymes act as catalysts for these reactions.

BENEFITS OF USING ENZYMATIC CLEANERS

Enzymatic cleaners have various benefits in the cleaning process of medical devices and instruments including:

• Assisting in the removal and break down of organic soils at neutral pH

• Reducing bioburden

• Cleaning with limited mechanical action in hard to reach areas

• Offering a broader range of material compatibility than alkaline chemistries, for delicate instruments

• Effective at low concentrations and lower temperatures than detergents, allowing for smaller, more ergonomic packaging