Comparison and analysis of the electromagnetic radiation, ionizing radiation and other physical technologies for disinfection and sterilization

Disinfection and sterilization technologies are of great significance in the food industry, medical field and water treatment, et al. Compared with traditional chemical and thermal methods, physical disinfection and sterilization approaches such as γ-rays, X-rays, electron beams, microwaves, low-temperature plasmas, ultraviolet rays and high-voltage pulsed electric fields have the advantages of no environmental pollution, low sterilization temperatures, no chemical residues, and so on. These physical disinfection and sterilization approaches are getting increasing concerns because of unique advantages. In this paper, the mechanisms of present physical disinfection and sterilization technics were summarized. The advantages and disadvantages of these physical means as well as their application areas are reviewed. Based on the superiorities and drawbacks of each method, different approaches should be adopted for the disinfection and sterilization of specific objects. Moreover, this paper highlights the trends on development of physical disinfection and sterilization approaches and proposes the extensive demands of the physical approaches on various aspects of our life.