Sporosan®: an alliance for the future of hygiene
What happens when you combine the engineering expertise of a global player with an innovative start-up specialising in disinfection? In this interview with Meiko – a manufacturer of cleaning and disinfection technology – and the founders of Nebula Biocides, we explore their collaboration and the process they've developed that promises to make hygiene procedures faster, safer and more sustainable. To see the process in action, join us at the congress of the German Society for Hospital Hygiene (DGKH) in Berlin at the end of April!
How was Sporosan® created?
Jörn Winter (Nebula Biocides): It all began with plasma medicine research at the Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology. We discovered that certain processes lead to the formation of peroxynitrous acid (ONOOH) – an incredibly powerful molecule with an extremely short lifespan of only around one second. That immediately raised the question of whether this active substance could somehow be controlled and systematically harnessed for disinfection processes. Over the course of several years, that idea evolved into a viable, ready-to-use system.
Ansgar Schmidt-Bleker (Nebula Biocides): Our goal was never simply to develop another disinfectant, but to find a new approach for situations where conventional methods reach their limits.
What makes this approach different?
Ansgar Schmidt-Bleker: Instead of being stored ready for use, the active agent is produced "just in time" during the process itself. Once disinfection is complete, it breaks down entirely without leaving any persistent residue of the active substance.
Jörn Winter: That ensures excellent material compatibility and a minimal environmental footprint. At the same time, it delivers rapid efficacy within seconds against a broad spectrum of pathogens, including bacterial spores.
What led to the collaboration between Nebula Biocides and Meiko?
Marijan Simundic (Meiko): The idea of sporicidal disinfection in washer-disinfectors is something we've been thinking about for a long time. This new mode of action has finally made it a viable option.
That's exactly where the strength of our partnership lies: Nebula Biocides provides the new chemical-process-driven approach, and we supply the experience in mechanical engineering, process integration and practical application. But Sporosan® is more than just a product. We see it as the foundation for developing numerous innovations that extend far beyond washer-disinfectors – we already have several in the pipeline.
Where can people see Sporosan® in action?
Marijan Simundic: We will be exhibiting together this April at the DGKH congress in Berlin at stand B12. On 28 April, we'll also be at a symposium there talking about the principles, efficacy and diverse applications of Sporosan®.
Ansgar Schmidt-Bleker: And during our scientific presentation that same day, we will focus specifically on automated broad-spectrum disinfection. We hope to see you there!
More information here.