Beta-Propiolactone in Sterilization of Vaccines, Tissue Grafts, and Plasma

• Beta-propiolactone seems to be a superior sterilizing agent for biologicals because of its capacity to inactivate a wide variety of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. At the same time, this chemical has a minimal effect on proteins, avoiding final neutralization, and produces relatively nontoxic end products. The rapid penetration of tissues allows safer and more homogenous tissue grafts of arteries, bone, and cartilage. Although use of the product against the hepatitis viruses has not been studied, since this is yet not possible, beta-propiolactone produces plasma that will keep for long periods and will be well tolerated by patients.