Final answer:
Cold sterilization refers to the use of chemicals, also known as sterilants, that can eliminate all forms of microbial life including bacterial spores. It's commonly used for heat-sensitive materials where traditional heat sterilization methods are unsuitable.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cold sterilization is achieved through the use of chemicals. Unlike sterilization methods that employ high temperatures, such as autoclaving and pasteurization, cold sterilization uses chemical agents, known as sterilants, to eliminate all forms of microbial life, including bacterial spores, which are typically the most resistant. Chemical sterilization can be crucial for treating heat-sensitive items or substances where traditional heat methods would damage the material being sterilized.
Most sterilants used for cold sterilization are powerful antimicrobial agents capable of destroying all microbes, and with enough exposure time, can even be effective against the hard-to-kill endospores. It is important to carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions, as these chemicals are potent and can be hazardous to human health if not handled properly. Chemical sterilization is suitable for medical, laboratory, and sometimes food industry applications where physical sterilization methods are impractical.