Final answer:
c.disinfectants. The most effective sterilization method is autoclaving, which surpasses other methods like boiling, chemicals, and disinfectants due to its ability to kill all forms of microbial life,
Step-by-step explanation:
The most effective method of sterilization is autoclaving. Autoclaves operate by using moist-heat sterilization, which involves raising temperatures above the boiling point of water, commonly at 121 °C or occasionally at 132 °C under a pressure of 15 to 20 psi. This method is efficient in killing not only vegetative cells and viruses but also endospores, which are known for their resistance to boiling temperatures and other less rigorous forms of sterilization. Endospores can survive boiling for extended periods, making boiling an ineffective sterilization approach in both laboratory and clinical settings. Charles Chamberland designed the modern autoclave in 1879, and its ability to sterilize without damaging the items has maintained its status as a superior sterilization method compared to boiling, the use of chemicals or disinfectants.
The most effective method of sterilization is autoclaving. Autoclaves use moist-heat sterilization to raise temperatures above the boiling point of water, effectively killing all vegetative cells, viruses, and endospores without damaging the items being sterilized. Autoclaves have been widely used in laboratory and clinical settings for many years due to their high effectiveness.