Final answer:
Ethylene oxide sterilization is the most suitable method for sterilizing textiles, non-wovens, polyolefin wraps, paper-plastic pouches and rolls, Tyvek pouches, polyethylene, and rigid sterilization containers, due to its high penetration and effectiveness for heat-sensitive materials.
Step-by-step explanation:
Suitable Sterilization Method for Different Packaging Materials
The sterilization method suitable for textiles, non-wovens, polyolefin wraps, paper-plastic pouches and rolls, Tyvek (all-plastic) pouches, polyethylene, and most rigid sterilization containers is ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization. Ethylene oxide is an alkylating agent used for gaseous sterilization. It is highly effective for penetrating and sterilizing materials within plastic bags, which includes a broad range of items from catheters to laboratory disposables like packaged Petri dishes, making it ideal for heat-sensitive items. The benefit of using ethylene oxide is its ability to perform cold sterilization, avoiding damage to heat-sensitive materials. However, it is crucial to handle ethylene oxide with care due to its carcinogenic and explosive properties. Proper aeration after the sterilization process is necessary to ensure safety and efficacy.
Although ethylene oxide is suited for the materials listed, alternative methods such as radiation sterilization using gamma rays and X-rays are also applicable, especially for items that need to remain packaged during the sterilization process. Dry-heat and moist-heat sterilization methods, such as autoclaving, are typically less suitable for the materials mentioned as they can alter or damage heat-sensitive packaging.