Removing Bioactive Contaminants by Use of Atomic Oxygen

A method of removing endotoxins and other biologically active organic compounds from the surfaces of solid objects is based on exposure of the objects to monatomic oxygen generated in oxygen plasmas. The mon- atomic oxygen reacts strongly and preferentially with the organic contaminants to form volatile chemical species. The method was developed especially for removing such contaminants as lipopolysaccharides, proteins, lipids, and other biologically active contaminants from surfaces of orthopedic implants prior to sterilization and implantation; if not removed, these con- taminants can contribute to inflammation that sometimes necessitates the surgical removal of the implants.