Why you sterlize at 121 Celsius temp for 15 minutes in autoclave?

Answer 1

The sterilisation temperature is defined by the spores of the Geobacillus stearothermophilus. The spores have a D-value of 1,5 min @ 121°C.

D-value means decimal reduction criteria, so it means, that after a treatment of 1,5 min (90 sec) at 121°C 90% of the bacillus spores have "died".

For your process that means a 10x 90% reduction, a 10D concept. This means after 15 min @ 121°C 99,99999999% of the spores of G. stearothermophilus are "gone".

Usual, the food industry demands commercial sterility, which is defined with a 12D concept.

The regular sterilization requirement is usually 20min @121°C (or 5min @ 135°C). Where is your 15min@121°C sterization concept used?

Cheers,

Abraxas

Answer 2

Sterilization at 121 degrees Celsius for 15 minutes in an autoclave is a standard practice because these conditions are effective in killing a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and spores. The high temperature and pressure help to ensure thorough sterilization of the equipment or material being processed, making it safe for use in medical or laboratory settings.

Answer 3

121 Celsius for 15mins chosen- to kill all microbes including endospores

Temperature will not damage any items which has been under sterilization in autoclave