sterilisation

(noun)

Sterilization (or sterilisation) is a term referring to any process that eliminates (removes) or kills all forms of microbial life, including transmissible agents (such as fungi, bacteria, viruses, spore forms, etc.) present on a surface, contained in a fluid, in medication, or in a compound such as biological culture media.

Related Terms

Examples of sterilisation in the following topics:

  • Effective Disinfection

    • A perfect disinfectant would offer full microbiological sterilisation, without harming humans and would also be non-corrosive.
    • A perfect disinfectant would also offer complete and full microbiological sterilisation, without harming humans and useful forms of life.

  • Considerations in Microbial Control

    • Sterilization (or sterilisation) is a term referring to any process that eliminates (removes) or kills all forms of microbial life, including transmissible agents (such as fungi, bacteria, viruses, and spore forms) present on a surface, contained in a fluid, in medication, or in a compound.
    • Disinfection does not necessarily kill all microorganisms, especially resistant bacterial spores, so it is less effective than sterilisation.

  • History of Microbiology: Hooke, van Leeuwenhoek, and Cohn

    • Lazzaro Spallanzani (1729–1799) found that boiling broth would sterilise it and kill any microorganisms in it.