An autoclave sterilizes by which method?

An autoclave sterilizes by using heat produced by steam under pressure. This method is effective because the high temperature and pressure achieved in the autoclave environment kill microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores. The steam penetrates materials and provides moist heat, which is more effective at killing pathogens than dry heat at comparable temperatures.

The mechanism of sterilization relies on the principle that microorganisms cannot survive prolonged exposure to high temperatures in a moist environment. The combination of heat and pressure raises the boiling point of water, allowing the steam to reach higher temperatures than boiling water alone would achieve. This is why autoclaves are commonly used in medical and laboratory settings to ensure that instruments and materials are free from all living microorganisms.

Other methods mentioned, such as chemical disinfectants, ultraviolet light, and dry heat, are effective in their own contexts but do not provide the same level of sterilization as steam under pressure. Chemical disinfectants may not penetrate all materials or may leave residues, while ultraviolet light requires direct exposure and may not be suitable for all surfaces. Dry heat takes longer to achieve sterilization compared to the moist heat of an autoclave. Thus, the autoclave is the preferred method for ensuring the complete sterilization of equipment