What produces heat and destroys pathogens?

The production of heat in order to destroy pathogens is often achieved through a sterilization technique known as autoclaving. Autoclaves are specialized pressure chambers that rely on high temperature steam to eliminate microorganisms and spores effectively. The process involves placing the materials or equipment to be sterilized within the autoclave chamber and subjecting them to high-pressure steam typically ranging between 121° Celsius (250° Fahrenheit) and 134° Celsius (273° Fahrenheit) for a specific duration. This combination of intense heat and pressure penetrates and destroys the cellular structures of pathogens, including their resistant spores.

Autoclaves are widely used in laboratories, healthcare settings, and various industries to sterilize instruments, medical devices, laboratory consumables, and other materials that cannot withstand high temperatures. The high temperature generated by the steam effectively coagulates proteins and disrupts the integrity of cellular components, ensuring thorough disinfection and eliminating any potential infectious agents.