| abstract |
The present invention relates to a method for prion decontamination comprising (i) contacting an entity to be contaminated with detergent, (ii) contacting said entity with one or more proteases, and optionally (iii) autoclaving said entity. The detergent may be sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS), and the proteases are selected from a group consisting of ProteinaseK, papain, pronase, and bromelain. The method is directed to the cleaning of surgical instruments and in particular to the removal of the prion agents responsible for vCJD from said medical equipment. The invention further relates to kits comprising detergents and proteases, and compositions comprising proteases and detergents. |