Delox Global

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Delox Global

About Delox

Delox is a company founded in 2018 as a spin-off from the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon. It is dedicated to addressing critical challenges in antimicrobial resistance, healthcare-associated infections, and microbial contamination through high-performance bio-decontamination solutions.

Delox technology can be used by academic institutions, hospitals, microbiology laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, and research centres. These customers seek solutions that combine proven efficacy against resistant microorganisms, ease of use, and operator safety. The Delox Box and its accessories are particularly valued in critical environments where microbial contamination poses significant risks to research, production, or public health.

About the Delox Box

The Delox Box is a compact Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide (VHP) unit specifically designed to easily bio-decontaminate enclosed spaces up to 2 m³, such as biosafety cabinets, isolators, and plant growth chambers.

The Delox Box generates Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide (VHP) from the DeloxHP formulation through a dry, low-temperature process. This technology achieves a 6-log reduction (99.9999%) in microbial contamination.

The duration of a bio-decontamination cycle depends on the size of the enclosure, the required decontamination level, and environmental conditions. On average, the process can range from 30 minutes to 2 hours. The Delox Box’s integrated software allows users to select different cycle profiles, adjusting parameters such as VHP concentration and exposure time. This ensures a flexible and optimised process without compromising 6-log efficacy (99.9999% reduction in microbial load).

Yes. Although designed to be robust and user-friendly, annual preventive maintenance is recommended. This includes inspection of internal systems, calibration, replacement of consumables, and software updates where applicable. This practice ensures maximum equipment performance, extends service life, and maintains compliance with quality and safety standards.

The Delox Box is specifically designed for spaces up to 2 m³, such as biosafety cabinets and pass-through chambers. For larger volumes, Delox offers complementary solutions and can integrate modular systems tailored to customer requirements. The company also provides consultancy services to design customised bio-decontamination projects, ensuring that larger environments, such as cleanrooms or entire laboratories, can be treated with the same level of effectiveness and safety.

The Delox Box is lightweight, easily portable, fits inside most chambers and pass-throughs, requires no external hoses or connectors, and is simple to set up and operate.

It is ideal for isolators, biosafety cabinets, cleanroom pass-through chambers, and other sealed enclosures up to 2 m³.

Yes. Every Delox Box is equipped with integrated cycle management software, offering customisable cycle settings, remote start capability, and an intuitive interface for monitoring and control.

For advanced monitoring, the Delox Box can be paired with the Delox Catalyst (to accelerate hydrogen peroxide decomposition) and the Delox Hydrogen Peroxide Sensor (for real-time VHP concentration monitoring).

No. Delox’s patented process uses dry Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide (VHP), which is highly effective against microorganisms while remaining compatible with most materials, including electronic equipment, cables, plastics, and metals. Unlike methods based on liquid fogging or nebulisation, the Delox process avoids condensation, minimising the risk of corrosion or electronic circuit failure. This compatibility allows laboratories and industrial facilities to use the Delox Box without concern for damaging sensitive equipment.

Nebulisation relies on dispersing tiny liquid droplets into the air, which may leave residues and does not guarantee homogeneous distribution throughout the space. DeloxHP’s advanced vaporisation technology converts hydrogen peroxide into a dry vapour, ensuring uniform distribution that reaches all surfaces, including corners and hard-to-access areas. Furthermore, because it is a dry process, it eliminates the risk of condensation, increasing compatibility with sensitive equipment and improving overall decontamination effectiveness.

Yes. The Delox Box is suitable for high-containment environments such as BSL-3 and BSL-4 laboratories, where controlling high-risk pathogens is essential. In these settings, its proven efficacy against viruses, bacteria, fungi, and spores provides an additional layer of biosafety. The ease of process validation and material compatibility further strengthen its suitability for critical applications.

To ensure maximum effectiveness and safety, the Delox Box should only be used in sealed enclosures. In spaces that are not airtight, VHP may escape into the surrounding environment, compromising decontamination performance and creating potential exposure risks for operators. However, Delox offers monitoring solutions and accessories that can help identify leaks and enhance safety in specific situations.

Safety

The operator must ensure that the enclosure to be decontaminated is properly sealed and that no personnel remain inside during the cycle. The use of the integrated monitoring software is recommended, and for enhanced safety, the Delox Hydrogen Peroxide Sensor can be used to provide real-time VHP concentration measurements. Additionally, internal institutional safety procedures should be followed, and only trained personnel should operate the equipment.

No. After each bio-decontamination cycle, hydrogen peroxide levels inside the enclosure must be verified. Re-entry is only safe when concentrations are below the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 1 ppm. To accelerate this process, the Delox Catalyst can be used to rapidly convert residual hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen, enabling faster and safer re-entry.

Support and Purchasing

Yes. Delox provides initial training to all customers during equipment installation, ensuring operators understand system operation, cycle configuration, and associated safety practices. Additional training sessions are also available for new users or whenever new features are introduced. The objective is to ensure safe, correct, and efficient use of the technology.

Yes. Delox offers both on-site and virtual demonstrations tailored to customer needs. These sessions provide practical insight into how the equipment works, its key advantages, and how it can be integrated into the customer’s specific environment. This approach facilitates decision-making and ensures that the solution meets customer expectations and requirements.

The Delox Box can be purchased directly by contacting Delox through its official website or via its network of certified distributors. The process includes an assessment of customer requirements, a tailored proposal, and ongoing support from delivery through day-to-day operation. In this way, Delox ensures not only the sale of the equipment but also close customer support to maximise satisfaction.

About Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide (VHP)

VHP is considered a green sterilant because it decomposes into water and oxygen, which are environmentally friendly and leave no residues. It is a highly effective broad-spectrum biocide capable of eliminating bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores. VHP bio-decontamination processes are easy to validate, and the vapour is compatible with a wide range of materials, including electronics. It is also non-carcinogenic and exhibits low toxicity at low concentrations, making it safer for personnel.

The Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for chronic inhalation exposure to hydrogen peroxide is 1 ppm, while the Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) level for inhalation exposure is 75 ppm.

Resources and Publications

You can explore the resources available on the Delox website, including articles such as “Biosafety Cabinet Sterilisation Using Delox Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide Technology” and the white paper “Nebulisation vs. Advanced DeloxHP Vaporisation: How to Distinguish Bio-Decontamination Methods?”.