Gaseous sterilization of impermeable containers through use of porous material

1. A device comprising a gas-impervious container having a flowable biomedical material therein and a gas-permeable porous insert having a first end, wherein the insert contacts the flowable biomedical material,

wherein the flowable biomedical material is a curable silicone.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the container is a substantially cylindrical barrel and has a longitudinal axis, and wherein the gas-permeable porous insert is disposed along the longitudinal axis of the substantially cylindrical barrel.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein the container is in the form of a syringe.

4. The device of claim 3 wherein the gas-permeable porous insert is a sleeve.

5. The device of claim 2 wherein the container is in the form of a cartridge adapted for insertion into a syringe.

6. The device of claim 5 wherein the gas-permeable porous insert is a sleeve.

7. The device of claim 1 wherein the flowable biomedical material is neither heat- stable nor radiation-stable.

8. The device of claim 1 further comprising a porous coating upon the gas-permeable porous insert.

9. The device of claim 1 further comprising a porous barrier material having a porosity that is less than that of the porous insert, wherein the porous barrier material is placed adjacent the porous insert.

10. The device of claim 1 having an open end, wherein the first end of the insert is exposed at the open end of the container.

11. The device of claim 1 further comprising a gasket seal contacting the porous insert.

12. A kit comprising:

a) a cartridge having a first bore defining a longitudinal axis, a distal end having a distal endwall, distal openings and activation means, and a proximal end having a proximal opening, and

b) a device having an open end, a flowable biomedical material therein and a gas-permeable porous insert having a first end, wherein the insert contacts the flowable biomedical material,

wherein the flowable biomedical material is a curable silicone, and

wherein the gas-permeable porous insert is permeated with a gaseous sterilant.

13. The kit of claim 12 wherein the gas-permeable porous insert is a sleeve.

14. The kit of claim 12 wherein the first end of the insert is exposed at the open end of the device.

15. The device of claim 1 wherein the gas permeable porous insert is permeated with a gaseous sterilant.