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Alcohols |
The alcohols used in disinfectants generally refers to ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol. The best bactericidal concentration of alcohols is 60%-90% (v/v). Alcohol has bactericidal activity against a variety of microorganisms, and is also an effective virucidal agent. However, alcohol lacks sporicidal activity. |
| Chlorine Compounds |
Chlorine compounds used in disinfectants have the advantages of low price and quick effect. Hypochlorite is the most widely used chlorine compound. The 5.25%-6.15% sodium hypochlorite aqueous solution can be used as a household bleach and has a broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. |
| Formaldehyde |
Formaldehyde inactivates microorganisms by alkylating the amino and sulfhydryl groups of proteins and ring nitrogen atoms of purine bases. The aqueous solution of formaldehyde is a bactericide, tuberculocide, fungicide, virucide and sporicide, with a pungent odor. |
| Glutaraldehyde |
Glutaraldehyde can alter the synthesis of RNA, DNA and protein through alkylation. Disinfectants based on it have excellent bactericidal properties. Glutaraldehyde is noncorrosive to metal and is often used for disinfection of medical equipment, but it is expensive and highly toxic. |
| Hydrogen Peroxide |
Hydrogen peroxide can attack cell components such as membrane lipids and DNA, and it has good activity against bacteria, yeast, fungi, viruses and spores. The concentration of hydrogen peroxide in chemical disinfectants is generally 6%-25%. |
| Iodophors |
Iodine can destroy the structure and synthesis of proteins and nucleic acids, and has bactericidal, virucidal, tuberculocidal and fungicidal activities. Iodophors can be used as an antiseptic and can also be used for the disinfection of medical equipment. |
| Ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA) |
OPA can interact with amino acids, proteins and microorganisms, and has good bactericidal and sporicidal activities. OPA has excellent material compatibility and has better stability than glutaraldehyde. |
| Peracetic Acid |
Peracetic acid is a highly effective disinfectant, which can quickly inactivate bacteria, fungi and yeasts, and also has virucidal and sporicidal activities. Peracetic acid does not produce harmful decomposition products, and it has a bactericidal effect even at low temperatures, but it is considered unstable. |
| Phenolics |
Phenolic compounds have effective bactericidal, fungicidal, tuberculocidal and virucidal activities. Phenolic germicides can be used to disinfect environmental surfaces and non-critical medical equipment. Phenolics are also highly toxic and corrosive. |
| Quaternary Ammonium Compounds |
Quaternary ammonium compounds are widely used as chemical disinfectants. It can quickly act on bacteria, fungi, and lipophilic viruses, and has the advantage of low cost. However, it generally does not have activity against spores, M. tuberculosis and hydrophilic viruses. |
