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Review of Chemicals Used to Control Microbial Growth definitions

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  • Alcohols
    Organic compounds with at least one hydroxyl group, commonly used as liquid agents to control microbes.
  • Aldehydes
    Organic compounds containing a CHO functional group, effective in microbial control.
  • Biguanides
    Chemicals derived from biguanide molecules, used as liquid agents for microbial control.
  • Halogens
    Group including chlorine and iodine, used for disinfecting water and as antiseptics.
  • Chlorine
    Halogen chemical used to disinfect swimming pools and drinking water, effectiveness varies by form and concentration.
  • Iodine
    Halogen often used as an antiseptic, available in tincture or iota forms.
  • Surfactants
    Surface-active agents like soaps, detergents, and quats, aiding in microbial removal or destruction.
  • Soaps
    Biodegradable natural surfactants that remove microbes from surfaces but do not kill them.
  • Detergents
    Synthetic surfactants that do not form scum in hard water and can include antimicrobial types.
  • Quats
    Cationic detergents with antimicrobial properties, safe for food preparation and disrupt microbial membranes.
  • Heavy Metals
    Elements like copper and silver with high densities, used for microbial control.
  • Phenolics
    Chemicals derived from phenol, historically used as surgical sterilizers.
  • Peroxygens
    Strong oxidizing agents such as paracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide, used for sterilization at low concentrations.
  • Ethylene Oxide
    Highly flammable gaseous sterilizer requiring controlled chamber treatment.
  • Ozone
    Unstable oxygen form (O3), strong oxidizer causing cell lysis for microbial control.