Types of Oxidizing Bactericides

Halogen-based oxidizing disinfectants are the most widely used type of oxidizing disinfectant. They are based on elements such as chlorine, bromine, and iodine, and work by releasing active halide ions (such as ClO⁻ and BrO⁻) to disrupt the enzyme systems or cell membranes of microorganisms. Common varieties include:

Chlorine-containing disinfectants: such as sodium hypochlorite (NaClO), sodium dichloroisocyanurate (C₃Cl₂N₃NaO₃), trichloroisocyanuric acid (C₃Cl₃N₃O₃), and chlorine dioxide (ClO₂). Among these, chlorine dioxide, due to its strong oxidizing properties and lack of reaction with ammonia nitrogen to form carcinogens, is considered an upgraded alternative to traditional chlorine-containing disinfectants and is widely used in drinking water disinfection, aquaculture, and medical wastewater treatment.

Bromine-containing bactericides: Such as active bromine compounds formed by combining sodium bromide (NaBr) with an oxidant. Their bactericidal effect is less affected by pH and they exhibit better stability in alkaline environments than chlorine-containing agents. They are commonly used in industrial circulating cooling water systems.

Iodine-containing bactericides: Such as povidone-iodine (PVP-I), which achieves long-lasting bactericidal effects through the slow release of iodine ions. They are primarily used for skin and mucous membrane disinfection and in aquaculture.

 

Peroxide-based oxidizing bactericides
Peroxides oxidize microbial cell components by releasing active oxygen (such as ·OH, ·O₂⁻), exhibiting broad-spectrum bactericidal activity and harmless decomposition products. Representative products include:

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂): Commonly used for low-temperature sterilization of food processing equipment and medical devices; can be combined with silver ions to enhance stability.

Peracetic acid (CH₃COOOH): Possesses both oxidizing and acidifying properties, showing significant effectiveness against viruses and spores; however, it is highly corrosive and its concentration must be controlled.

Potassium persulfate compound salt: Continuously releases active oxygen through a chain reaction, suitable for space fumigation disinfection in biosafety laboratories and livestock farms.

 

Ozone-based oxidizing bactericides
Ozone (O₃) achieves sterilization by directly oxidizing the lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids of microbial cell membranes. Its oxidizing power is 1.5 times that of chlorine, and its decomposition product is oxygen, resulting in no secondary pollution. Ozone gas or ozone water generated by ozone generators is widely used in:

Drinking water treatment: removal of algae, odors, and heavy metal ions;

Food processing: degradation of pesticide residues on the surface of fruits and vegetables;

Medical field: dynamic air disinfection in operating rooms and endoscope cleaning.

 

Heavy metal oxidizing bactericides
These bactericides use heavy metal ions (such as silver, copper, and zinc) as their core, inhibiting the metabolic activities of microorganisms by binding to their proteins. Typical examples include:

Silver nitrate (AgNO₃): Used for ophthalmic disinfection and burn wound treatment, but it easily leads to silver ion deposition;

Copper sulfate (CuSO₄): A traditional aquaculture bactericide that inhibits algae growth, but excessive use can disrupt the aquatic ecological balance.

 

Compound Oxidizing Bactericides

To overcome the limitations of single-component agents, various compound formulations have emerged in the market, such as:

Chloramines: Chloramine compounds formed by the reaction of chlorine and ammonia can reduce the irritation of free chlorine and prolong the disinfection duration;

Bromochlorohydantoin: Isocyanuric acid derivatives containing bromine and chlorine, combining the advantages of both, suitable for disinfection of high-hardness water;

Chlorine Dioxide Compound Agents: Stabilizers extend the storage period of chlorine dioxide and reduce transportation risks.