Hi azzar,
Disinfectants affect bacterial growth in one way ? they stop it! The
job of disinfectants is to kill organisms including bacteria, viruses
and fungi.
Disinfection is defined as the removal or destruction of pathogens
(disease causing organisms such as bacteria and viruses) from
inanimate objects.
Sanitization is the cleaning of inanimate objects in order to reach a
safe level by decreasing the number of organisms present.
http://www.cleaninglink.com/Cleaning_Library/Disenfectants_How_They_Work.htm
Disinfectants work on disease-causing bacteria in a variety of ways,
depending on the type of organism, and the kind of disinfectant.
Disinfectants differ from antiseptics in that disinfectants are not
meant for using on skin. There are 7 major disinfecting chemicals,
some of which have a broad spectrum, and some are more specific in the
organisms they target:
1) chlorine,
2) ethyl alchol,
3) glutaraldehyde,
4) iodophors and iodines,
5) isopropyl alcohol,
6) phenolics
7) quaternary ammonium compounds
Some bacteria have outer capsules or spores, which act as protective
elements. Other bacteria have cell walls composed of thick lipid
layers. Because of these capsules, lipid layers and spores, not all
disinfectants are effective on all bacterial species. Each
disinfectant kills bacteria in its own way, so to speak. The
effectiveness of each disinfectant is based on the concentration of
the disinfectant solution, and the length of time it is left on the
item to be cleaned. After wiping an item or spraying a disinfectant,
let it air dry? this increases contact time.
Quaternary based disinfectants are the most effective, and work by
changing the negative bacterial cell charge to a positive. This causes
a rupture of the bacterial cell wall, effectively killing the
organism.
Other disinfectants kill by coagulating (clotting) the bacterial cell
enzymes, needed for cell function. Chlorine kills by oxidizing the
sulphydryl groups in bacterial enzymes.
Ethanol and alcohol work by denaturing the bacterial cell proteins,
but not highly recommended because they evaporate quickly. Iodine is
effective on bacteria like the tuberculosis bacteria and bacteria with
spores, like bacillus subtilus.
Phenol is a corrosive disinfectant, inactivating cell enzymes, and
causing the bacterial cell wall to rupture and leak. Phenol is very
bacteriostatic (prevents future bacterial growth) The form of Lysol
used in hospitals is a famous phenol! Household Lysol does not contain
phenols.
http://www.cleaninglink.com/Cleaning_Library/Disenfectants_How_They_Work.htm
http://www.cranews.com/newsletter/highlights/1996/96-11/disinfect/disjada.htm
http://www.checnet.org/healthehouse/education/articles-detail.asp?Main_ID=121
http://www.essind.com/FAQ/FAQDN-intro.htm
Ultraviolet light is also used for disinfection, and works by altering
bacterial cell DNA. Once the DNA is altered, the bacteria cannot
reproduce. This method of disinfection is faster than chlorine, and
does not have the potential side effects of chlorine. In over 2,000
European cities, and 1,000 US cities (New York City, and Tempe,
Arizona are 2 examples), this method is used for water purification.
http://www.agr.gc.ca/pfra/flash/disinfection/en/disinfectanttxt_e.htm
http://www.awwa.org/Advocacy/pressroom/Ultraviolet.cfm
http://www.ddd.lt/microbscon.htm
UV Light technology
http://www.uv-light.co.uk/applications/disinfection/uv_disinfection.htm
Bacteriocidal vs. Bacteriostatic
The term ?bacteriostatic? is used to describe a disinfectant that
prevents re-growth of bacteria, or the time a surface stays free of
organisms. This depends on which disinfectant is used, and the length
of time the disninfectant has contact with the object being cleaned.
All disinfectants kill organisms, but they vary in their
bacteriostatic properties.
http://www.madsci.org/posts/archives/mar99/921165350.Mi.r.html
You can see a disinfective comparison chart :
http://www.gov.on.ca/OMAFRA/english/livestock/ceptor/2001/jun01a11.htm
Another comparison chart:
http://www.umsl.edu/~microbes/pdf/disinfectants.pdf
I hope you find the information contained in this answer helpful. If
any part of my answer is not clear, please request an Answer
Clarification, before rating. In this way, I will be able to assist
you further, if possible.
Regards,
crabcakes-ga
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