Glutaraldehyde, biocidal properties

The biocidal properties of aldehydes have been applied in fields other than those related to medicine. In the poultry industry, glutaraldehyde has been used for the sterilization of poultry processing equipment and as a disinfectant in the immersion chilling of poultry [334, 335], In cosmetics, it has been recommended for disinfection of production equipment [336] and as a preservative [337]. Glutaraldehyde and formalin have also proved effective as fungicides in fish culture [338, 339], though glutaraldehyde was toxic at a concentration of 62 mg f [338]. 

A number of aldehydes possess antimicrobial properties, including sporicidal activity however, only two, formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde, are used for disinfection. Both these aldehydes are highly effective biocides and their use as chemosterilants reflect this. 

Mechanism of action. QACs have surfactant properties and therefore help to solubilize the cell membrane of microbial cells (Merianos, 1991). This leads to cell damage and ultimately cell death. QACs are especially effective when used in combination with other biocides that attaek the cell wall. The surfactant action exhibited by the QAC helps to make the cell wall of microbial cells more aeeessible to other biocides. The QACs facilitate penetration of biocides such as glutaraldehyde, formaldehyde, and THPS and leads to enhanced biocidal activity of these biocides. 

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