Oxidizing Agents: Antibacterial Properties & Destruction of Bacteria

Thread starter KarolinaPL
Start date Jul 26, 2016
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Oxidizing

In summary, oxidizing agents are substances that remove electrons from other compounds, making them useful in chemical reactions. They have antibacterial properties by damaging and destroying bacterial cells, and common examples include hydrogen peroxide, chlorine bleach, and ozone. However, some bacteria may be resistant to certain oxidizing agents, and their effectiveness can also be affected by concentration and environmental conditions. They are generally considered more effective against bacteria than antibiotics, as bacteria have a harder time developing resistance to them.

Jul 26, 2016

KarolinaPL

why are they antibacterial, how they destroy bacterias? they just decompose organic molecules?

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Jul 27, 2016

Ygggdrasil

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Yes, they help destroy organic molecules. Specifically, they destroy the cell membrane, which ruptures the cell and kills it. For more information, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disinfectant#Oxidizing_agents

Related to Oxidizing Agents: Antibacterial Properties & Destruction of Bacteria

1. What are oxidizing agents?

Oxidizing agents are substances that have the ability to accept electrons from other substances, causing them to become oxidized. They are often used in chemical reactions to remove electrons from other compounds.

2. How do oxidizing agents have antibacterial properties?

Oxidizing agents can be highly reactive with cellular components of bacteria, leading to damage and destruction of the bacteria. They can also disrupt the membrane and DNA of bacteria, making it difficult for them to survive and reproduce.

3. What types of oxidizing agents have antibacterial properties?

Common oxidizing agents used as antibacterial agents include hydrogen peroxide, chlorine bleach, and ozone. These agents are able to penetrate bacterial cells and damage their structures, leading to their destruction.

4. Can oxidizing agents destroy all types of bacteria?

While oxidizing agents can be effective against many types of bacteria, some bacteria may have developed resistance to certain types of oxidizing agents. Additionally, the effectiveness of oxidizing agents can vary depending on the concentration, exposure time, and environmental conditions.

5. How do oxidizing agents compare to other antibacterial agents?

Oxidizing agents are generally considered to be more effective against bacteria than other types of antibacterial agents, such as antibiotics. This is because bacteria can develop resistance to antibiotics, but it is much more difficult for them to develop resistance to the oxidative damage caused by oxidizing agents.