Lecture on Peroxygen Chemical Control Agents

Overview

• Peroxygens are a group of chemical control agents.
• Widely used as disinfectants and antiseptics.
• Generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) that damage cellular structures.

Mechanism

• Oxidation: Peeling off electrons and destabilizing macromolecules.
• Free Radicals: Reactive oxygen species that organisms struggle to neutralize.
  • Effective against anaerobic organisms and some aerobic organisms.
  • High concentrations needed for effectiveness.

Hydrogen Peroxide (H₂O₂)

• Most widely used peroxygen.
• Functions as both disinfectant and antiseptic.
• Can be used in gaseous form for aseptic packaging.
• Important Notes:
  • Bottles are dark to prevent light inactivation.
  • Catalase enzyme can neutralize it by converting H₂O₂ to water and oxygen.
  • Concentration is crucial; diluted forms may be ineffective.
  • Preferable for surface wounds rather than deep wounds.

Peracetic Acid

• Effective against spores.
• Can be used in liquid or plasma form.
• Commonly used for disinfecting fruits.
• Known as PAA and likely to see increased usage.

Benzoyl Peroxide

• Used in acne treatment.
• Targets Propionibacterium acnes, associated with acne.

Carbamide Peroxide

• Found in toothpaste.
• Targets oral pathogens like Streptococcus mutans.
• Helps prevent cavities and maintain tooth color.

Ozone (O₃)

• Used in water treatment.
• Different from atmospheric oxygen (O₂).
• Utilized by about 5% of municipalities in the U.S.

Summary

• Peroxygens include hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, benzoyl peroxide, carbamide peroxide, and ozone.
• Effective at controlling microbial growth.