Biocides are used as preservers, disinfectants, or purifiers. Though most biocides are chemical agents, microorganisms are used as biocides for taming the growth of other organisms. Biocides act either kill or inhibit microorganisms’ growth. 

Preservatives are added to increase the shelf-life of the products by averting microbial decomposition. Disinfectants are applied to inanimate objects and surfaces, while antiseptics are applied to living tissue like mucous membrane or skin. Biocides are frequently used in today’s world.  

Preservatives are omnipresent and are found in a diverse products like food, beverages, cosmetics to pharma drugs, organic samples, and research products. Similarly, the usage of disinfectants has augmented dramatically in the pandemic, and antiseptics are more and more important in hospitals.

Attributes And Action of Biocides

Biocides differ in chemical structure, properties, and activity spectrum. To guarantee they are used properly, it is significant to comprehend what they are required for as there is no flawless biocide. 

Biocides are selected on the basis of intended use and their features like, corrosiveness, toxicity, and activity spectrum. The commonly used biocides are aldehydes, peroxides, halogen releasing agents, biguanidines, phenolics, quaternary ammonium compounds and alcohols. 

What Are They Used For?

Biocides were formerly used in wound management and food and water preservation.

With the passage of time, biocides are used in numerous industries and products and are an inseparable part of our lifestyle in the contemporary world. Here are some industries making the use of biocides.

•    Healthcare:  Healthcare bank heavily on biocides, they are employed for cleansing of medical devices, decontamination of surfaces and water, and skin sterility. 

•    Pharma: These are used as preservative for drugs and also in the formulation of some vaccines.

•    Biotech: Biocides are used in the form of a preservative in biological products like chromatography resins, immunoglobulin solutions, and other substances used in lab. 

•    Cosmetic Sector:  They are used in the making of various cosmetic products and conditioners. Their usage in the cosmetic sector is snowballing with the growing demand for quality products with sanitizing and cleansing properties to protect from skin infections.

•    Domestic products: Biocides are regularly used in domestic products like detergents, washing liquid, mouth wash, toothpaste, fabric, plastics, and cleaning products. 

•    Food Sector: Biocides are widely employed in the food industry for preserving food. They help in increasing the shelf life of food products by shielding them from deterioration by microbes. They are also used for the disinfection of production plants and food containers, along with decontaminating carcasses. 

•    Water treatment:  They are used in water treatment, both in drinking water production and in wastewater treatment. These are put to use at the waterworks for maintaining the microbiological value of water before distribution, by sustaining the volume of microorganisms at a suitable level and eradicating the pathogenic microbes. 

When a substance is used in so many industries as biocides are, then the demand for the same will be on the roll.  And that’s what is exactly happening with biocides.