Antimicrobial Activity of Disinfectants and Comparative Study with Phenol

Ms. Nandhini R & Dr. V. Judia Harriet Sumathy*
Postgraduate & Research Department of Biotechnology, Women’s Christian College, Chennai – 600 006.

A B S T R A C T
Disinfectants are substances that are applied to inanimate surfaces and objects to destroy harmful microorganisms. Although they may not kill bacteria spores, they are categorized by their spectrum of microbial activity.  Disinfectants are of different types and may include alcohols, quaternary ammonium compounds, hypo chlorides, iodine, bromines, pine oils, peroxides and phenolic compounds. Some puncture the cell walls of the microorganisms, allowing the contents to leak out, while others permeate and enter the cell destroying the microorganism from within. To activate optimal efficiency, shelf life and safety, disinfectant agents are carefully formulated with other essential ingredients such as buffers, solubilizers, detergents, builders, stabilizers, synergists and fragrances. Phenol type antimicrobial agents have long been used for their antiseptic, disinfectant and preservative properties. It has been known for many years that although they have often been referred to as “general protoplasmic poisons,” they have membrane-active properties which also contribute to their overall activity. The present study is aimed at studying the antimicrobial activity of commonly used disinfectants and compare its efficiency with Phenol.
Keywords: Disinfectants, Bacteria, shelf life, Phenol and Antimicrobial activity