by What is Glutaraldehyde?
Glutaraldehyde is an organic compound that is commonly used as a disinfectant and sterilant. With the chemical formula C5H8O2, it is a clear, colorless, oily liquid that has a pungent, unpleasant odor. It has strong biocidal properties and is effective against a wide range of microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi and spores.
Chemical Properties and Structure
As an aldehyde, it contains a carbonyl group attached to two alkyl substituents. Specifically, it consists of a five-carbon, unsaturated, open-chain structure with aldehyde functional groups (–CHO) on both ends. This makes it highly reactive and allows it to readily bond with proteins and cell components. It is soluble in water, alcohols, ethers and other polar organic solvents. It is not soluble in nonpolar substances such as oils or gasoline.
Mechanism of Action
It kills microorganisms by irreversibly denaturing their proteins. Its reactive carbonyl groups interact with amino, carboxyl, sulfhydryl and other groups in proteins. This leads to protein cross-linking through formation of methylene bridges or Schiff bases between adjacent proteins. These cross-links disrupt the three-dimensional structures of essential cellular proteins and enzymes, which destroys the ability of the microorganism to carry out vital functions.
Uses as a Disinfectant and Sterilant
It is commonly used for high-level disinfection and sterilization in healthcare settings such as hospitals and dental clinics. It is effective against all microorganisms including bacterial spores, which makes it a suitable sterilant. Some key applications include:
– Disinfecting and sterilizing medical and surgical equipment: Glutaraldehyde is useful for sterilizing heat-sensitive equipment like endoscopes, as it can be used at room temperature. It provides a 6 log kill of all microbes including spores.
– Sterilizing dental instruments: A 2% glutaraldehyde solution is effective as an immersion sterilant for dental handpieces and other instruments. It provides a predictable sterilization in just 10 minutes.
– Disinfecting surfaces: As a liquid disinfectant, a 2% glutaraldehyde solution can be used to disinfect surfaces in ambient conditions. It kills all vegetative bacteria, viruses, fungi and inhibits the growth of molds and mildew.
– Disinfecting hemodialyzers: It has been extensively used in the past to reprocess hemodialyzers for reuse due to its strong sterilizing properties. However, its use is now being phased out due to concerns about toxicity.
Advantages and Disadvantages
The main advantages of it are its rapid, broad-spectrum killing action and ability to act at room temperature. It provides consistent, predictable sterilization within a short contact time of 10 minutes or less. However, it also has some disadvantages such as:
– Toxicity: It is a potential irritant and sensitizer to skin, eyes and respiratory tract on direct contact. Prolonged exposure may cause occupational asthma.
– Corrosiveness: Concentrated glutaraldehyde solutions can corrode or stain certain metals like aluminum and cause deterioration of some plastics.
– Odor and vapor issues: Its strong, unpleasant odor at high concentrations can cause complaints. Vapor inhalation is another route of exposure.
– Reaction byproducts: While it is active as a biocide, its reaction products are less effective and may allow recontamination over time if not thoroughly removed.
– Alternative availability: Newer alternatives like orthophthalaldehyde offer comparable efficacy with lower toxicity profiles. However, it remains a popular and important disinfectant and sterilant.
Regulations and Safe Use
Manufacturers and users of it must adhere to good engineering and workplace practices to ensure its safe application. Proper ventilation, personal protective equipment like gloves and respiratory protection are critical. All preparations are regulated as hazardous chemical substances. Strict regulations apply to its safe manufacture, storage, handling and disposal due to potential health and environmental impacts. Volatile emissions from glutaraldehyde must also meet air quality standards. With prudent controls in place, it can be used safely as a high-level disinfectant and sterilant.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public Source, Desk Research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
About Author - Ravina Pandya
Ravina Pandya,a content writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemicals and materials, etc. With an MBA in E-commerce, she has expertise in SEO-optimized content that resonates with industry professionals. LinkedIn Profile
