Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026

The Portable Chemical Sterilizer (PCS), D-FENS, and D-FEND ALL: Novel Chlorine Dioxide Decontamination Technologies for the Military
Published on: June 29, 2014
Modes of action of disinfectants
1Laboratoire des Médicaments Vétérinaires, Ministère de l'Agriculture et de la Pêche, La Haute Marche, Javené, Fougères, France.
Abstract:
The exact mechanism of action of a disinfectant is not easy to elucidate. The notion of 'target' in the bacterial cell, frequently evoked for the antibiotics, is not clear for disinfectants (except for some, e.g. chlorhexidine). In understanding the mode of action of a disinfectant, it can be difficult to distinguish the primary stage (characteristic of the mode of action) and the secondary stage (consequence of the action). The author describes the actions of disinfectants on the external membrane, cytoplasmic membrane and energy metabolism of cells; these actions include rupture of the membrane, loss of permeability and coagulation of the cytoplasm.
More Related Videos
11:47Evaluation of the Efficacy of Organic Peroxyacids for Eradicating Dairy Biofilms Using an Approach Combining Static and Dynamic Methods
Published on: December 9, 2022
06:27Automated Hospital Room Disinfection Utilizing a Novel Aerosolized Hydrogen Peroxide Microdroplet Disbursing Technology
Published on: February 24, 2026
Related Concept Videos
Cleaning, Sterilization, and Disinfection
Cleaning
The cleaning process usually involves using water with detergents or enzymatic cleaner and removing foreign material from objects and surfaces, including organic material such as body fluids or inorganic material like soil. Cleaning is performed before high-level disinfection and sterilization because foreign materials on the cover of the devices interfere with process...
Methods of Sterilization I: Physical Methods
Steam sterilization uses non-toxic, low-cost moist heat in the form of saturated steam under pressure, which is fast, microbicidal, and sporicidal, and quickly warms and penetrates fabrics. Autoclaves, or steam sterilizers, expose each item to direct steam contact for a predetermined time at the necessary...
Methods for Controlling Microbial Growth
Physical Methods for Controlling Microbial Growth: Radiation and Filtration
Chemical Agents for Microbial Control
Antimicrobial Effectiveness