Disinfection And Sterilization

Relying on the Targeted Sterilization Ability of "Cationic / Amphoteric Surfactants"

The sterilization effect of surfactants mainly depends on cationic (mainly quaternary ammonium salts) and amphoteric surfactants, which achieve sterilization by destroying microbial cell membranes. They are widely used in the disinfection of skin and mucous membranes, the environment, and medical devices.

Application Scenario	Core Requirements	Common Types and Examples of Surfactants	Characteristics / Precautions
Skin and Mucous Membrane Disinfection (e.g., Medical Hand Washing, Wound Irrigation)	1. Broad-spectrum sterilization (bacteria, fungi) 2. Low irritation, no residue	- Cationic: Benzalkonium Bromide (0.1% solution), Chlorhexidine Digluconate (0.05%-0.1%) - Amphoteric: Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine (CAPHSB)	1. Benzalkonium bromide has a killing rate of >99.9% against Gram-positive/negative bacteria and is less irritating than alcohol; 2. Amphoteric surfactants are close to the skin's pH, suitable for disinfection of sensitive mucous membranes (e.g., oral cavity, vagina)
Environment / Object Surface Disinfection (e.g., Hospital Floors, Food Workshops)	1. Long-acting sterilization (>4 hours) 2. Resistance to organic interference (e.g., oil stains, proteins)	- Cationic: Dodecyl Dimethyl Benzyl Ammonium Chloride (Benzalkonium Chloride, 0.2% solution), Polyquaternium-10 (compound disinfectant)	1. Polyquaternium adsorbs on the object surface to form a "sterilization film", continuously killing contacted microorganisms; 2. Resistant to organics (e.g., blood, food residues), and the disinfection effect is not interfered
Medical Device Disinfection (e.g., Surgical Instruments, Endoscopes)	1. High-efficiency sterilization (including spores) 2. Non-corrosive (protecting metals / rubber)	- Cationic: Didecyl Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride (DDAC, 0.5% solution) - Compound System: DDAC + Ethanol (70%)	1. DDAC has a killing rate of >99.99% against spores and is non-corrosive to stainless steel and rubber; 2. Ethanol enhances the permeability of DDAC, shortening the sterilization time (from 30 minutes to 10 minutes)

Key Precautions:

Cationic surfactants and anionic surfactants (e.g., soap, LAS) must not be mixed, as "charge neutralization" will cause failure. Avoid using them on the surfaces of easily corroded metals such as aluminum and copper.