The benzalkonium chloride is sufactante cationic whose action germicidal exercised by changing the surface tension on contact surfaces. This product has excellent surfactance, that is to say that when dissolved in water they accumulate on the interfacial surfaces, giving rise to the characteristic orientation of the polar group.
Derived from this property, it is necessary to highlight its ability to adhere to solid materials, such as hair; characteristic that will have its application in the elaboration of hair care products.
Benzalkonium and most quaternary substances are soluble in water regardless of the hardness that it may present. It is incompatible with anionic soaps and humectants and perfectly compatible with amphoteric, non-ionic detergents and other cationic surfactants.
Concept
Disinfectants are chemical agents that are applied to inert or inanimate surfaces or materials to destroy microorganisms and prevent infections. They are used to disinfect the skin and other tissues even before surgery . Disinfectants do not have selective activity. Your choice must take into account the possible pathogens to be eliminated. They are protoplasmic poisons capable of destroying living matter, and should not be used on living tissues.
Among the chemical disinfectants are quaternary ammonium compounds (benzalkonium chloride, alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride and didecyldimethylammonium chloride), which are widely used as disinfectants, but should not be used as antiseptics , since epidemics of contamination of the product have been described. In use. They are compounds that do not stain, are odorless, non-corrosive and relatively non-toxic. Its action has been attributed to the inactivation of energy-producing enzymes, denaturation of essential cellular proteins, and the rupture of the cell membrane.
Action
The benzalkonium chloride is a sufactante cationic germicide whose action exerted by the change of surface tension on contact surfaces. The main site of action of these compounds appears to be the cell membrane , where they are absorbed and cause changes in permeability.
It is an effective antiseptic that destroys many bacteria and fungi (including yeasts) and protozoa in a few minutes but does not act against viruses and spores .
The germicidal mechanism of action is due to its surfactant properties, the molecule attaches itself to the cell wall until it completely covers it, preventing the transit of nutrients between the microorganism and the medium to the point of causing death.
Indications
As a disinfectant for premises and equipment whose care and conservation prevent the use of cresols , soda lime , bleaches and other substances that are easy to apply and more economically feasible. Maintains the sterility of surgical material and rubber items in storage. Solutions 1: 1000 to 1: 5000 have good antimicrobial activity , especially at slightly alkaline pH.
Precautions
It is a toxic product, so care must be taken when handling it. Contact of the product with the eyes, mucous membranes and nasal passages, as well as its ingestion should be avoided.
Warnings
In high concentrations it can be irritating and on the skin it can cause inflammation and edema.
Posology
For spraying: dilute 50 mL in 1L of drinking water. For immersion: dilute 25 mL in 1L of drinking water. The 1: 1000 concentration is used for the preservation of sterile instruments and rubber articles. The 10% aqueous solution of benzalkonium chloride is used for general disinfection.
Germ tests
| Test germ | Dilution |
| Staphylococcus aureus | 1: 500000 |
| Hyperacide Corynebacterium | 1: 500000 |
| Bacillus Subtilis | 1: 250000 |
| Pseudomilzbrandbacillus | 1: 200000 |
| Streptococcus faecalis | 1: 100000 |
| Mycobacterium phlei | 1: 50000 |
| Escherichia coli | 1: 10000 |
| Aerobacter aerogenes | 1: 7000 |
| Pseudomonas aeruginosa | 1: 6000 |
| Proteus bulgaris | 1: 1700 |
| Proteus mirabilis | 1: 1700 |
This salt is especially lethal against the genera of Staphylococcus aureus, which are resistant against a wide spectrum of antibiotics.