Main Types: These include biguanides, alcohols, phenols, organic amines, pyridines, isothiazolinones, and others.
Characteristics: They exhibit rapid bactericidal effects; however, they possess relatively poor thermal stability and durability, and may entail certain adverse side effects. They readily bind to anionic sites on the surface of bacterial and mold cell membranes, or react with sulfhydryl groups, thereby disrupting protein synthesis and the cellular membrane system, which effectively inhibits the proliferation of bacteria and molds. Nevertheless, they are prone to decomposition under ultraviolet light exposure, resulting in a short service life; furthermore, some organic antimicrobial agents may present toxic side effects.
Applications: Currently, the most widely researched and utilized organic surface-active antimicrobial agents are nitrogen-containing cationic compounds-such as quaternary ammonium salts-which have been extensively applied in antimicrobial coatings.
