Can someone explain to me why Antibacterial sprays kill bacteria?

Question

I cant find a website that explains it well. A explanation or website are good. Specifically want the science behind it. Thanks

Can some really explain "how" the antibacterials spray kill the bacteria. I need the science behind it and not a general idea.

not sure if this helps. but im looking into kitchen based antibacterial and the bacteria i will use it on is bacillus cereus

Answer 1

"Antibacterial" is something of a misnomer. I think the correct term here is "disinfectant." Stating that the sprays are "antibacterial" is just a gimmick, really. It's a marketing ploy. "Disinfectant" just sounds so boring and old fashioned, doesn't it? "Antibacterial" sounds cooler, and tries to play off of people's sometimes irrational fear of anything labeled "bacteria."

The word "antibacterial" implies that the sprays have some ingredient (for example, Triclosan, an antibiotic) that kills bacteria, and ONLY bacteria. But if they didn't kill viruses or fungi as well, then what's the point? (Note: some sprays do contain antibiotics like triclosan, but in my opinion these should be avoided. Leaving antibiotic residue around your house is a good way to encourage bacteria to become resistant to them...
http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/795_antibio.html

Most of those sprays contain good old fashioned alcohol, as well as other ingredients like chloramine, to form a mixture that kills just about *anything* on contact. This is by definition, what a "disinfectant" does.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disinfectant

Alcohol kills cells by dehydrating them. It has a strong affinity for water molecules, and thus sucks the moisture right out of the bacterial cells.......causing them to literally "implode."

Other disinfectants, such as iodine, hydrogen peroxide, bleach, or quaternary ammonia, are "oxidizing agents." They kill by generating large numbers of "free radicals." (A free radical is a molecule with an extra "unpaired" electron.) Small amounts of fee radical are normally found in nature, but large numbers of them can overwhelm a cell's defenses; damaging it's cell membrane, and destroying it's proteins and DNA.

Hope all my rambling makes sense, ~WOMBAT

Answer 2

Antibacterial Sprays

Answer 3

They work by killing all bacteria, just like using soap and water.... However for them to be effective they have to be left on the surface for at least 2 minutes.
Most family's do not need antibacterial sprays, because it is said that they can also remove some of the good bacteria that help to build a healthy immune system. But they can be beneficial when preparing a lot of raw foods or people with low immunity's

Answer 4

I'll be happy to explain. my biology 2 teacher told me this cause i asked this question before she said that there are enzymes in anti-bacterial products that weaken the outer membrane skin coating of bacteria and therefore making the membrane ultra thin and the bacteria the explodes because all bacteria is packed tight with DNA. Thats all she told me, hope i helped you out.

EDIT: Ok have your ever heard of Clorox anywhere hard surface spray. if so this is what i use and it actually works and don't make no sticky spots or residue.

Answer 5

It breaks down the organic substances of the bacteria through chemical reaction.