How do aldehydes affect bacteria?

Aldehydes, which are partially inactivated by organic matter and have a slight residual activity, have a wide range of microbiocidal activity and are sporicidal and fungicidal. Examples of these include formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde.

Glutaraldehyde and formaldehyde interact with protein, nucleic acid, and other bacterial microorganisms to prevent their growth.

Ortho-phthalaldehyde is replacing glutaraldehyde because some bacteria have become resistant to it and because it has been discovered that glutaraldehyde can cause asthma and other health risks.

Aldehydes are highly reactive compounds that can disrupt bacterial cells by cross-linking with proteins and nucleic acids, leading to cell death. They are commonly used as disinfectants due to their ability to denature proteins and disrupt cell membranes, effectively killing bacteria.