Glutaraldehyde 50%

Chemical Name: Glutaraldehyde
CAS Number: 111-30-8
Molecular Formula: C₅H₈O₂
Molecular Weight: 100.12 g/mol
Concentration: 50% w/w aqueous solution

Description:

Glutaraldehyde is a potent biocidal agent widely used for disinfection and sterilization purposes, especially in healthcare, water treatment, and industrial applications. It is a colorless liquid with a sharp, pungent odor and is highly effective against a broad range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores. At 50% concentration, it is typically supplied as an aqueous solution and is recognized for its fast-acting and long-lasting disinfecting properties.

Applications:

1. Healthcare and Disinfection:
   • Sterilization of Medical Equipment: Glutaraldehyde is used to disinfect and sterilize medical instruments, especially endoscopes, surgical instruments, and dialysis equipment. It is highly effective in killing a wide range of microorganisms and can destroy bacterial spores, which are resistant to many other disinfectants.
   • Surface Disinfection: Used in hospitals, laboratories, and healthcare settings to disinfect surfaces, floors, and walls. Glutaraldehyde solutions can eliminate pathogens that may cause healthcare-associated infections.
   • Cold Sterilization: In medical applications, glutaraldehyde is used for cold sterilization, where heat-sensitive instruments and equipment are submerged in the solution for a specific time to achieve sterilization.
2. Water Treatment:
   • Cooling Tower Biocide: Glutaraldehyde is used as a biocide in industrial water systems, such as cooling towers, to prevent the growth of bacteria, algae, and fungi, which can lead to biofouling and equipment corrosion.
   • Oil and Gas Industry: In oilfield operations, glutaraldehyde is used as a biocide to treat water used in drilling and production processes, reducing microbial-induced corrosion and biofilm formation in pipelines and equipment.
3. Industrial Applications:
   • Leather Tanning: Used as a tanning agent in the leather industry to stabilize collagen fibers and improve the durability of leather products.
   • Paper Manufacturing: In the paper and pulp industry, glutaraldehyde is used as a preservative and slimicide to control the growth of microorganisms in papermaking processes.
4. Laboratory and Research:
   • Fixative for Biological Tissues: Glutaraldehyde is commonly used as a fixative in electron microscopy and histology to preserve biological tissues. It cross-links proteins and other cellular components, maintaining the structural integrity of the specimen for examination.
   • Preservative in Cosmetics and Pharmaceuticals: It is used as a preservative to prevent microbial contamination in cosmetics and some pharmaceutical formulations.

Mechanism of Action:

Glutaraldehyde is an alkylating agent that cross-links with the functional groups of proteins, DNA, and other cellular components of microorganisms. This cross-linking disrupts the function of essential enzymes, cell membranes, and nucleic acids, leading to the death of microorganisms. Its ability to kill spores, viruses, bacteria, and fungi makes it a versatile and powerful disinfectant.

Advantages:

• Broad-Spectrum Biocidal Action: Effective against a wide variety of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores.
• Rapid and Long-Lasting: Provides fast disinfection and leaves a long-lasting protective barrier against microbial growth.
• Non-Corrosive: It is non-corrosive to most metals and materials, making it suitable for sterilizing sensitive medical instruments and industrial equipment.
• Cold Sterilization: Suitable for use with heat-sensitive materials that cannot withstand high-temperature sterilization methods.

Safety and Handling:

• Personal Protection: Glutaraldehyde is toxic and can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Always wear gloves, protective eyewear, and a face mask when handling it.
• Ventilation: Use only in well-ventilated areas, as the vapors can cause respiratory discomfort or serious health issues if inhaled in large amounts.
• Storage: Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from heat sources, flames, and incompatible substances such as strong bases.
• Spillage: In case of spillage, ventilate the area and clean up the spill using absorbent material. Dispose of waste material in accordance with local regulations.

Environmental and Regulatory Considerations:

• Environmental Impact: Glutaraldehyde is harmful to aquatic organisms and should not be released into water sources or the environment.
• Regulations: Follow local, regional, and national guidelines for the use and disposal of glutaraldehyde, particularly in healthcare and industrial settings. It is classified as hazardous under several international regulations.