Mechanisms of Action of Chemical Biocides: Their Study and Exploitation

This volume, No. 27 in the Society for Applied Bacteriology's Technical Series, considers the methodology for studying the mechanisms of action of chemical biocides. Techniques range from whole cell to isolated enzyme studies, and cover areas of activity assessment, resistance, biocide combination, biofilm production, and rapid biocide activity assessment. Emphasis has been placed on antimicrobial agents largely employed for control of contamination rather than the treatment of infection (although some medically useful chemical agents are discussed). As such, the biocides referred to are principally of the non-antibiotic type and include agents used for preservation and disinfection in a wide variety of areas including the pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic, environmental, service, construction, manufacturing and engineering industries.

This volume, No. 27 in the Society for Applied Bacteriology Technical Series, considers the methodology for studying the mechanisms of action of chemical biocides. Techniques range from whole cell to isolated enzyme studies, and cover areas of activity assessment, resistance, biocide combination, biofilm production, and rapid biocide activity assessment. Emphasis has been placed on antimicrobial agents largely employed for control of contamination rather than the treatment of infection (although some medically useful chemical agents are discussed). As such, the biocides referred to are principally of the non-antibiotic type and include agents used for preservation and disinfection in a wide variety of areas including the pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic, environmental, service, construction, manufacturing and engineering industries. This book will be a valuable source of information and techniques to the research worker, biocide chemist, toxicologist, formulator, industrial microbiologist, and others concerned with chemical control of microbiological contamination. Mechanism of action studies can be invaluable in the design or selection of novel biocides or combination of biocides, in the understanding of resistance mechanisms, and may give direction to toxicological investigations. The results of mechanism of action studies will also enable biocide manufacturers to answer possible questions posed by regulatory authorities concerning the basis of biological activity.