The Antimicrobial Efficacy of Benzalkonium Chloride
Introduction
Benzalkonium chloride (BZK, BKC, BAK, BAC) is a quaternary ammonium compound, also known as alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride. It is commonly used as a biocide, cationic surfactant, and phase transfer agent. This compound is highly effective against a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, making it a popular choice in industries such as healthcare, food processing, and household cleaning.
Types of Benzalkonium Chloride
- Benzalkonium Chloride 20% (Benzalkonil 20): A solution containing 20% active ingredient.
- Benzalkonium Chloride 50% (Benzalkonil 50): A solution containing 50% active ingredient.
- Benzalkonium Chloride 80% (Benzalkonil 80): A more concentrated solution with 80% active ingredient.
Compatibility:
- Benzalkonium Chloride can be combined with other common antimicrobials, e.g., alcohol and chlorhexidine.
- Mixing with ordinary soaps and/or anionic detergents may decrease the activity. As it is a cationic compound, it should not be mixed with anionic compounds, which would have a neutralizing effect.
Mechanism of action:
The bactericidal action of benzalkonium chloride is believed to be due to the disruption of intermolecular interactions. Such disruption can cause the dissociation of cellular membrane lipid bilayers of bacteria, resulting in compromised cellular permeability control and the leakage of important cellular contents. Additionally, other important molecular complexes like enzymes which control the maintenance of a great range of respiratory and metabolic cellular activities, are also susceptible to such deactivation. Consequently, a variety of critical intermolecular interactions and tertiary structures in very highly specific biochemical systems that allow bacterial agents to function normally can be readily disrupted or deactivated by cationic surfactants like benzalkonium chloride.
Benzalkonium Chloride is effective at all pH levels, with its effectiveness increasing when the pH increases. The higher the pH, the lower the concentration needed to obtain an antimicrobial effect.
The alkyl (fatty) chains in Benzalkonium Chloride have a good affinity for bacterial membranes and cause disruption. It binds strongly to the cytoplasmic membrane evoking general membrane damage (and subsequent leakage), particularly targeting the phospholipid bilayer.
Benzalkonium Chloride is also effective in inactivating enveloped viruses, such as herpes, hepatitis, corona, and influenza, at very low concentrations. Several publications support its use as an effective anti-viral.
Benzalkonium Chloride and COVID-19 pandemic:
During the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, from time to time there have been shortages of hand cleaner containing ethanol or isopropanol as active ingredients. The FDA has stated that benzalkonium chloride is eligible as an alternative for use in the formulation of healthcare personnel hand rubs.
However, in reference to the FDA rule, the CDC states that it does not have a recommended alternative to ethanol or isopropanol as active ingredients and adds that “available evidence indicates benzalkonium chloride has less reliable activity against certain bacteria and viruses than either of the alcohols.
In November 2020 the Journal of Hospital Infection published a study on benzalkonium chloride formulations; it was found that laboratory and commercial disinfectants with as little as 0.13% benzalkonium chloride inactivated the SARS-CoV-2 virus within 15 seconds of contact, even in the presence of a soil or hard water.
This resulted in a growing consensus that BZK sanitizers are just as effective as alcohol-based sanitizers despite the CDC guidelines.
As a hand sanitizer, use of BZK may be advantageous over ethanol in some situations because it has significantly more residual antibacterial action on the skin after initial application. Benzalkonium chloride has demonstrated persistent antimicrobial activity for up to four hours after contact whereas ethanol-based sanitizer demonstrates skin protection for only 10 minutes post-application.
Applications:
Healthcare and Disinfection
- Surface Disinfectants: BAC is commonly used in surface disinfectants in healthcare settings to control the spread of infections.
- Hand Sanitizers: Formulations containing BAC are used in hand sanitizers for effective hand hygiene.
Personal Care Products
- Shampoos and Conditioners: BAC is included in shampoos and conditioners for its antimicrobial properties and ability to improve product stability.
- Skin Cleansers: Used in skin cleansers and antiseptic wipes to reduce microbial load on the skin.
Food Industry
- Food Sanitizers: BAC is used in sanitizing solutions for food contact surfaces to ensure food safety and prevent microbial contamination.
Safety:
Benzalkonium Chloride is relatively non-toxic at use concentrations for pharmaceutical use and is only considered harmful in concentrated forms. It can cause local mucosa, cornea, or skin irritation under specific conditions of prolonged use. Such irritation is reversible when ceasing to use the product. Despite the fairly widespread cutaneous use of benzalkonium chloride, only limited human evidence of sensitization in relatively small populations of individuals have been reported.
To purchase Benzalkonium Chloride from Padideh Shimi Jam Company, please contact our sales experts.
References:
https://novonordiskpharmatech.com/
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
