Acetic Acid, uses and formula for sterilization and disinfection

Peracetic acid is an organic compound with uses and properties as a disinfectant and antimicrobial. It serves as a sterilization product since, comparing the advantages and disadvantages, it is favorable to use it for these purposes.

What is peracetic acid

Widely used in industry to oxidize and decompose other substances, peracetic acid, also known as peroxyacetic acid, is a colorless liquid with a strong, acidic odor that can be confused with acetic acid due to these characteristics.

It works by breaking down the outer membrane of bacteria, yeasts, and endospores. By producing these effects on microscopic life, it benefits by reducing the size of bacterial colonies, even leading to their total eradication.

Uses of peracetic acid

In industry, it is the basis for producing epoxides, colorless liquids that can be dissolved in alcohol, benzene, and ether, as well as in the production of propylene glycol and glycerol from propylene oxide. These characteristics and chemical reactions make it very useful for manufacturing nylon.

In addition to these uses, peracetic acid’s properties function as antimicrobial agents, meaning they eliminate microorganisms as it resists the action of peroxidase and catalase enzyme when the enzymes that destroy the chemical structure of hydrogen peroxide enter the environment where it is present.

In addition to these applications, peracetic acid has uses for:

• Oxidizing molecules.
• Removing microbes from hard surfaces.
• Processing cheeses and dairy products.
• Textile industry and synthetic fiber manufacturing.
• Sterilization of surgical material.
• Preventing biofilm formation.
• Disinfectant for air conditioning and refrigeration water.
• Cleaning in facilities with hard water.
• Paper bleaching.
• Cleaning residues in beer.
• Used at temperatures between 0 and 40 °C.
• With a pH range of 3.0 to 7.5.

Relationship with acetic acid

By resisting the action of catalase and peroxidase enzymes, its degradation is safe for health. It is considered an organic compound that is environmentally friendly and respects natural elements.

The decomposition of peracetic acid results in the acetic acid formula and hydrogen peroxide, making it useful in facilities that do not require rinsing.

Advantages and Disadvantages

The main advantage, and the one with the greatest benefits, is that it is a biodegradable product. Upon contact with water or oxygen, it disappears.

It protects the environment, and since it does not leave toxic residues, the advantages of peracetic acid compared to other disinfectants are numerous. On one hand, it can be used to clean beverage containers and in food handling, but also in clinical settings such as dentistry.

The disadvantages, like with other oxidizing products, are that its concentration must be monitored. Additionally, it is important to store it in a dry, cool place away from high temperatures.

Uses of Peracetic Acid as a Disinfectant

Since it kills microorganisms, it is ideal for disinfecting surfaces and instruments where organic residues such as bacteria and viruses might remain.

The mechanism of action of peracetic acid involves breaking down the cell membrane by oxidizing it with the hydroxyl radical (HO). This causes substances that can be oxidized to react, resulting in damage to the macromolecules of microorganisms such as amino acids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids.

The properties and uses as a disinfectant are:

• Oxidation of lipids or lipid peroxidation.
• Mutations of nucleic acids.
• Cell lysis by reacting with amino acids.

By destroying microbial life, peracetic or peroxyacetic acid is used for:

• Cleaning medical materials.
• Disinfecting poultry facilities.
• Cleaning product in food processing factories.
• Preventing the proliferation of Legionella or “Legionella bacteria.”

The concentration for use as a disinfectant is 0.01 to 0.02%. In this way, it acts as a biocide against fungi, yeasts, viruses, and Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacteria, and mycobacteria within a 5-minute contact time.

Sterilization

Its properties function to prevent the transmission of microorganisms as well as the growth of bacterial colonies. Peracetic acid in dentistry and medicine acts as a disinfectant suitable for the sterilization of medical materials. It leaves no residues and, therefore, is not harmful to health after its use for disinfection.

Because its mechanism of action is limited by the presence of organic matter, it protects the materials of surgical instruments.

Along with other disinfecting sterilants, it is recommended to completely remove organic residues from medical instruments.

Materials It Can Be Used On

If using it for the first time, you should perform a test on a small portion of the material to ensure it does not cause corrosion. In general, peracetic acid is considered suitable as a disinfectant for:

• PVC.
• Stainless steel.
• Cellulose acetates.
• Cuprophan.
• Ethylene propylene diene rubber or EPDM.
• Polypropylene.
• Polyamides.
• Polyethylene.
• Methyl methacrylate.
• Polysulfone.
• Synthetic cellulose or SMC.
• Teflon A or TFE.
• Kynar A or PVDF.
• Polysulfone.
• Viton.

It is indicated for the treatment of water equipment and machines, as well as dialysis filters.

Side Effects and Contraindications

• Skin, mucous membrane, eye, and respiratory tract irritation.
• Itching and eye discomfort.
• Itching in the neck after exposure to gases.
• Nausea, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing food or liquids.
• Avoid ingestion as it can cause severe damage to the digestive system.

Direct contact with the skin causes severe burns. Hands, eyes should be protected, and masks should be used to avoid inhaling gases.

At low concentrations, below 0.35% in a solution, it should not present toxicity, and its effects are harmless to life. However, whenever handling this substance, you should protect yourself adequately and follow the safety data sheet.

Safety Data Sheet

The oxidizing properties necessitate controlling its use and applying safety measures. When purchasing it, you should review the product sheet and follow the instructions of peracetic acid and its safety data sheet.

It is very irritating to people, causing itching, burning, discomfort, and permanent damage to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Exposure should be avoided as it damages the lungs irreversibly. Therefore, extra precautions should be taken in enclosed spaces, avoiding inhalation, as it can cause bronchopulmonary conditions, asthma, and respiratory injuries in both humans and animals.

AEGL-8 hour time-weighted averages (TWA)	Effect Definition	Mg/m3	ppm
1	Concentration indicated to avoid mild side effects in people (irritation and mild discomfort).	0.52	0.17
2	From this concentration, damage is severe and irreversible upon contact with living organisms.	1.6	0.52
3	Severe damage that can lead to death.	4.1	1.3

 

In comparison with hydrogen peroxide, it is milder and better controlled for disinfection, though not harmless. In this regard, peracetic acid is used in water treatment, prevents the formation of biofilms and surface films due to microbial and bacterial action. It is used for treating food and health care products.

It is recommended, following the safety data sheet of peracetic acid, to use continuous monitors to alert when the concentration is high to avoid health damage for those handling it. Typically, automatic extractors are installed to remove contaminated air when a high level of peracetic acid is detected.

• Avoid smoking while handling it.
• Do not store food in areas where it is stored.
• Do not inhale.
• Avoid agitating it at temperatures above 110 ºC as it is explosive.

Trade Names

• Divosan.
• Perasafe.
• Steris.
• Nu-Cidex.
• Anioxyde 1000.

Each manufacturer provides a range of products, which may come in the form of ampoules or 5-liter containers. The trade names of peracetic acid vary from one laboratory to another; however, the label should indicate the content, whether it is peracetic acid, peroxyacetic acid, or a mixture or solution with hydrogen peroxide.

Uses in Beer

As described in the article, the properties of peracetic acid are disinfectant, and thus they serve both for the treatment of dairy products and for removing residues in alcoholic beverages resulting from the fermentation of barley and wheat.

Peracetic acid in beer acts as a cleaner for impurities. It works to remove residues and prevent the growth of microorganisms.

To use it, surfaces must be soaked at room temperature, avoiding use if there are alkaline residues. If present, they should be rinsed off first, just like with other food utensils and equipment.

After using peroxyacetic or peracetic acid, it should be rinsed again with a 15-minute contact time before use. This helps avoid any potential active residues.

Preparation

It can be obtained from acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide in aqueous solution, as well as through the oxidation of acetaldehyde and oxygen in the presence of cobalt acetate.

Peracetic acid can also be obtained from the treatment of acetic anhydride with hydrogen peroxide as part of the sulfuric acid reaction with water, though water (H2O) is not added to achieve this.

Formula and Properties

• The formula of peracetic acid is: CH₃CO₃
• Explosive when agitated at 110 °C.
• Does not foam.
• Easy dissolution.
• Biocidal properties.
• Biodegradable.
• Environmentally friendly.

It can decompose with water, acetic acid, or oxygen without leaving toxic byproducts for life or the environment. It is considered an eco-friendly disinfectant.

Sales Price

Depending on the amount of peracetic acid you need, the sales prices will vary. Since ampoules with small quantities are somewhat more expensive compared to the 5-liter bottle, the same applies for industrial quantities. In this case, the price of peracetic acid is lower.

A 45 kg sample for use as a disinfectant costs between €44 and €45 in Spain. It can also be purchased in 25 kg sanitizing water drums with an approximate price of €43.