50% glutaraldehyde is a highly effective disinfectant with a broad spectrum of bactericidal activity, reliable bacterial spore killing effect, little influence of organic matter on bactericidal activity, and low corrosion to metal. It is suitable for the disinfection and sterilization of heat-sensitive medical devices and precision instruments, especially the disinfection and sterilization of endoscopes.

Physical & Chemical Properties:

Glutaraldehyde is a saturated five-carbon dialdehyde with a molecular formula of C5H8O2. The pure product is a colorless or light yellow oily liquid with a weak aldehyde odor. It is easily soluble in water and alcohol, and the glutaraldehyde aqueous solution is acidic.

50% glutaraldehyde is stable under acidic conditions and can be stored for a long time. Glutaraldehyde used for disinfection is usually a 2% alkaline solution, and the acidic solution needs to be activated (alkalinized) before use.

Killing Effect on Microorganisms The mechanism of glutaraldehyde killing microorganisms is still unclear. It may be that the free aldehyde group combines with the amino acid in the cell wall, making it impossible for the microorganism to absorb nutrients and excrete waste, thereby causing the death of the microorganism.

The reaction rate of glutaraldehyde with proteins and enzymes depends on the pH of the solution. In the pH range of 4 to 9, the reaction rate increases with the increase of pH value.