Among the various methods followed for controlling microbial activity, the best by far is sterilization as it eliminates all the microbes. Sterilization is achieved by the following methods: 1. Physical Methods 2. Radiation Methods 3. Ultrasonic Methods 4. Chemical Methods. 1. Physical Methods: Physical methods of sterilization include killing of microbes by applying moist heat as in steaming or dry [...]
In this article we will discuss about:- 1. Meaning of Antimicrobial Action 2. Mechanisms of Antimicrobial Action 3. Effects on on Microbial Cells. Meaning of Antimicrobial Action: Microorganisms can be killed, eliminated or inhibited by a number of physical, chemical and other means. All these agents which act against the microbes are called ‘Antimicrobial agents'. Varieties of microorganisms differ greatly [...]
The disinfection process does not take place at once but is a gradual operation in which the number of organisms killed in unit time is greater at the beginning and becomes less and less as the exposure period is increased. If the numbers of survivors in unit volume are plotted against time, the points fall on smooth curves. If the [...]