Benzalkonium Chloride

Author: Shubham Karnani

Benzalkonium Chloride is a quaternary ammonium-based antiseptic and disinfectant with actions and uses similar to those of other cationic surfactants. It is also used as an antimicrobial preservative for pharmaceutical products. It is an effective bactericidal and fungicidal agent that helps to minimize the growth of microorganisms. To eradicate 99.9% of bacteria, it is used in foaming hand sanitizers, soaps, and other products. It has an important role in preventing the spread of serious infectious diseases. BKC has antimicrobial properties which protect the product from spoiling.

How does Benzalkonium Chloride work?

It is an organic compound based on quaternary ammonium compound, which helps in the complete removal of any harmful microorganisms, and is mainly used as an antimicrobial preservative to help minimize the growth of unwanted organisms. Benzalkonium Chloride can disrupt the cellular membrane lipid bilayers of bacteria, compromises cell permeability, and result in cell leakage. With the increase in BKC Concentration, membrane fluidity is reduced, resulting in hydrophilic gaps. QAC-based disinfectants are non-toxic, non-tainting, and inhibit the future growth of microorganisms.

What are the uses of Benzalkonium Chloride?

Healthcare facilities, daycare centers, and restaurants may be centers for the transmission of bacterial and viral illnesses where the use of disinfectants is important. BKC is used as both an antiseptic and disinfectant. It is a fast-acting agent used to eradicate microbes, pathogens, bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. It has consistently been chosen as a disinfectant for hospitals.

Application Areas are

  • Agriculture disinfection
  • Aquaculture water, Swimming pool water, Ponds disinfection
  • Disinfectants for hospitals and the food & beverage industry
  • Laundry disinfection
  • As antimicrobial preservatives in Personal care Products to prevent the growth of microorganisms

a pioneering specialty chemical manufacturer, manufactures Benzalkonium Chloride. It is an aqueous solution and is used as a preservative. Its activity depends upon the available concentration of BKC. Standard concentrates are manufactured as 50% and 80% w/w solutions. It is the common ingredient in disinfectants used in residential, industrial, agricultural, and clinical. Generally, it is used to stabilize formulations and prevent contamination of users due to its antibacterial effect.

Key Features & Benefits

  • Broad-spectrum disinfectant with good detergency.
  • Its ability to synergize with other molecules provides flexibility to formulators.
  • Non-tainting & Bio-degradable
  • High efficacy against SPC, coil forms, gram-positive, gram-negative bacteria, and yeast.
  • Excellent disinfection and detergency
  • Highly concentrated for low dosage

Eco-friendly, bio-degradable, and skin-friendly