As an efficient disinfectant, ozone's sterilization principle is mainly based on its strong oxidizing properties. When ozone comes into contact with bacteria, it can quickly penetrate the bacterial cell wall. This process does not depend on the physiological activities of the bacteria. Therefore, the bactericidal effect of ozone is instantaneous and has a devastating impact on the survival ability of the bacteria.
During the sterilization process, ozone molecules (O3) first react with chemicals on the bacterial cell wall, destroying the structure of the cell wall, causing it to lose its protective effect. The cell wall is the first line of defense for bacteria against external environmental damage. Once damaged, the internal structure of the bacteria will be exposed to the oxidation of ozone.
Furthermore, ozone molecules will penetrate into the bacterial cell membrane and oxidize the lipids and proteins in the membrane structure, thereby destroying the integrity of the cell membrane. The cell membrane is a key structure for bacteria to exchange materials. Once ozone damages the cell membrane, the metabolism of the bacteria will be seriously affected, and the intracellular environment will be imbalanced, causing the bacteria to be unable to grow and reproduce normally.
In addition, ozone can directly oxidize bacterial nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), thereby affecting the transmission of genetic information. Since DNA and RNA are the genetic materials necessary for bacterial growth and reproduction, their damage will directly lead to bacterial death.
In scientific research, the bactericidal effect of ozone has been widely verified. For example, experiments have shown that ozone can kill a variety of common bacteria and fungi including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans and other common bacteria and fungi in a very short period of time (usually seconds to minutes) at appropriate concentrations.
In summary, ozone quickly destroys bacterial cell walls, cell membranes and nucleic acids through its strong oxidizing properties, thereby effectively killing bacteria. This process is rapid and irreversible, ensuring the high efficiency and broad spectrum of ozone in disinfection and sterilization.
