Q
  1. Home
  2. Ecolink News
  3. Non-Oxidizing Biocides: A Sustainable Approach to Treatment  

Non-Oxidizing Biocides: A Sustainable Approach to Treatment  

Microorganisms exist all throughout the world, including in industrial settings. While some of these tiny organisms are harmless, others like bacteria and viruses can cause a variety of harm. Biocides, or antimicrobial agents, are chemicals that can control or destroy these mini organisms. There are two broad categories that these chemicals can fall under oxidizing and non-oxidizing. In this blog, we will explain what a non-oxidizing biocide is and what it can do for your industries.  

What Is a Non-Oxidizing Biocide?  

To understand what a non-oxidizing biocide is, we should start by defining an oxidizing biocide. This type of biocide uses oxidation to kill microorganisms. Oxidation, or a redox reaction, is the process of an electronegative atom ripping an electron from another atom. The violent and destructive reaction causes the outer layers of a cell to be destroyed, resulting in the death of the organism.    

In contrast, a non-oxidizing antimicrobial agent is a chemical that uses other methods than oxidation to kill a microorganism. The most common methods utilized by a non-oxidizing chemical include:  

  •  Interfering with an organism’s reproduction  
  • Terminating its breathing  
  • Fracturing their cell walls  

Non-oxidizing antimicrobial agents are sometimes viewed as more effective, convenient, and sustainable than oxidizing antimicrobial agents depending on the system or application they are being used for. For some systems, such as cooling water systems, these biocides are often used in conjunction with oxidizing biocides to better manage buildup or biological problems.   

Examples of Biocides That Do Not Use Oxidation  

Many different types of non-oxidizing chemicals exist. Some examples of them are:  

  • Benzisothiazolinone  
  • Methylchloroisothiazolinone  
  • Tetrakis hydroxymethyl phosphonium sulfate (THPS)  
  • Glutaraldehyde  
  • Carbamates   
  • Bronopol   
  • Quaternary Ammonium Salts  

While there are several options to pick from (way more than what is listed above), a biocide that does not use oxidation could be selected for a variety of reasons. The selection is based on factors such as:  

  • Biodegradability  
  • Toxicity  
  • Compatibility with other chemicals in the process or product  
  • Effectiveness against the microorganism you want to kill  

Looking For More Information on Non-Oxidizing Biocides?  

Then look no further than us here! We here at Ecolink are dedicated to supplying industries like yours with high-quality industrial chemicals and the knowledge on how to use them.  Contact us today if you would like to purchase or inquire about our products. Our team of chemical experts can assist you in finding the right chemical for your needs! 

Search here

Don’t forget to share this post!

Categories

Suggested Blog Posts

View all News
By EcolinkIntern
Acetone Alternatives
Oct 01 2025

What Are the Best Acetone Alternatives? A Complete Guide

What Are the Best Acetone Alternatives? A Complete Guide  Have you ever wondered if there are any good acetone alternatives?   Acetone is a powerful yet popular solvent...
By Ecolink Team
Ecolink & Care Camps Foundation
Sep 18 2025

Ecolink Launches “Caring Chemicals” to Support Pediatric Oncology Camps

(9/15/2025) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   Ecolink Launches “Caring Chemicals” to Support Children with Cancer Through Care Camps Foundation   (TUCKER, GA) -...
By Ecolink Team
WHAT IS BLEACH CHEMICAL FORMULA
Sep 16 2025

Bleach Chemical Formula: How It Works and Why It Matters

What is the bleach chemical formula? When people think about what to use for heavy-duty cleaning jobs, bleach is often one of the first chemicals that comes to mind.  ...
By Industrial Degreasers
Jul 11 2025

Reliable Isopar G Suppliers – Buy Isopar G Direct from Ecolink

Looking for reliable Isopar G suppliers? Ecolink provides high-quality isoparaffinic hydrocarbon solvents with expert technical support, competitive pricing, and...
By Ecolink Team
Safe Solvent Options
Jun 27 2025

What are the top environmentally safe solvent options with Ecolink?

Making the switch to environmentally preferred solvents is a great way to protect the environment and your team’s health. But with an array of products labeled as...
By Ecolink Team
Industrial Degreasers Available
Jun 25 2025

What Are the Best Eco-Preferred Industrial Degreasers Available?

Choosing the right eco-friendly degreaser for your business can be tough—from finding suppliers to combing through page after page of products, it’s hard to know which...
By Ecolink Team
Ecolink - Chemical Solvent Supplier
Jun 04 2025

Chemical Solvent Suppliers: Why Businesses Choose Ecolink!

Looking for new chemical solvent suppliers? You’re not alone.  Considering that just about every industry requires chemicals, having a chemical supplier you can trust...
By Ecolink Team
Semiconductor vs Electronic Grade
May 30 2025

Semiconductor Grade Chemicals vs. Electronic Grade Chemicals 

Chemical grades can be confusing—do I need an ACS grade chemical? A USP? How about a technical grade?  Simply put, chemical grades refer to a chemical’s level of...
By Ecolink Team
Semiconductor Grade
May 27 2025

What are Semiconductor Grade Chemicals?

Semiconductor grade chemicals are a great way to clean delicate electronic surfaces without causing irreversible damage. But which chemical is right for your unique...
By Ecolink Team
Electronic Grade
May 23 2025

What is Electronic Grade Chemicals?

Find yourself wondering what electronic grade chemicals are? Whether you’re trying to figure out the best chemical for cleaning your cell phone or need bulk chemical...
View all News