Alkalinized Glutaraldehyde, a New Antimicrobial Agent

Abstract

A high degree of microbiological activity was demonstrated when aqueous glutaraldehyde solutions were alkalinized with the appropriate buffer. The potent bactericidal, tuberculocidal, fungicidal, sporicidal, and virucidal activity of alkalinized glutaraldehyde was not affected by the presence of serum and retained activity for a minimum of 2 weeks. Acidic glutaraldehyde solutions, stored at room temperature, are highly stable. Alkalinized glutaraldehyde solutions show a significant change in pH and loss of glutaraldehyde after 2 weeks. They have a mild odor and exhibit a relatively low order of toxicity as they are only slightly irritating to the skin when not removed. No damage to lensed instruments was observed with 2 per cent solutions.