Halogens have the disadvantage of being inactivated by organic materials. Used as a contact lens disinfecting agent. Very effective agents, these kill everything, but they are highly toxic. Ethylene oxide 3. Agents that interfere with bacterial metabolism and cell functions - Antibiotics and chemotherapeutic agents.
Antibiotics are substances produced in a microorganism which inhibit the growth of other microbes.
Mechanisms of Antibiotic action. Interfere with nucleic acid metabolism nalidixic acid rifamycin e. Physical agents used to disinfect Heat - Protein denaturant and DNA denaturant.