For example, common alcohol acts as a disinfectant by coagulating microbial proteins, thus altering their function. Water boils at 100 degrees Centigrade, but the pressure keeps the liquid media from boiling over at the 121 degrees utilized, and the above boiling point temperature used assures that all cells and any endospores present are killed. The material autoclaved is thus completely sterilized. Refrigeration or freezes slows or stops growth. Keeping surgical sutures dry, draining abscesses, and so on applies this principal, as microbes need water for growth and replication.
Sugars have a high osmotic pressure.
Entire sacks of grain can be sterilized. UV has low penetration power. Used to kill microbes on surfaces. First used by Dr. Lister as an aerosol during surgery. In cough lozenges.