Pure 02Pure 02

PURE O2 Chlorine Dioxide (ClO2) is a disinfectant and deodorizer based on powerful oxidizing power. Unlike conventional chlorine-based disinfectants, chlorine dioxide possesses a unique mechanism that kills harmful microorganisms and eliminates odors through selective oxidation reactions.

1. Sterilization Mechanism of Chlorine Dioxide (ClO2)

- The core of chlorine dioxide is 'oxidation.' It is characterized by the fact that it does not develop resistance because it physically destroys the structure of microorganisms.

- Cell Membrane Disruption: Chlorine dioxide molecules penetrate the cell membranes of bacteria or viruses and oxidize proteins and lipids. This reduces the permeability of the cell wall and causes intracellular substances to leak out.

- Amino Acid Denaturation: It reacts with key intracellular amino acids such as cysteine, tyrosine, and tryptophan to inhibit protein synthesis and suppress enzyme activity.

1. RNA/DNA Replication Blocking: In the case of viruses, chlorine dioxide destroys envelope proteins while simultaneously affecting the base sequence of internal nucleic acids (RNA/DNA), causing them to lose their ability to replicate.

2. Odor Removal Mechanism

- Odors generally originate from organic molecules in a molecular state, such as sulfur or nitrogen compounds. Chlorine dioxide does not mask odors with fragrance; instead, it oxidizes odor-causing substances to break down their structures.

- Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S): Reacts with chlorine dioxide to oxidize into sulfates or sulfur, thereby eliminating odors.

- Mercaptans: Oxidize compounds that cause putrid odors, converting them into odorless substances.

- Ammonia and Amines: Break the bonds of organic nitrogen compounds to produce deodorizing effects.

3. Electron Transfer Mechanism

- The oxidation of chlorine dioxide occurs via a "single electron transfer" method. Chlorine dioxide possesses very strong oxidizing power as it has the ability to steal five electrons from target substances. Importantly, this reaction is "electrophilic." In other words, it reacts rapidly only with specific electron-rich amino acids or organic substances, and unlike chlorine (Cl2), it does not combine with organic matter to produce carcinogenic trihalomethanes (THMs).

4. Selectivity toward Harmful and Beneficial Bacteria

- The answer to the question, "How can chlorine dioxide selectively kill only harmful bacteria?" lies in the difference between oxidation potential and cell structure.

① Appropriateness of Oxidation Potential

- The oxidation potential of chlorine dioxide is approximately 0.95V.

- Ozone (2.07V) or fluorine (2.87V) are too powerful to indiscriminately destroy all beneficial bacteria and organic matter (including cells). On the other hand, while chlorine dioxide is sufficient to destroy specific organic compounds possessed by harmful bacteria (e.g., sulfur-containing amino acids), it lacks the selectivity to immediately destroy the relatively stable cell structures of higher organisms or the structures of some beneficial bacteria.

② Characteristics of Harmful Bacteria (Pathogens)

- Most harmful bacteria and anaerobic bacteria have thin cell walls or structures that are vulnerable to oxidative stress.

- Since chlorine dioxide is in an electron-deficient state, it immediately attacks the cell membrane proteins of electron-rich pathogens.

③ Relative Resistance of Beneficial Bacteria

- Many beneficial bacteria (e.g., lactic acid bacteria, Bacillus subtilis, etc.) possess robust cell wall structures that allow them to withstand changes in the external environment better than harmful bacteria, or they have enzyme systems equipped with defense capabilities against oxidizing agents.

Furthermore, in the fields of agriculture and livestock farming, optimal concentrations are used through concentration control to kill harmful bacteria without affecting plant cells or beneficial bacteria. - Note: Chlorine dioxide is an efficient disinfectant with an oxidizing power approximately 1.2 times stronger than oxygen in the air, and it can destroy the electron transport system of microorganisms much faster than oxygen, even in water.

• 목록