BIO CIDE
Biocides are antimicrobial chemical agents that are used heavily within domestic, industry and healthcare
environments for disinfection purposes [1]. The use of biocides, such as chlorinated handwash used by 19th Century
physician Ignaz Semmelweis, have become integral over the centuries in the control of infections and in individual
patients alongside the use of antibiotics [1,2,3]. Today, biocides comprise disinfectants and topical agents such as
antiseptics and preservatives including, but not limited to, quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), biguanides,
chlorine-releasing agents and peroxygens [1,4,5]. Scientific advancement has allowed biocidal chemicals to be
applied across various items, such as surgical scrubs, mouthwashes, soaps and socks, to prevent infection [6].
However, the increased use of biocides at different ranges of concentrations has led to significant scientific
debate regarding their role in bacterial survival and resistance [5,7]. Indeed, studies have revealed bacterial
resistance to biocides, such as chlorine resistance in Salmonella typhi, which has given credence to the argument
that ineffectual biocide use can cause selective pressure in bacteria, which subsequently respond to develop
resistance mechanisms [7,8,9]. Similarly, bacteria have developed methods of antibiotic resistance in response to the
overuse of antibiotics. Thus, combined, bacterial resistance to antibiotics and biocides presents a significant
challenge to address if
