sporicide

A sporicide is an antimicrobial agent capable of destroying bacterial spores, including those of Bacillus and Clostridium species. It is distinguished from a sporostatic agent that merely inhibits spore germination or growth, and from many disinfectants that do not reliably kill spores. In practice, agents labeled sporicidal can achieve sterilization under defined conditions when used with validated protocols and adequate contact time.

Effectiveness depends on the organism, spore resistance, and physical and chemical conditions. Factors include concentration, temperature, exposure time, organic load, and the material being treated. Spore killing often involves irreversible damage to the spore's coat and core, DNA, or enzymes, and may require prolonged exposures or higher temperatures for resistant spores.

Common sporicides include aldehydes such as glutaraldehyde and formaldehyde; oxidizers such as hydrogen peroxide (including vapor or plasma forms), peracetic acid, chlorine dioxide, and sodium hypochlorite; and gas sterilants such as ethylene oxide. Some agents provide high-level disinfection rather than true sterilization at shorter times.

Applications include healthcare, where sporicides sterilize reusable instruments and devices, and in pharmaceutical, laboratory, and food-processing contexts. Process validation uses biological indicators with sporulating bacteria, and routine monitoring employs spore tests to verify sterilization efficacy.

Safety and limitations: sporicides can be hazardous, requiring careful handling, proper ventilation, and attention to material compatibility. Regulatory oversight and standards govern use in healthcare and industry, and processes are designed to ensure complete spore inactivation while avoiding damage to equipment.