Synergistic killing of spores of Bacillus subtilis by peracetic acid and alcohol

Abstract

Abstract Synergistic sporicidal effects were observed when spores of Bacillus subtilis SA22 (NCA 72-52) were exposed to 0.08% (v/v) peracetic acid plus 9.9% (v/v) various primary alcohols. Synergistic sporicidal responses were also found when combinations or 0.04 or 0.08% (vlv) peracetic acid plus up to approximately 20% (v/v) ethanol were used. Higher concentrations of ethanol or peracetic acid did not yield further sporicidal action. Simultaneous use of ethanol and peracetic acid is a possible method of sterilization of aseptic packaging materials.