While ethanol-based products have long been considered the standard, a promising active ingredient is increasingly coming into focus: hypochlorous acid (HOCl). But what makes it so special? In this article, we take a look at the origins of hypochlorous acid, its benefits and its potential in medicine.

Origin

Hypochlorous acid is a mild acid that occurs in nature and is produced, for example, by the human body as a defense against pathogens. It is produced in the white blood cells (leukocytes) as part of the immune system to fight bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms.

Industrially, HOCl is produced from water and sodium chloride (common salt). Hydroliq has further developed a technology based on chlor-alkali electrolysis for this purpose. This method, which was originally developed in the 1960s for the Russian aerospace industry, enables efficient and sustainable production of hypochlorous acid. Despite its name, it does not contain any free chlorine, but decomposes completely into water and sodium chloride, which makes the solution sustainable and gentle on the skin compared to other biocidal products, without compromising on effectiveness.

Mode of action

An electrochemical production process is used to obtain a disinfectant solution that is pH-neutral and at the same time highly stable.
Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a powerful antimicrobial agent that combats bacteria, viruses and fungi in various ways. HOCl is electrically neutral and can therefore easily penetrate the cell membranes of microorganisms.

In bacteria, HOCl penetrates the cell membrane and destabilizes it, leading to the destruction of the cell structure. As a strong oxidizing agent, HOCl also attacks proteins, lipids and the DNA of bacterial cells, which leads to loss of function and cell death.

In viruses, especially enveloped viruses such as influenza or coronaviruses, HOCl oxidizes the lipid membrane of the viral envelope, destroying its structure and preventing the virus from infecting cells. HOCl also damages the viral proteins and genetic material, which prevents the virus from replicating.

HOCl has a similar effect on fungi as it does on bacteria by attacking the cell walls and cell membranes. It oxidizes the cell components, destroying the structure of the fungal cells and inhibiting growth. The electrical neutrality of HOCl enables it to penetrate the cells of the microbes particularly well, as it is not repelled by the charges of the cell membranes. Overall, the combination of these mechanisms ensures that HOCl has a broad antimicrobial effect that is effective against bacterial, viral and fungal infections. As HOCl is a natural substance produced by the white blood cells of the human immune system to fight pathogens, the solution does not attack the skin’s natural protective barriers, while infectious agents are reliably killed.

Hypochlorous acid does not attack the body’s own cells because they are protected from it by various protective mechanisms. One of the main reasons is that healthy endogenous cells produce antioxidant enzymes such as catalase and superoxide dismutase. These enzymes quickly neutralize reactive oxygen species such as HOCl and thus protect cell membranes, proteins and other cell structures from damage. In addition, HOCl is a signaling substance of the immune system and is released specifically where pathogens need to be fought. The concentration in these local areas is high enough to destroy microorganisms, but not high enough to cause extensive damage to healthy tissue. In addition, the body’s own cells are often less susceptible to the oxidative effect of HOCl, as they are specifically designed for this natural defense strategy of the body. This means that the effect of HOCl is largely limited to foreign, pathogenic microorganisms.

Advantages over ethanol-based disinfectants

Ethanol-based disinfectants are widely used, but have a number of disadvantages, especially when used frequently. Hypochlorous acid offers numerous advantages here:

Skin-friendliness:

Ethanol can dry out and irritate the skin, while HOCl is particularly kind to the skin thanks to its natural base – ideal for frequent use, sensitive skin, children or allergy sufferers. In addition, the solution does not cause a burning sensation and is therefore also very suitable for use in the veterinary sector.

Broader spectrum of activity:

HOCl is effective against bacteria, viruses, spores and fungi. Ethanol-based products, on the other hand, often have a limited effect, especially against spores.

Proven spectrum of efficacy of Hydroliq disinfectant solutions based on hypochlorous acid:

• Bactericidal (EN13727)
• Mycobactericide (EN14348)
• Virucidal (EN14476)
• Fungicide (EN13624)
• Sporicide (EN17126)

Sustainability:

HOCl leaves no harmful residues and breaks down completely into water and salt after use. This means that hypochlorous acid is not only environmentally friendly, but also particularly gentle on materials. In addition, only 1 liter of water is needed to produce 900 ml of Hydroliq disinfectant solution. Conventional alcohol-based disinfectants require up to 4,000 liters of water for 1 liter of disinfectant solution.

Safe handling:

Ethanol is flammable and poses a risk during storage and transportation. In addition, conventional disinfectants often carry hazard symbols and require protective equipment such as gloves and safety goggles. HOCl, on the other hand, is non-flammable, carries no hazard symbols and requires no protective equipment. This makes it particularly safe, even in sensitive environments such as hospitals or care facilities.

Significance in medicine

Hypochlorous acid offers numerous advantages, particularly in the medical field. Its versatile properties play a decisive role in the fight against infections and contribute significantly to the optimization of hygiene practices in healthcare facilities.

• Disinfection of medical equipment:
HOCl is used to disinfect equipment and surfaces in hospitals and doctors’ surgeries due to its high effectiveness and absence of residues.


• Multidrug resistance:
  The threat of multi-resistant germs poses a serious challenge for the healthcare system worldwide, as it makes the treatment of infections more difficult and requires the development of new drugs. Hypochlorous acid has proven effective even against stubborn germs such as MRSA, mycobacteria and even spores. In addition, the formation of resistance is virtually impossible.

Conclusion

Hypochlorous acid combines natural effectiveness with exceptional safety and environmental compatibility. Its advantages over ethanol-based disinfectants and its growing importance in medicine make HOCl a pioneering solution that will revolutionize our understanding of hygiene and health. An impressive example of how natural principles can be optimally utilized through technological progress.