Inactivation of biological agents using neutral oxone-chloride solutions.

Bleach solutions containing the active ingredient hypochlorite (OCl-) serve as powerful biological disinfectants but are highly caustic and present a significant compatibility issue when applied to contaminated equipment or terrain. A neutral, bicarbonate-buffered aqueous solution of Oxone (2K2HSO5.KHSO4.

Use of in situ-generated dimethyldioxirane for inactivation of biological agents.

Dimethyldioxirane (DMDO), generated in situ by adding acetone to an aqueous solution containing potassium peroxymonosulfate (Oxone) at neutral pH, was investigated for inactivation of biological warfare agent simulants. The DMDO solution inactivated bacterial spores, fungal spores, vegetative bacterial cells, viruses, and protein by 7 orders of magnitude in less than 10 min. The kill rates of DMDO were more pronounced when compared to kill rates of buffered Oxone alone.