Page 153 - congress

ORAL PRESENTATION / SÖZLÜ SUNUM

Mechanisms of Chlorine Dioxide Effects Against
Infectious Agents and One-Health Applications

Hasan Huseyin UNAL¹ * Erol KABIL¹ Hasan AYDIN²
,
Namık BILICI³ Andreas L. KALCKER
4

1 Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Pendik Veterinary Control Institute, TÜRKİYE
2 Adıyaman University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, TÜRKİYE
3 Karabuk University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Pharmacology, TÜRKİYE
4 Kalcker Institute, Biophysical expert, SWITZERLAND

*Correspound Author: h2unal@gmail.com

Chlorine dioxide (ClO₂) is a highly potent oxidizing agent that differs from classical
chlorine compounds by existing as a dissolved gas in water. As the only biocide capable of

generating free radicals, it exerts exceptionally rapid and effective antimicrobial activity. Its
mechanism of action is based on a specific electron transfer process: it attacks electron-rich

centers of organic molecules, accepts one electron, and is reduced to chlorite while inducing
oxidative stress that rapidly inactivates microorganisms. The disruption of cell walls and

membranes, interactions with fatty acids, and the inhibition of protein synthesis represent
the key steps of this mechanism. Consequently, chlorine dioxide exhibits strong efficacy

against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa, and remains active even after microorganisms

become inactivated. In daily life, its most common application is drinking water disinfection.
Through this route, chlorine dioxide plays a crucial role in controlling waterborne pathogens.

Due to its potable characteristics, it can suppress pathogenic microorganisms without
significantly disturbing the intestinal microbiota when used at appropriate doses. However,

at higher concentrations or under uncontrolled application, it may also exert pressure on
beneficial microbial communities. Compared to conventional chlorine-based disinfectants,

chlorine dioxide demonstrates superior performance at lower concentrations, effectively

eliminates biofilm structures, and minimizes the formation of harmful by-products. Based on
mechanistic evidence and laboratory studies, chlorine dioxide emerges as an effective

biocide in One Health applications, encompassing human, animal, and environmental
health.

Keywords: Chlorine dioxide, Disinfectant, Effect mechanism, Infectious agent, One Health
applications.

150