Brief Introduction to the Classification and Functions of Green Antibacterial Agents

Antibacterial agents, as a type of chemical product, have a history dating back thousands of years. 

Bacteria are everywhere and have always had an impact on human health. Nowadays, they have attracted sufficient attention from most people. With the improvement of living standards both at home and abroad and the increasing emphasis on health, we have found that in fact, most physical diseases are caused by "bacteria". Now, let's get to know the nemesis of bacteria: mildew-proof and antibacterial agents. 

Mildew-proof and antibacterial agents usually refer to drugs used on living tissues to prevent microorganisms. They are different from chemical agents (such as disinfectants and sterilizers) that are usually used for the control of microorganisms on inanimate objects. 

The main difference between mildew-proof and antibacterial agents and disinfectants lies in that: mildew-proof and antibacterial agents are mainly used to inhibit or hinder the growth, reproduction, and activity of bacteria, and also have a certain killing effect. They are mostly used on the surface of living tissues. Disinfectants, on the other hand, are mainly used to remove or kill pathogenic microorganisms on the surface of non-living objects to meet the requirements of disinfection or sterilization. A sterilizer refers to a preparation that can kill all microorganisms (including bacterial spores) to meet the sterilization requirements. An antibacterial agent is a preparation suitable for inhibiting or hindering the growth, reproduction, and activity of bacteria. 

The large-scale application of modern antibacterial materials began during World War II. The German army once wore military uniforms that had been processed with antibacterial finishing, which reduced the bacterial infections and the number of sick and wounded soldiers. After the 1960s, antibacterial and hygienic fabrics began to be popularized in civilian products. The antibacterial agents used for antibacterial finishing mainly include the addition of strong antibacterial chemical substances such as organotin and chlorophenols. In the 1980s, the successful development of antibacterial fibers ensured the long-term effectiveness of antibacterial textiles better. With the rapid development of the petrochemical industry, plastic products have become indispensable necessities in daily life. 

With the improvement of living standards, people's understanding and requirements of the living environment are constantly increasing, especially their awareness of health is also continuously enhanced. Since harmful bacteria are widely distributed in nature, with a large variety and quantity, they pose a serious threat to human health. Diseases caused by bacterial transmission and infection have become a major social issue and have attracted widespread attention. Organic antibacterial agents have the characteristics of fast bactericidal speed, high antibacterial efficiency, convenient processing, stable color, etc. They have a long history of use and play an irreplaceable role in certain fields. In recent years, researchers have been committed to the development of organic antibacterial agents with high efficiency, low toxicity, environmental friendliness, slow release, and long-term effectiveness. 

Plant-derived antibacterial agents are antibacterial agents extracted from natural green plants, mainly including the following types. 

Pericarpium granati 

Pomegranate was originally named Punica granatum. It is a deciduous shrub of the Punicaceae family, native to Iran. The pericarpium granati is the dried pericarp of the pomegranate, which contains pigment substances. There are records in the folk that it was once used to boil water to dye white cloth. The pericarpium granati can be used as medicine, and its main components are granatin, betulinic acid, ursolic acid, isoquercitrin, etc. Its extract has the effect of inhibiting collagenase activity, and it can be used to develop ecological antibacterial fabrics with high consumer performance. Moreover, its pigment components can be used not only as a direct dye for cotton products but also for antibacterial finishing. 

Aloe 

Aloe is the concentrated and dried juice of the leaves of Aloe vera, Aloe ferox or other closely related plants of the same genus in the Liliaceae family. Aloe is native to Africa, and now it has been introduced and cultivated in many countries. In China, it is mainly distributed in the warm southern provinces. The main components of aloe are aloe emodin and aloin, abbreviated as aloin and barbaloin. In recent years, studies at home and abroad have shown that aloe has functions such as bactericidal, anti-inflammatory and moisturizing and beautifying effects. Aloe juice also has the characteristics of strong thermal stability, low antibacterial concentration, and a wide antibacterial pH range. Toxicological studies on aloe show that it is a safe, green and multi-purpose natural plant with various health care and pharmacological effects, and it is known as the "plant god".