Preservatives

Preservatives are substances added to various products such as food, medicine, cosmetics and paints to prevent spoilage, decomposition, unwanted chemical reactions and loss of quality and nutritional value. These substances extend the shelf life of products by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and yeasts, as well as preventing oxidation and other chemical changes.

Mechanism of action of preservatives

Preservatives prevent the growth of microorganisms by various mechanisms:

Changing the pH of the environment: Some preservatives inhibit the growth of microorganisms by changing the pH of the environment.
Interference with microbial enzymes: Some preservatives destroy microorganisms by interfering with the function of enzymes essential for their growth.
Oxidation: Some preservatives inhibit the growth of aerobic microorganisms by creating an oxidative environment.

Applications of preservatives

Preservatives are used in various industries:

Food industries: To preserve foods such as meat, cheese, fruit juice, bread and canned goods.
Pharmaceutical industries: To extend the shelf life of drugs and prevent their spoilage.
Cosmetic industries: To prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in cosmetic and health products.
Paint and Coatings Industries: To prevent the growth of microorganisms in paints and coatings.