Higher concentrations of alcohols inhibit microbial growth by denaturing proteins and disrupting cell membranes. Around 70% aqueous solution of alcohol is used for effective disinfection. Alcohols work as antimicrobial agents but are limited by quick evaporation and potential skin irritation.Higher concentrations of alcohols usually affect microbes by inhibiting their growth. Alcohols are effective antimicrobial agents that work by denaturing proteins and disrupting microbial cell membranes, leading to cell death. However, this effectiveness is modulated by the concentration of alcohol; typically, alcohols are used at approximately 70% aqueous solution for disinfection. This is because higher concentrations result in rapid coagulation of surface proteins, which can prevent the alcohol from effectively penetrating and inactivating microbes. Commonly used alcohols like ethyl alcohol (ethanol) and isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol, rubbing alcohol) are volatile and evaporate quickly, meaning they are only effective immediately after application, and they may cause skin irritation by dehydrating the skin....

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