Electrolysed Water Is Transforming Hospital Disinfection and Hygiene Practices

Healthcare-associated viral, bacterial and parasitic infections remain a serious global challenge, affecting millions of patients each year. The growing demand for safer, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly disinfectants has led researchers to explore innovative alternatives. Scientists at the Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Kangwon National University, Korea, have elaborated and highlighted one such solution, i.e., electrolyzed water (EW), as a powerful antimicrobial agent with applications in the food industry, agriculture, livestock management and medical field. EW stands out as a practical, science-backed solution for modern healthcare challenges. Its combination of effectiveness, safety, and sustainability makes it a strong candidate for widespread adoption. From wound care to hospital sanitation, EW offers real-world benefits that align with current needs for safer and greener disinfectants.

What Is Electrolyzed Water?

Electrolyzed water is produced by passing an electric current through a dilute salt (NaCl) solution. This process generates different types of water with antimicrobial properties, including acidic, neutral, and alkaline variants.

EW contains active compounds like hypochlorous acid (HOCl), which are strong reactive oxygen species (ROS) and play a central role in killing bacteria, viruses, fungi, and biofilms by infiltrating the membranes of bacterial cells and killing pathogens through chlorination or oxidation, which destroys the key metabolic frameworks.

Discovery of Electrolyzed Water

Since its invention in the early 19^th century in Russia, EW has been widely used in other parts of the world, including Japan, the U.S., Europe, and China. Especially, Japan played a major role in promoting electrolyzed water (EW) through government-backed regulations and research. Since the 1990s, Japanese health authorities have approved and reauthorized ERW-producing home-managed medical device. In 2002, the Ministry of Japan authorized the use of hypochlorous acid water on designated food additives. Recently, the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) approved electrolytically generated hypochlorous acid for food contact surfaces. In 2020, China also introduced standards allowing hypochlorous acid water for use on skin, hands, and mucous membranes. These regulatory approvals highlight the growing global acceptance of EW as a safe and effective disinfectant.

Types of Electrolyzed Water

Different forms of EW are produced depending upon their strength and applications in various sectors or industries:

Acidic electrolysed water (AEW) has a pH of 2-3
Basic electrolysed water (BEW) has a pH of 10-13
Slightly acid electrolysed water (SAEW) has a pH of 5.5–6.5
Neutral electrolysed water (NEW) has a pH of 7-8

Applications of Electrolyzed Water

Strong Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Activity

One of the most important outcomes is EW’s ability to eliminate a broad range of pathogens.

EW is effective against bacteria, viruses, spores, and fungi
It can disrupt biofilms, which are responsible for up to 80% of human infections

This makes it especially valuable in hospitals, where biofilms often form on medical devices and surfaces.

Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl) as the Active Agent

HOCl is the primary antimicrobial component in EW. Its effectiveness comes from:

Neutral charge, allowing easy penetration into microbial cells
Strong oxidative properties that damage proteins and DNA

Interestingly, HOCl is also naturally produced by the human immune system, which supports its safety profile.

Rapid Disinfection Performance

EW demonstrates rapid microbial reduction. For instance:

Significant bacterial reduction can occur within minutes
In some cases, up to 5.8 log reduction in bacteria was observed in just 1 minute

This speed is critical in clinical environments where quick sterilisation is required.

Safe and Environmentally Friendly

Unlike traditional chemical disinfectants, EW:

Contains no harmful residues
Reverts back to normal water after use
Causes minimal irritation to skin and mucous membranes

These properties make it suitable for repeated use in sensitive environments like hospitals and clinics.

Cost-Effective and On-Site Production

Another practical advantage is that EW can be generated on-site using simple equipment. According to the study:

1 litre can be produced in about 8 minutes
It reduces the need for storage and transportation of chemicals

This lowers operational costs and improves accessibility.

Practical Applications in Healthcare

Wound Care and Healing

The research shows that EW supports wound healing by:

Reducing bacterial load without damaging tissue
Promoting cell proliferation
Breaking down biofilms that delay healing

Clinical observations reported significant wound size reduction and improved healing outcomes.

Hand Sanitization

EW-based sanitizers are emerging as alternatives to alcohol-based products. Benefits include:

Effective against common pathogens like E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus
Less skin irritation with frequent use
Potential use in fog or spray form for broader coverage

This makes EW particularly useful in healthcare settings requiring frequent hand hygiene.

Oral and Dental Care

EW has shown strong antibacterial effects against oral pathogens. Applications include:

Mouthwash solutions
Dental equipment sterilization
Prevention of dental plaque and infections

Studies cited in the paper show over 99% bacterial reduction in some cases.

Surface and Environmental Disinfection

EW is highly effective for cleaning hospital environments, including:

Floors, medical equipment, and bedding
High-touch surfaces like door handles
Water systems in dental units

The research indicates higher efficacy compared to some conventional disinfectants.

Scope of Research

EW is more than just a disinfectant. It is a versatile, clinically relevant tool with measurable outcomes and strong practical applicability. By combining robust antimicrobial performance with safety and cost-efficiency, EW represents a meaningful step forward in infection control and healthcare hygiene. Although EW has found its applications in diverse industries, improvements can be made to improve its stability, shelf life, enhanced delivery systems and its expanded use against drug-resistant pathogens.