Iodine in its elemental form is a purple gas.
Potassium iodide, often combined with iodine, is a potent and fast-acting bactericide used in medical and dental applications. It is topically applied and causes irreversible damage and death to the bacteria. It is possible that conversion of iodide to iodine is necessary for this bactericidal activity to occur.
Iodide to Iodine
Potassium iodide solutions are used for some dental procedures.
Iodide in potassium can form iodine molecules (I2). These molecules are implicated in the oxidative destruction of bacterial cell membranes and the death of bacteria. Iodine/potassium iodide solutions are used routinely by medical professionals and dental surgeons as an antiseptic solution. Potassium iodide is faster-acting than most other topical antiseptics, and is therefore more useful for certain bactericidal applications.
Iodide Synergy
Synergy occurs when two separate forces act in the same direction.
It has been found that under acidic conditions, iodide in combination with manganese is a potent bactericide. It is effective at killing the common bacterium Staphylococcus aureus (staph). Staph infections are a common cause of disease in humans. Potassium iodide is a topical treatment that may be effective for treating skin diseases such as impetigo, boils and cellulitis.
Effects on Bacteria
Scientists use Petri dishes coated with bacteria to test bactericides.
Iodide or iodine-based topical bactericides first cause oxidative damage to the cell membrane of bacteria. This opens up the interior of the bacteria to further action by iodine. The iodine then acts by destroying enzymes required by bacteria for respiration. While bacteria can repair cell membranes, once the enzymes required for respiration are destroyed, cell death is irreversible.
Tags: iodide solutions, cell membranes, , enzymes required, , Potassium iodide