What type of chemicals are used on living tissue to inhibit the growth of microorganisms?

Antiseptics are specifically designed for use on living tissues, aiming to reduce or inhibit the growth of microorganisms to prevent infections. They work by targeting the cellular processes of microbes, effectively reducing their numbers or inhibiting their function while being safe for human tissues. This makes them particularly valuable in medical and clinical settings for procedures such as wound care, surgical prep, and hand hygiene.

Disinfectants, on the other hand, are intended for non-living surfaces and are often too harsh for direct application on living tissue, as they can cause damage. Sterilants are strong agents used to achieve complete elimination of all microorganisms, often reserved for surgical instruments and other items that come into contact with patients but not for direct application to living tissue. Preservatives, while they may inhibit microbial growth, are generally used in products to prolong shelf-life and are not specifically formulated or intended for use directly on living tissues. Thus, antiseptics are the appropriate choice for the context of inhibiting microbial growth on living tissue.