Alkaline hydrolysis is a chemical reaction that takes place when tough organic residues are exposed to an alkaline solution. Alkaline hydrolysis breaks these residues into smaller more water-soluble and more easily emulsified molecules.
There are two common types of residues that are broken down by alkaline detergents. They are called esters and amides. Many biological compounds are esters or amides, so alkaline hydrolysis is an effective pre-soaking technique with biological residues. This is why our clients in the medical device, healthcare, food and beverage, pharmaceutical and biotech industries use alkaline detergents for their potent ability to emulsify organic and oily residues.
If needed, parts or equipment contaminated by tough or oily organic residue will be cleaned or pre-soaked in an alkaline detergent such as Detonox® Ultimate Precision Cleaner. This will then be followed by a thorough cleaning with Tergazyme® Enzyme Active Powder Detergent to get a bioresidue free surface (or whatever apropos Alconox, Inc. detergent is called for in the next step).