Abstract
The fungicidal effect against Candida was investigated to evaluate the potential usefulness of mildly acidic hypochlorous acid water for baby bottle sterilization. To simulate post-feeding conditions, bottles and nipples were filled with milk and Candida solution, then rinsed under identical conditions after discarding the contents. The following experimental groups were included: conventional sterilization (boiling, microwave, chemical solution); mildly acidic hypochlorous acid water (100, 10, 5, and 1 mL); no sterilization; positive control (no washing/sterilization); and negative control. After treatment, the bottles and nipples were filled with sterile distilled water as the test solution, followed by culture on standard agar and Candida GE medium. The number of positive plates and colonies was then determined. For cleaning within 5 min after feeding, applying at least 1 mL (1 spray) of slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water to the bottle and nipple for at least 60 sec achieved a sterilization effect equivalent to that for conventional disinfection methods. Therefore, slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water is potentially useful as a new reagent for disinfecting baby bottles and nipples.
