Antimicrobial agent- Chemical substances or microorganisms which can deter
render harmless or exert a controlling effect on any harmful organism by chemical or
biological means. They are commonly added to other materials to protect them against
biological infestation and growth. Normally, they are used in medicine, agriculture,
forestry and industry application. A biocide can be:
• A pesticide (i.e. fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, algaecides, etc.)
• An antimicrobial (i.e. germicides, antibiotics, antibacterials, antivirals,
antifungals, etc.)