| Target | Agent | Impact |
| Cell wall | Aldehydes | Interaction with -NH2 groups |
| Anionic surfactants | Lysis | |
| Cytoplasmic membrane | Quaternary ammonium compounds, biguanides, hexachlorophene | Leakage of low molecular weight material |
| Nucleic acids | Dyes, alkylating agents, ionizing and ultraviolet radiation | Breakage of bonds, cross-linking, binding of agents to nucleic acids |
| Enzymes or proteins | Metal ions (Ag, Cu) | Bind to -SH groups of enzymes |
| Alkylating agents | Combine with DNA or RNA | |
| Oxidizing agents (chlorine, hydrogen peroxide) | Damage of bacterial cell membranes; damage of proteins and nucleic acid |