**1.4 Mechanism of action of hydrogen peroxide**

Anyone who has skinned their knee and poured hydrogen peroxide on the wound to stave off infection is familiar with the use of H2O2 as an antiseptic and anti-bacterial agent. Indeed, hydrogen peroxide is produced naturally in the body, acting as a beacon triggering the accumulation of white blood cells of the immune response [23]. Hydrogen Peroxide was first discovered in 1818 by Louis Jacque Theénard, who described it as 'eau oxygénéé or water oxygen for its composition containing one more oxygen atom than water [24]. This single oxygen–oxygen or peroxide bond is naturally unstable and prone to decomposition with or without the presence of a catalyst [25]. During decomposition, the active oxygen atom cleaves off, releasing energy and resulting in water and oxygen molecules [26]. The oxidizing activity, resulting from the presence of the extra oxygen atom, is what makes hydrogen peroxide an effective disinfectant. It is the reactive formulation of hydrogen peroxide which causes destruction of pathogens by breaking apart structures, interrupting key functions, causing damage to DNA, and eliminating infectious particles.
