Development of portable electrolyzed water generator: antibacterial activity and their properties

The aim of research is to develop the 1-liter electrolyzed water generator with and without an anion-exchange membrane (AEM). To solve the problem of sensitive skin persons, the produced hypochlorous acid from the developed electrolyzed water generator is an alternative due to gentle and good sanitization. Therefore, the research also included a pathogen inhibition assay and a skin irritation assessment of electrolyzed water. The electrochemical reaction involved supplying a direct current of 12 volts at 1.5 amperes to graphite electrodes, with a timer relay controlling the reaction time. The experimental results, ranging from 5 to 25 minutes of reaction time, indicated that the pH values of the electrolyzed water without a membrane were nearly neutral. However, the anolyte and catholyte of this developed electrolyzed water generator with a membrane exhibited significantly increased acidity and alkalinity at reaction times of 20 to 25 minutes, respectively. The oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) value and free chlorine content displayed a consistent trend, increasing with reaction time and decreasing with storage time for all types of electrolyzed water. Regarding the pathogen inhibition zones for two types of pathogens, Bacillus cereus and Escherichia coli, the anolyte side of membrane exhibited inhibition zones of 1.07–1.13 and 0.99–1.12 cm, respectively, while the catholyte had no inhibition zones. Moreover, results from a skin irritation test conducted with 30 panelists indicated low unsatisfaction scores for anolyte, with scores of 2.33, 1.53, and 0.77 for burning sensation, itching, and skin discomfort, respectively. The developed electrolyzed water generator has a potential in practical use