decontamination
Decontamination describes the reduction of pathogenic microorganisms to a safe level for human use. Technically, this means reduction by a minimum of 1 log step, meaning 90%.
D
disinfection
The term disinfection is not clearly defined in a technical sense. Generally, it means a reduction of pathogenic microorganisms by a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 5 log steps. Hence, the term 'UV disinfection' describes the inactivation of at least 99.9% of a given pathogenic population with the aid of UV technology.
disinfectant (chem.)
Disinfectants contain active ingredients which either kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms. Disinfectants require sufficient application time (>10 sec.) and must be used at sufficiently strong concentrations. Some well-known disinfectants are alcohols (e.g. isopropanol), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), ozone (O3), and tinctures containing iodine.
dimerisation
The congregation of two monomers.
DNA
[Abbr. for deoxyribonucleic acid] - The carrier of genetic information.
double helix
Helix is a term synonymous with 'coil' or 'spiral'. A double helix is therefore a double spiral.
Dorno radiation
The term Dorno radiation is an alternative but no longer current description for UVB radiation. Carl Dorno was a Prussian scientist deeply involved in researching this biologically active radiation.