Widely used as a disinfectant and sterilant, glutaraldehyde is effective in healthcare settings for cold sterilization of medical equipment such as endoscopes, dialysis machines, and surgical instruments that cannot withstand heat. It works by cross-linking proteins and nucleic acids in microorganisms, making it potent against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores. In industrial applications, it serves as a biocide in water treatment systems to control microbial growth in cooling towers and oilfield fluids. It is also used in the tanning industry to improve the shrinkage temperature and durability of leather. In laboratories, glutaraldehyde is a key fixative in electron microscopy, preserving cellular structures by forming stable cross-links with proteins. Additionally, it is employed in tissue fixation for histology and pathology studies. Another important use is in oil and gas production, where it controls bacterial growth in drilling fluids and prevents biofouling and souring caused by sulfate-reducing bacteria. Glutaraldehyde is also utilized in the manufacture of disinfectant wipes and solutions for surface decontamination in pharmaceutical and food processing environments.