Bacteria are small, single-cell organisms with uncomplicated structures encased in relatively robust cell membranes. Ozone disrupts the metabolism of bacterial cells, probably impeding and obstructing their enzymatic control system. A sufficient amount of ozone penetrates the cell membrane, leading to bacterial destruction. In contrast, viruses are small, independent particles composed of crystals and macromolecules. They can only multiply within a host cell by transforming the host cell’s protein into their own.

Ozone can eliminate many viruses by entering their protein coat and damaging their RNA at the core. At higher concentrations, ozone also oxidises the capsid, the exterior protein shell, affecting the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) or RNA (ribonucleic acid) structures of the microorganism.