Hydroxyl ions are highly oxidizing free radicals that destroy bacteria by:
Damaging the cytoplasmic membrane
Protein denaturation
Damaging bacterial DNA
All of the above
The release of hydroxyl ions in an aqueous environment is related to the antimicrobial property. Hydroxyl ions are highly oxidizing free radicals that destroy bacteria by:

Damaging the cytoplasmic membrane
Protein denaturation
Damaging bacterial DNA