Comparing two polymeric biguanides: Chemical distinction, antiseptic efficacy and cytotoxicity of Polyaminopropyl biguanide (PAPB) and Polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB).

In this study polyaminopropyl biguanide (PAPB) was compared to the molecularly closely related polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) regarding chemical relationship, antiseptic efficacy and cytotoxicity in-vitro. Cytotoxicity for human keratinocytes (HaCaTs) and murine fibroblasts (L929) was determined according to ISO EN 10993-5 for both substances. Antimicrobial efficacy tests were performed via identification of the minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC), quantitative suspension method for substances and investigation of two PAPB or PHMB containing dressings against S. aureus, E. coli and P. aeruginosa, according to international standards. Prior, mass spectrometry was performed for chemical differentiation of the investigated substances. PHMB showed high toxicity even in low concentrations for both tested cell lines and a high antimicrobial efficacy against S. aureus and E. coli. In case of PAPB, no or only low cytotoxicity was detected after 72 h, while comparable antibacterial features are lacking, as PAPB showed no relevant antimicrobial effects. Even though chemically closely related, PAPB proved to be ineffective regarding bacterial eradication, whilst PHMB showed a high efficacy. Discovery and Establishment of safe and effective alternative antiseptics is an important issue for the treatment of infected wounds. Especially rising bacterial resistances for established agents as well as ongoing discussions of potential toxic or carcinogenic effects emphasize this necess...
Source: Journal of Medical Microbiology - Category: Microbiology Authors: Tags: J Med Microbiol Source Type: research