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Evaluation of toxic side effects of clinically used skin antiseptics in vitro
Tobias Hirsch1, Andreas Koerber, Frank Jacobsen
1Department of Plastic Surgery, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
Background:
Skin antiseptics are widely used in health-care worldwide. However, there is a need to determine cytotoxicity of these medications on wounds. The aim of this study was to evaluate cytotoxic effects of five clinically used antiseptics on human skin cells.
Material And Methods:
Five clinically used skin antiseptics (Prontosan, Lavasept, Braunol, Octenisept, and Betaisodona) were tested. The minimal inhibitory concentration was determined against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli). The cytotoxic effects on primary keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and a HaCaT cell line were determined (MTT-assay and BrdU-ELISA) at a wide range of concentrations.
Results:
The agents tested showed effective antibacterial properties (Octenisept, Lavasept, and Prontosan showed higher efficacy than Braunol and Betaisodona) and different degrees of cytotoxicity. Lavasept and Prontosan demonstrated less toxicity on primary human fibroblasts and keratinocytes, whereas Octenisept, Betaisodona, and Braunol showed a significant (P<0.05) decrease in cell viability to 0% on keratinocytes at concentrations of 4%, 7.5%, and 12.5%, and on fibroblasts at 7.5% and 10%, respectively.
Conclusion:
Due to the cytotoxic effect of some antiseptics on human skin cells, it is advised that health care professionals balance the cytotoxicity of the medication, their antiseptic properties, and the severity of colonization when selecting a wound care antiseptic. In this study, Lavasept and Prontosan showed best result regarding antibacterial efficacy and cell toxicity.
Insights
When choosing skin antiseptics for wound care, consider both their effectiveness against bacteria and their toxicity to human skin cells. Lavasept and Prontosan demonstrated the best balance of antibacterial efficacy and low cytotoxicity in this study.
Area of Science:
- Wound care and dermatology
- Antimicrobial agents
- Cell biology
Background:
- Skin antiseptics are crucial in healthcare settings globally.
- Assessing the cytotoxicity of these agents on wound healing is essential.
- This study investigates the cytotoxic effects of common antiseptics on human skin cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the cytotoxic effects of five clinically used skin antiseptics on human skin cells.
- To compare the antibacterial efficacy and cytotoxicity profiles of these antiseptics.
Main Methods:
- Five antiseptics (Prontosan, Lavasept, Braunol, Octenisept, Betaisodona) were tested.
- Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined against common wound pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli).
- Cytotoxicity was assessed using MTT assay and BrdU-ELISA on primary keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and HaCaT cells across various concentrations.
Main Results:
- All tested antiseptics exhibited antibacterial properties, with Octenisept, Lavasept, and Prontosan showing higher efficacy.
- Significant cytotoxic effects were observed for Octenisept, Betaisodona, and Braunol on keratinocytes and fibroblasts at specific concentrations.
- Lavasept and Prontosan displayed lower toxicity towards primary human fibroblasts and keratinocytes compared to the other agents.
Conclusions:
- Healthcare professionals should weigh the cytotoxic impact against antiseptic properties and infection severity when selecting wound care agents.
- Lavasept and Prontosan offer a favorable combination of antibacterial efficacy and reduced cell toxicity.
- The findings guide the selection of safer and more effective antiseptics for wound management.
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