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In vivo investigation of the efficiency of a nanoparticle-emulsion containing polihexanide on the human skin
1Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, Center of Experimental and Applied Cutaneous Physiology (CCP), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany. miriamu@gmail.com
Abstract:
Skin antisepsis is a key element for the prevention of surgical site infections, as well as for infections after injection and punctures. Recent investigations have shown that about 25% of the resident bacterial flora of the human skin resides within the hair follicle. These findings strongly suggest that the skin appendages play the role of a bacterial reservoir. The bacteria within the hair follicles therefore may be the cause of endogenous germ repopulation after skin antisepsis, highlighting the need for new antiseptic formulations that can sufficiently penetrate into the hair follicles. Various experiments have found that nano-sized particles as well as oil-in-water emulsions are efficient carriers for substances into the hair follicles. In the present study, we investigated the in vivo antiseptic potential of the particle-associated and aqueous polihexanide on the human skin by monitoring bacterial growth after antisepsis over a period of 2.5h. The experiments suggest that the use of a particle-bound antiseptic can achieve a better and longer lasting antisepsis of the human skin than in non-particulate form.
Insights
Particle-bound antiseptics offer superior and prolonged skin antisepsis by targeting bacteria within hair follicles. This approach enhances prevention of surgical site infections and post-injection complications.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Dermatology
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
Background:
- Skin antisepsis is crucial for preventing surgical site infections and infections from injections.
- Human skin harbors approximately 25% of resident bacterial flora within hair follicles, acting as a reservoir for germ repopulation.
- Existing antiseptic formulations may not effectively penetrate hair follicles, necessitating novel approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vivo antiseptic efficacy of particle-associated versus aqueous polihexanide on human skin.
- To evaluate the penetration and retention capabilities of particle-bound antiseptics in hair follicles.
- To assess the duration of antiseptic effect for different polihexanide formulations.
Main Methods:
- In vivo study monitoring bacterial growth on human skin after antisepsis.
- Comparison of particle-bound polihexanide with aqueous polihexanide formulations.
- Evaluation of antiseptic effectiveness over a 2.5-hour period.
Main Results:
- Particle-bound polihexanide demonstrated enhanced and more sustained antisepsis compared to the aqueous form.
- Hair follicles were identified as a significant reservoir for skin bacteria, impacting antisepsis duration.
- The study provides evidence for improved skin antisepsis using particle-associated agents.
Conclusions:
- Particle-bound antiseptics show significant potential for improving skin antisepsis by targeting follicular reservoirs.
- This formulation strategy may lead to more effective prevention of endogenous infections following skin procedures.
- Further research into nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems for skin antisepsis is warranted.
