Chlorhexidine Nanoemulsion: A New Antiseptic Formulation.

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Antimicrobial agents
• Dermatology

Background:

• Nanoparticle solutions are explored for enhanced antimicrobial properties.
• Developing effective antiseptic agents is crucial for infection control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize a 0.25% chlorhexidine nanoemulsion (NM-Cl 0.25% w/v).
• To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo antiseptic efficacy of NM-Cl 0.25% w/v.
• To compare NM-Cl 0.25% w/v with a conventional chlorhexidine formulation.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of NM-Cl 0.25% w/v and free chlorhexidine nanoemulsion (FCN) via spontaneous emulsification.
• Physicochemical characterization of nanoemulsions.
• In vitro studies: microdilution and kill curve assays.
• In vivo study: antisepsis evaluation on rat dorsum.
• Statistical analysis using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests.

Main Results:

• NM-Cl 0.25% w/v exhibited favorable physicochemical properties.
• Both NM-Cl 0.25% w/v and chlorhexidine 0.5% alcohol base (CS-Cl 0.5%) were more effective against Gram-positive than Gram-negative bacteria.
• NM-Cl 0.25% w/v showed superior antiseptic effect and longer residual activity compared to CS-Cl 0.5%.
• In vivo studies confirmed the antiseptic efficacy of NM-Cl 0.25% w/v on rat skin.

Conclusions:

• NM-Cl 0.25% w/v demonstrates significant antiseptic potential.
• The nanoemulsion formulation offers enhanced and durable antimicrobial effects.
• NM-Cl shows promise as a future antiseptic for cutaneous microbiota.