PHMB-loaded PDMS and its antimicrobial properties for biomedical applications

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Antimicrobial Agents
• Dermal Health

Background:

• Biomaterial development is crucial for improving human health and quality of life.
• Cutaneous infections pose significant challenges in wound healing processes.
• Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is a versatile polymer with potential for biomedical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop PDMS-based membranes incorporating the antimicrobial agent polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB).
• To evaluate the antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties of PHMB-loaded PDMS films.
• To assess the potential of the developed biomaterial for preventing cutaneous infections.

Main Methods:

• Incorporation of PHMB (0.1%, 0.3%, 0.5% w/w) into PDMS membranes.
• Disk diffusion assays to evaluate antimicrobial activity against various bacteria and fungi.
• Cytotoxicity assessment of PHMB-loaded PDMS on HaCaT and L929 cell lines.

Main Results:

• PHMB-loaded PDMS demonstrated significant growth inhibition of common skin microorganisms, including *Escherichia coli*, *Pseudomonas aeruginosa*, *Staphylococcus aureus*, and *Candida albicans*.
• The material exhibited broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity.
• Low cytotoxicity was observed for PDMS with 0.1% w/w PHMB on HaCaT and L929 cells.

Conclusions:

• PDMS membranes incorporated with PHMB possess effective antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties.
• The developed biomaterial shows promise as a protective dressing for wounds, burns, and post-surgical applications.
• The low cytotoxicity at effective concentrations supports its potential use in dermal applications.