Cell Toxicity Study of Antiseptic Solutions Containing Povidone-Iodine and Hydrogen Peroxide

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Infectious Diseases
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are a growing concern, necessitating effective prevention and treatment strategies.
• Topical antiseptic solutions are increasingly used to combat bacterial contamination and biofilm at surgical sites.
• While antimicrobial combinations can enhance efficacy and overcome resistance, their combined toxicity requires thorough evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the cytotoxicity of povidone-iodine (PI) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) solutions, both individually and in combination.
• To determine the impact of varying exposure times (1, 3, and 5 minutes) on cellular toxicity.
• To evaluate the safety profile of these antiseptic agents for potential clinical application in PJI prevention.

Main Methods:

• Cytotoxicity analysis was performed on chondrocytes, tenocytes, and fibroblast-like synoviocytes.
• Cells were exposed to PI and H2O2 solutions, alone and combined, for 1, 3, and 5 minutes.
• Cell viability was assessed using trypan blue staining to quantify dead cells.

Main Results:

• All tested solutions demonstrated a dose-dependent increase in cytotoxicity with prolonged exposure.
• Povidone-iodine (PI) at 0.3% concentration exhibited the lowest overall toxicity.
• Combined PI and H2O2 solutions showed reduced cellular killing at 3 and 5 minutes compared to H2O2 alone at equivalent concentrations.

Conclusions:

• Povidone-iodine (PI) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) exhibit varying cytotoxicity profiles, influenced by concentration and exposure time.
• Combined antiseptic solutions may offer a safer alternative by mitigating the toxicity associated with hydrogen peroxide.
• Further research is warranted to optimize antiseptic formulations for PJI prevention, balancing efficacy with minimal host cell damage.