Lecithin-amended montmorillonite clays enhance the antibacterial effect of barrier creams

The objective of this study was to assess in vitro antibacterial activity of barrier cream (EVB) formulations containing either calcium montmorillonite (CM) or lecithin-amended montmorillonite (CML). All ingredients were generally recognized as safe (GRAS), and clay minerals were specifically studied due to their known ability to adsorb numerous toxins of human clinical relevance. Characterization of the EVB formulations showed good spreadability, pH, appearance, unity, viscosity, and no evidence of phase separation. Colony forming, disk diffusion susceptibility, and agar dilution assays were used to determine the minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) of total EVB formulations, as well as respective individual ingredients, against E. coli. Active ingredients within the base EVB formulation were found to be essential oils and zinc oxide. EVB-CML at 0.5-25 mg/mL dose-dependently and significantly (p ≤ 0.01) enhanced the antibacterial activity of the base EVB formulation. MBC values for EVB-CML were 2.5 mg/mL in the colony forming assay and 0.75 mg/mL in the agar dilution test, with a zone of inhibition. Both EVB and EVB-CML displayed stronger antibacterial activity than four antimicrobial creams currently marketed in the United States. Moreover, this effect was rapid, favored by high temperature, and product stability testing suggested a shelf life of at least 10 months. Taken together, these findings demonstrate the ability of CML to enhance the antibacterial effect of the base EVB formulation against E. coli. This novel EVB-CML formulation represents a promising advancement toward improved antibacterial efficacy beyond current industry standards for commercial skin creams and sunscreens.