Laboratory Research
One of the biggest challenges in wound healing management is the ability to effectively treat any microbial infection whilst allowing the surrounding healing tissue to remain healthy and viable. Here we assess PHMB (polyhexamethylene biguanide) with mammalian cells and wound relevant microorganisms to visualise its low cytotoxic profile and effective antimicrobial properties.
Methods:
Mammalian fibroblast cells were cultured in the presence of PHMB and clinically relevant microorganisms. The cultures were stained with live/dead staining and imaged using an inverted fluorescence microscope.
Results:
Visualisation of the mammalian fibroblast cells co-cultured with microorganisms revealed the live dead stain was effective at staining both the prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells together. In the presence of PHMB, fibroblast cells were observed as healthy, and the microorganisms had been cleared. Without PHMB present the fibroblast cells had been killed by the microorganisms, and the microorganisms appeared abundant and viable.
Discussion:
PHMB is found to be a highly effective antimicrobial, capable of clearing microorganisms commonly found in infected wounds. In addition to this, PHMB is found to allow mammalian cells to remain healthy and viable with a low cytotoxic profile. This combination of effects is highly desirable for use in antimicrobial wound care products, where a reduction of bioburden coupled with a low toxicity to patient cells offers the ideal setting for wound healing to progress.