RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Analysis of povidone iodine, chlorhexidine acetate and polyhexamethylene biguanide as wound disinfectants: in vitro cytotoxicity and antibacterial activity JF BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health JO BMJ Nutrition FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd SP 21 OP 27 DO 10.1136/bmjnph-2022-000431 VO 6 IS 1 A1 Zhang, Mingshi A1 Jin, Jian A1 Liu, Yingying A1 Ben, Chi A1 Li, Haihang A1 Cheng, Dasheng A1 Sun, Yu A1 Guang-Yi, Wang A1 Zhu, Shihui YR 2023 UL http://nutrition.bmj.com/content/6/1/21.abstract AB Objectives Even though disinfectants are commonly used in clinical practice and daily life, there are few studies on their antibacterial ability and cytotoxicity, which are closely related to the safety and effectiveness of their use. To provide a basis for the use of disinfectants, the cytotoxicity and antibacterial activity of three most commonly used disinfectants, povidone-iodine, chlorhexidine acetate and polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB), were investigated.Design A CCK-8 assay was used to measure the activities of human fibroblasts (HF) and keratinocytes (HaCat), the two most important cells in wound healing, following their exposure to disinfectants. The effects of different times and concentrations were included. The antibacterial activity of disinfectants against Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae was reflected by their minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration.Results All three disinfectants showed strong cytotoxicity in direct contact with HF and HaCat cells. Cytotoxicity increased with increasing exposure time and concentration. S. aureus, A. baumannii and K. pneumoniae comprised 70%, 55% and 85% of the strains sensitive to povidone iodine; 50%, 45% and 80% of the strains sensitive to chlorhexidine acetate; and 60%, 45% and 80% of the strains sensitive to PHMB, respectively.Conclusions All three disinfectants were cytotoxic; therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to the use time and concentration in the clinical setting. All three disinfectants were cytotoxic, with povidone-iodine being the most cytotoxic even at low concentrations. PHMB had better antibacterial efficacy against S. aureus and is suitable for the treatment of shallow wounds primarily. All three tested bacteria were significantly more sensitive to PHMB than to the other disinfectants.All data relevant to the study are included in the article or uploaded as online supplemental information. Data can be accessed through jinjiannavy@163.com.