The Penetration, Efficacy and Potential of Antiseptic Nanoparticle-Emulsions

The study explored the potential of antiseptic nanoparticle-emulsions, specifically focusing on nano-sized liposomes with bound disinfectant polihexanide, for improved skin antisepsis. It was found that hair follicles act as bacterial reservoirs and play a crucial role in skin penetration. In vitro experiments using porcine ear skin demonstrated that particles with bound polihexanide penetrated deeper into hair follicles than those without. In vivo studies on volunteers indicated that particle-bound antiseptics might offer better and longer-lasting antisepsis compared to conventional solutions, although results were not statistically significant. The research highlighted the promise of targeted delivery of antiseptics to hair follicles and discussed emerging technologies like particle-associated disinfectants and tissue-tolerable plasma.