Search Results (102)

Methenamine, a urinary antiseptic with antimicrobial properties, decomposes into toxic formaldehyde under acidic conditions. Its use is prohibited in dairy cattle in Korea to prevent harmful residues in milk. This study was designed to develop and validate a sensitive and reliable LC–MS/MS method for determining methenamine in raw milk and bovine muscle in compliance with the Positive List System (PLS) regulations. Samples were extracted with acetonitrile (ACN)–methanol (MeOH) (7:3, v/v) containing ammonia water, followed by defatting with n-hexane and purification with primary secondary amine (PSA). Chromatographic separation was performed on a hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) column, and quantification was conducted using matrix-matched calibration to minimize matrix effects. The method showed excellent linearity (R² > 0.999), low limits of quantification (LOQ) (0.49 μg/kg for raw milk; 0.64 μg/kg for bovine muscle), and acceptable recoveries (78.1–102.8%) with precision (CV ≤ 8.75%), meeting Codex CAC/GL 71-2009 criteria. Stability studies demonstrated that methenamine remained stable in stock solutions, working standards and processed extracts under the storage and handling conditions used. Application to incurred samples resulted in the detection of methenamine in 2 of 32 raw milk samples (0.65 and 1.14 μg/kg) but in none of the 25 bovine muscle samples, with all detected levels below the Korean PLS limit. These findings confirm that the developed method is accurate, sensitive, and applicable for routine surveillance of methenamine residues to ensure consumer safety. Full article

Background: Irrigation is a key strategy in reducing bioburden, disrupting biofilms, and supporting wound healing. While saline is the standard for its safety and availability, antiseptic and antibiotic solutions are often used in clinical scenarios that require infection control. However, the rise in antibiotic stewardship and concerns regarding cytotoxicity are reshaping current practices. This review identifies recent trends, current controversies, and persistent gaps in knowledge that warrant further investigation and regulatory attention. Methods: A literature review identified irrigation solutions commonly used in plastic surgery; labeling and concentrations were obtained from Devices@FDA, Drugs@FDA, and DailyMed, and PubMed, Cochrane Central, and Embase were searched (January 2022–July 2025) for human studies on acute wounds, chronic wounds, and implant-based breast surgery. Results: In acute wounds, saline and potable tap water effectively prevent infection. In chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers and pressure injuries, antiseptic agents, including hypochlorous acid, sodium hypochlorite, polyhexanide, and citrate-based solutions, have shown promise in improving healing and reducing infection. In implant-based breast reconstruction and augmentation, data on antiseptics, such as chlorhexidine, and changes in FDA guidance for povidone–iodine and bacitracin have prompted a reevaluation of intraoperative irrigation practices. Conclusion: Despite widespread use, many antiseptics remain off-label, and high-quality clinical studies comparing efficacy and safety are lacking. Full article

Nowadays, electrochemical sensors have become a popular topic in cosmetics quality control. A simple and stable electrochemical sensor for hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) was developed on the basis of a rhodium-modified glassy carbon electrode (Rh/GCE). A quick, one-step, reproducible, and cost-effective electrodeposition procedure was applied to modify GCE with Rh nanoparticles. The sensor shows a high selectivity for H₂O₂ at a low applied potential of −0.1 V (vs. Ag/AgCl, 3 M KCl), with an excellent stability and good repeatability (RSD = 3.2%; n = 5). The modified electrode Rh/GCE demonstrates a high sensitivity of 172.24 ± 1.95 μA mM⁻¹ cm⁻² (n = 3), a linear response to H₂O₂ between 5 and 1000 µM, and a detection limit estimated to be 1.2 µM. Furthermore, Rh/GCE has been successfully used to measure H₂O₂ concentrations in hair dye and antiseptic solution, yielding satisfactory recovery rates. These findings highlight the potential of the Rh/GCE for the reliable quantitative detection of H₂O₂ in complex cosmetics matrices. Full article

Background/Objectives: Nanotherapies are a strategy to combat Candida resistance. This study analyzed the impacts of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) functionalized with a chitosan (CS) layer acting as carriers of chlorhexidine (CHX) on an oral candidiasis microcosm biofilm. Methods: Saliva samples from three healthy donors were used to form biofilms, to which Candida species were added to reproduce an oral candidiasis microcosm. Biofilms were cultivated for 72 h on glass coverslips using an active adhesion model. Biofilms without Candida served as a control model. The nanocarrier loaded with CHX at 78 (IONPs-CS-CHX78) or 156 µg/mL (IONPs-CS-CHX156) was co-incubated with the biofilms for 24 h. Controls included isolated IONPs, CS, and CHX, in addition to an untreated group (NC). Assays for biomass production, metabolism, microbial load, and lactic acid production were conducted to assess antibiofilm effects. Biofilm structure, viability, and thickness were also examined by confocal microscopy. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA or Kruskal–Wallis, subsequently accompanied by the Student–Newman–Keuls post hoc test (p < 0.05). Results: CHX and IONPs-CS-CHX156 were the most effective agents against all tested biofilm models, significantly reducing metabolism, microbial load (bacterial and fungal), and viability. For the oral candidiasis biofilm, the nanocarrier did not affect biomass or biofilm thickness but led to a significant increase in lactic acid levels compared to NC. Conclusions: It is concluded that the nanocarrier of CHX exhibits a significant reducing effect on oral candidiasis microcosm biofilms at half the concentration required for non-carried CHX. This nanostructure can be explored in the development of antiseptic or disinfectant solutions for managing oral candidiasis. Full article

(1) Background: This study aimed to determine the optimum parameters for the treatment of Streptococcus mutans biofilm on clear dental aligners. (2) Methods: A 24-h-old S. mutans biofilm was grown on polyurethane (PU) and poly(ethylene terephthalate glycol) (PETG) aligners. These samples were treated with three chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX)-based antiseptic solutions, manual brushing, and a combination of both, with varying exposure times. The number of adhered bacteria was determined in both untreated and treated samples after sonication. Materials were analyzed with atomic force and scanning electron microscopy, and surface free energy (SFE) values were determined using three different models. (3) Results: Our findings indicated that control strategies do not depend on the type of material. PU and PETG surfaces exhibited similar SFE values (41–45 mJ/m²). Differences in surface roughness were insufficient to cause significant changes in S. mutans behavior. The highest efficacy of all three tested antiseptics was established for the exposure time of 1 min, with efficacy deteriorating just after 3 min. (4) Conclusions: The efficacy of CHX against S. mutans early biofilm is material-independent and time-dependent. The optimal exposure time of 1 min should be combined with brushing, with a general recommendation of the antiseptic-first approach. Full article

Acute appendicitis remains one of the most common surgical emergencies, with a lifetime incidence of approximately 7–8% in the USA and Europe. Despite the widespread adoption of the laparoscopic approach and advances made in perioperative care, post-operative infections—particularly intra-abdominal abscesses—continue to pose a substantial clinical challenge, with an overall probability that ranges from 5 to 15%. Nowadays, it is essential not only to improve patient outcomes by reducing these complications but also to promote responsible antibiotic use. This review provides an in-depth examination of post-appendectomy infections in adults, synthesizing research from the past decade. It explores the various risks involved, including those related to the patient, the disease itself, and the surgical techniques employed. There is particular emphasis on the impact of surgical approach, closure methods, timing of surgery, and intraoperative decisions such as drain placement, peritoneal lavage, and routine bacterial cultures. Part of the discussion is about emerging data regarding the use of antiseptic solutions and specimen retrieval techniques. Additionally, the review examines current approaches to managing postoperative intra-abdominal abscesses. It assesses when antibiotics are necessary, evaluates image-guided percutaneous drainage, and considers laparoscopic re-intervention as a possible solution. While recent studies offer valuable insights, the heterogeneity of available evidence highlights the pressing need for high-quality, standardized research. Ultimately, a deeper understanding of infection pathways and preventative strategies is vital—not only for reducing morbidity and hospital readmissions, but also for safeguarding the long-term efficacy of antibiotics and delivering safer, more effective surgical care. Full article

The influence of minor components on leaching molecular iodine (I₂) through polypropylene (PP)-based packaging from a povidone iodine-based (PVP-I) formulation, simulating an ophthalmic application, was evaluated. I₂ is a cheap, broad-spectrum, and multi-target antiseptic. Nevertheless, it is volatile, and the prolonged storage of I₂-based formulations is demanding in plastic packaging because of transmission through the material. Therefore, we explored the possibility of moderating the loss of I₂ from an iodophor formulation by introducing small amounts of molecular iodine into the polymer material commonly used in eyedropper caps, i.e., PP. Thus, PP was blended via an extrusion process with a polymeric complex containing iodine (such as PVP-I) or with a second polymeric component able to complex the I₂ released from an iodophor solution. The aim of this work was to introduce I₂ into PP-based polymer matrices without using organic solvents and indirectly, i.e., through the addition of components that could generate molecular iodine or complex it in the solid phase, as I₂ is heat-sensitive. To increase the miscibility between PP and PVP-I, poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) or a vinyl pyrrolidone vinyl acetate copolymer 55/45 (Sokalan) were added as compatibilizers. The PP-based binary and ternary blends, in granular or sheet form, were characterized thermally (Differential Scanning Calorimetry, DSC, and Thermogravimetric analysis, TGA), mechanically (tensile tests), morphologically (scanning electron microscopy (SEM)), and chemically (attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR)). Additionally, the variation in wettability induced by the introduction of the hydrophilic minority components was determined by static contact angle measurements (static contact angle (SCA)), and tests were carried out to determine the barrier properties against oxygen (oxygen transmission rate (OTR)) and molecular iodine. The I₂ leaching of the different blends was compared with that of PP by monitoring the I₂ retention in a buffered PVP-I solution via UV-vis spectroscopy. Overall, the experimental data showed the capability of the minority components in the blends to increase thermal stability as well as act as a barrier to oxygen. Additionally, the PP blend with PVP-I induced a reduction in molecular iodine leaching in comparison with PP. Full article

This paper aims to assess the antiseptic capacity of a double-distilled ozonated water solution and compare it to standard presurgical antiseptic protocols based on chlorhexidine and alcohol. Sixty-three canine patients undergoing different surgical procedures (such as thoracic, abdominal, proximal limb, or cervical) were enrolled in the study. Following extensive preoperative clipping of the selected anatomical regions, four standardized skin areas (6 × 6 cm each) were aseptically sampled according to a predefined protocol: Area 1 received soap-based chlorhexidine followed by alcoholic chlorhexidine; Area 2 was prepared using a combination of soap-based chlorhexidine and ozonated water; Areas 3 and 4 underwent presurgical skin antisepsis with a combination of ethyl alcohol and ozonated water, and ozonated water alone, respectively. Two different samples per area were collected using bacteriological buffers in order to evaluate the bacterial count at 90 s and 180 s, respectively. Those samples were sown via streak plating on Petri dishes using PCA (plate count agar) as the medium. The determination of the total mesophilic bacterial count on Petri dishes was used to assess the efficacy of the antiseptics in different areas. Results show that ozonated bidistilled water demonstrated comparable or superior efficacy compared to other antiseptics tested in this study. Its integration into surgical protocols could enhance patient safety while controlling environmental concerns associated with the massive use of chemical antiseptics. Full article

Background/Objectives: Tissue expander (TE)-based breast reconstruction is a common procedure, but postoperative infection rates can reach up to 30%. The optimal skin antiseptic solution for minimizing these infections remains uncertain. This retrospective cohort study aimed to compare the impact of chlorhexidine and povidone-iodine for skin antisepsis in preventing surgical site infections in patients who underwent TE-based breast reconstruction. Methods: The TriNetX database was queried to identify patients who underwent TE-based breast reconstruction. Patients were classified into two cohorts: the chlorhexidine group and the povidone-iodine group. A propensity score matching analysis was performed to control infection risk factors. The primary outcome was the occurrence of surgical site infections, while secondary outcomes included wound dehiscence, emergency department visits, debridement, and TE removal. All outcomes were assessed at 30, 60, and 90 days following surgery. Results: After matching of both the chlorhexidine cohort and povidone-iodine cohort, each consisted of 1446 patients. Within 30 days post-surgery, no significant differences were observed between the chlorhexidine and povidone-iodine groups in terms of the risk of surgical site infections (RR 0.62, p = 0.168), wound dehiscence (RR 1.00, p = 1.000), emergency department visits (RR 0.95, p = 0.700), debridement (RR 0.71, p = 0.271), or TE removal (RR 0.84, p = 0.335). Similar results were seen at 60 and 90 days post-surgery. Conclusions: This study suggests that chlorhexidine and povidone-iodine may be equally effective for skin antisepsis in preventing surgical site infections and associated complications in patients undergoing TE-based breast reconstruction. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hemodialysis catheter-related bloodstream infection (HD-CRBSIs) is a main cause of morbidity in hemodialysis. New preventive strategies have emerged, such as using lock solutions with antiseptic or antibiotic capacity. In this study, the antimicrobial effect was analyzed in vitro and with a catheter model of lock solutions of gentamicin (LSG), gentamicin/heparin (LSG/H), and gentamicin/citrate (LSG/C) in clinical and ATCC strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Methods: The formation, minimum inhibitory concentration, and minimum inhibitory concentration of the biofilm and minimum biofilm eradication concentration of the lock solutions were determined. Additionally, colony-forming unit assays were performed to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of the lock solutions in a hemodialysis catheter inoculation model. Results: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of planktonic cells of both P. aeruginosa and S. aureus for LSG/H and LSG/C was 4 µg/mL. In the minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) tests, the LSG/H was less effective than LSG/C, requiring higher concentrations for inhibition, contrary to the minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC), where LSG/H was more effective. All lock solutions eradicated P. aeruginosa biofilms in the HD catheter model under standard conditions. Nevertheless, under modified conditions, the lock solutions were not as effective versus ATCC and clinical strains of S. aureus. Conclusions: Our analysis shows that the lock solutions studied managed to eradicate intraluminal mature P. aeruginosa in non-tunneled HD catheters under standard conditions. Biofilm inhibition and eradication were observed at low gentamicin concentrations, which could optimize the gentamicin concentration in lock solutions used in HD catheters. Full article

Background/Objectives: The formation of oral biofilms in periodontal pockets and around dental implants with induction of periodontitis or peri-implantitis is an increasing problem in dental health. The intelligent design of a biofilm makes the bacteria embedded in the biofilm matrix highly tolerant to antiseptic therapy, often resulting in tooth or implant loss. The question therefore arises as to which mouthwashes have eradication potential against oral biofilm. Methods: A human oral biofilm model was developed based on donated blood plasma combined with buffy coats, inoculated with oral pathogenic bacterial species found in periodontal disease (Actinomyces naeslundii, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Streptococcus mitis, and Porphyromonas gingivalis). Over a span of 7 days, we tested different mouth rinsing and antiseptic solutions (Chlorhexidine, Listerine^®, NaOCl, Octenisept^®, and Octenident^®) covering the matured biofilm with 24 h renewal. Phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) was used as a control. Bacterial growth patterns were detected via quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) after 2, 4, and 7 days of treatment. Results: While all groups showed initial bacterial reduction, the control group demonstrated strong regrowth from day 2 to 4. Listerine showed a near-significant trend toward bacterial suppression. Additionally, strain-specific efficacy was observed, with Octenisept^® being most effective against Streptococcus mitis, Octenident^® and NaOCl showing superior suppression of Actinomyces naeslundii, and Listerine^® outperforming other solutions in reducing Fusobacterium nucleatum. Donor-specific, individual variability further influenced treatment outcomes, with distinct trends in bacterial suppression and regrowth observed across donors. Conclusions: These findings underscore the complexity of biofilm-associated infections and highlight the importance of targeted therapeutic approaches for managing bacterial biofilms. In this experiment, the donor-specific outcomes of the antimicrobial effects of the solutions may indicate that genetic predisposition/tolerance to oral infections appears to play a critical role in the control of oral biofilms. Full article

As one of the decay-resistant woods, Korean pine is widely used in the construction industry. However, even the most corrosion-resistant wood is still susceptible to decay under the right humidity and temperature conditions. In this study, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (B. amyloliquefaciens) bacterial liquid and filter bacterial solution were prepared for the anti-corrosion treatment of Korean pine wood, aiming to improve its decay-resistant property. Through the plate confrontation test, it was discovered that B. amyloliquefaciens AW3 could significantly inhibit the growth of Fomitopsis pinicola (F. Pinicola). The results of mass loss rate, mechanical properties test, XRD, FTIR and SEM analysis showed that the preserved Korean pine wood had significant improvement in various properties compared with the decayed wood, which was manifested in the significant reduction of mass loss, improvement of mechanical properties, and increased wood cellulose diffraction peak intensity. There is no mycelium infection of F. pinicola in Korean pine wood, and the antiseptic liquid can penetrate into the wood evenly, which plays an effective antiseptic role. The B. amyloliquefaciens bacterial liquid exhibited superior preservative performance compared to the B. amyloliquefaciens filter bacterial solution. In conclusion, B. amyloliquefaciens, as an efficient and environmentally friendly biological preservative, holds broad application prospects in improving the anti-corrosion performance of Korean pine wood. Full article

Background: Endometritis, maternal fever and wound infection represent the most frequent post-cesarean complications. The aim of the present research was to evaluate the incidence of post-cesarean infections after vaginal cleansing. Materials and methods: The databases analyzed were MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, CENTRAL, Google Scholar, Clinicaltrials.gov and the Register of Controlled Trials. No language or geographical restrictions were applied. We included only randomized controlled trials that analyzed various vaginal antiseptic solutions to reduce postpartum endometritis. The terms employed were as follows: vaginal solution, cesarean section, endometritis, wound infection, chlorhexidine, povidone, metronidazole, cetrimide, and pregnancy. The PICO categorization was as follows: P—population: pregnant women; I—intervention: vaginal antiseptic; C—control: hands-off or routine care; O—outcome: post-cesarean endometritis, wound infection and postoperative fever; S—study design: randomized controlled trials. Results: A total of 32 articles, including 13,853 participants, were selected. The vaginal cleansing group showed a low incidence of endometritis. The chlorhexidine group had an OR of 0.56 (95% CI 0.45–0.70, p = 0.010). The povidone group had an OR of 0.47 (95% CI 0.37–0.59, p = 0.002). Considering maternal fever, 2598 patients from 5 studies in the chlorhexidine group were analyzed, alongside 6965 patients from 18 trials in the povidone group. The povidone group presented an Odds ratio of 0.47 (95% CI 0.38–0.57, p = 0.0001). A reduction in wound infection incidence was observed in the povidone group (OR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.42–0.82, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Vaginal cleansing before cesarean section, particularly with povidone solutions, reduces the incidence of postoperative endometritis and maternal fever. Full article

The effect of root canal irrigants on the mechanical properties of dentin is crucial in endodontic treatment planning. While antiseptics such as sodium hypochlorite and EDTA are widely used, their potential to weaken dentin structure remains a concern. Polyhexanide-based formulations may offer a safer alternative. To assess the impact of a polyhexanide-based antiseptic composition, compared to standard irrigants, on the microhardness, Young’s modulus, and elastic deformation energy of dentin. Sixty extracted human teeth were sectioned and polished to prepare dentin samples. Baseline measurements of Vickers microhardness, Young’s modulus, and elastic deformation work were performed using a Microhardness Tester (CSM Instruments, Switzerland) with a Berkovich indenter. Samples were then divided into six groups (n = 10 per group) and exposed to different irrigants (NaCl 0.9%, NaOCl 3%, chlorhexidine 2%, EDTA 17%, and polyhexanide-based solutions—0.1% and 0.2% Lavasept). Post-treatment measurements were performed. Statistical analysis was conducted using non-parametric tests with Bonferroni correction. Sodium hypochlorite (3%) caused the most pronounced reduction in dentin microhardness and mechanical strength, though not always statistically significant. Polyhexanide-based solutions (0.1% and 0.2% Lavasept) showed a milder effect, with statistically significant changes observed only in elastic deformation energy for 0.2% polyhexanide. EDTA treatment led to severe surface destruction, precluding reliable post-treatment measurements. Polyhexanide-based irrigants demonstrated a more favorable impact on dentin mechanical properties compared to traditional irrigants, supporting their potential use in endodontic protocols aimed at preserving dentin integrity. Full article

Background/Objectives: Using chemical disinfectants to clean the base of heat-cured acrylic dentures has several negative effects, including toxicity. On the other hand, therapeutic herbs have fewer adverse effects. This study intended to determine how the antibacterial efficacy and the surface roughness of the heat-cured acrylic material used to fabricate dentures were affected by the use of Cordia myxa fruit (CMF) extract as a disinfection solution for dentures using the immersion technique. Methods: Heat-cured acrylic specimens were prepared (N = 110; 55 specimens) for each test; each group contained five specimens. Three CMF extract concentrations (50, 100, and 150 mg/mL) were made and examined for three immersion times (5, 10, and 15 min). The results were compared to the first control group, which used distilled water, and the second group, which used 2% glutaraldehyde for ten minutes, in accordance with the guidelines. One way analysis of variance ANOVA and Games–Howell post hoc test were employed in SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) program for statistical analysis. Results: The results for the antibacterial test revealed that CMF solutions had a statistically significant difference in all test groups in comparison with the first control group and non-significant differences with (H p = 0.92; J p = 0.278; K p = 0.303) groups in comparison with the second control group (Glutaraldehyde 2%). For the surface roughness test, the effect was not statistically significant for all groups compared to the first and second control groups. Conclusions: It can be concluded that immersing the heat-cure acrylic samples in a solution of 100 mg/mL CMF extract for 15 min, and 150 mg/mL for 10 and 15 min, has an antibacterial effect similar to that of the Glutaraldehyde 2% antiseptic and no negative effect on surface roughness. Full article