Multidisciplinary Applications and Safety Analysis of a Broad-spectrum and Environmentally-friendly Disinfectant
Feb 27, 2025| Polyhexamethylene Guanidine (PHMG): A High-Performance Antimicrobial Agent
As a polymer-based disinfectant, polyhexamethylene guanidine (PHMG) has become a cornerstone in modern sterilization due to its unique molecular structure and multifaceted applications. Its cationic guanidine groups bind electrostatically to negatively charged microbial surfaces, disrupting cell membranes and metabolic pathways to achieve rapid, broad-spectrum antimicrobial effects against bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
Key Properties
PHMG exhibits exceptional stability with a pH tolerance of 5.0–9.0 and thermal decomposition above 300°C. Unlike chlorine-based disinfectants, it is odorless, non-corrosive, and maintains antimicrobial activity for up to 3 months on treated surfaces.
Applications
1. Healthcare: A 0.5% PHMG-ethanol solution achieves 99.9% inactivation of *Staphylococcus aureus* and *Candida albicans* within 3 minutes, making it ideal for surgical instruments and wound care.
2. Textiles: Fabrics treated with PHMG retain >99% antibacterial efficacy against *E. coli* even after 120 washes, while preventing mildew and shrinkage.
3. Aquaculture: At 0.02% concentration, PHMG eliminates *Vibrio* pathogens in water, reducing shrimp and fish mortality rates.
4. Pharmaceuticals: Approved as a preservative in eye drops, PHMB (its derivative) demonstrates safety for mucosal use.
Safety Profile
PHMG is classified as "practically non-toxic" with an oral LD50 >5,000 mg/kg in mice. It shows no skin irritation (score: 0/8 in rabbit tests) and minimal environmental impact, boasting 90% biodegradability. Regulatory approvals include China's 2002 *Disinfection Technical Specifications*.
Usage Guidelines
Avoid mixing with anionic surfactants (e.g., soap). Typical concentrations range from 0.05% for industrial preservation to 1.0% for environmental disinfection.
PHMG's combination of efficacy, safety, and sustainability positions it as a superior alternative to traditional disinfectants, driving innovation in antimicrobial technologies.