Preparation of long-lasting antibacterial wound dressing through diffusion of cationic-liposome-encapsulated polyhexamethylene biguanide

Abstract Polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) has been used increasingly in various applications because of antibacterial properties; however, its cytotoxicity hampers application. On the other hand, there is a high affinity between the cell membrane complexes (CMCs) in wool structure and phospholipids of cationic nanoliposomes, leading to the transmission of cationic nanoliposomes into the wool. In this research, a novel method for PHMB controlled release is introduced by combining these facts. Firstly, PHMB was encapsulated into cationic liposome and then permeated into the wool to establish a highly controlled release then characterized through diverse methods. SEM images revealed successful transmission of cationic-liposome-encapsulated PHMB into the wool. The prepared wound dressings demonstrated highly sustained release for days and subsequently, long-term perfect antibacterial activity and biocompatibility.