Disinfectants are a vital part of hygiene and public health. Microorganisms that cause harm on surfaces and in water could spread disease, cause food poisoning, and even lead to death.

It is important to use disinfectants at your workplace or at home. Polyhexamethylene Biguanide, also known as PHMB, is a potent disinfectant which is commonly used in hospitals, clinics as well as other healthcare facilities.

Polyhexamethylene biguanide is efficient against a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses and fungi. To make the most of the power of PHMB it is essential to be familiar with its properties, features applications, and restrictions.

We'll tell you everything you need to know about PHMB disinfectant to make sure your space is safe and tidy.

What is PHMB composed of?

Polyhexamethylene biguanide is a synthetic polymer. This compound is made up of hexamethylene hydrocarbon chains which interconnect basic biguanidine units. It provides a cationic and amphipathic structure.

The structure of PHMB permits it to show many beneficial properties such as antifouling and biocidal action. It also functions as an effective surfactant. PHMB is usually utilized in levels of 0.05-0.5%.

What does PHMB appear like?

If you look at PHMB, you will observe that it's a colorless liquid. It may sometimes have some slight yellow hue. The exact hue is dependent on the process used to manufacture it used and the grade of PHMB that you're employing.

What exactly is PHMB used to do?

The Polyhexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride can be found in a wide range of applications. Within the medical industry, it's often used for dressings for wounds and cleaning products for the perioperative period.

It is also used in pool cleaners as well as contact lens cleaning products as an antibacterial agent. PHMB biocide is effective in killing a broad spectrum of bacteria, which includes Gram-positive as well as Gram-negative bacteria.

What is the PHMB Process? PHMB How Does PHMB Work?

The unique mechanism of PHMB's action makes the disinfectant an ideal choice. You might be wondering what PHMB is able to disinfect surfaces and other objects. The process is dependent on the cationic nature the compound.

When PHMB is in contact with a microorganism, it starts to attack the cell membrane. Here are some ways PHMB could alter microorganisms.

1. Metabolism and Microbial Cell Membranes Are Disrupted

PHMB disrupts microbial cell metabolism and membranes. At low concentrations, PHMB interacts with the cell membrane which causes it to become permeable.

This increased permeability permits essential nutrients and electrolytes to leak out of the cell, eventually leading to cell death. Higher concentrations of PHMB could block enzymes that are involved in cell metabolism, and block cells from generating the energy required to function.

In the end, cells are unable to carry out vital functions and end up dying. PHMB is an effective disinfectant because it targets multiple methods of cell death which makes it extremely difficult for microorganisms to build resistance.

2. Inactivation of viruses

PHMB is susceptible to many viruses, both enveloped or non-enveloped. The enveloped viruses are enclosed by a membrane of lipids, which PHMB disrupts the virus, causing it to break down and become ineffective to enter cells.

Non-enveloped virus do not possess a lipid envelope, however they are nevertheless vulnerable to PHMB. This substance works by binding to the capsid of the virus, or shell of protein, and preventing the virus from gaining access to the host cell.

PHMB is a great way to safeguard yourself against infection.

3. Inhibition of growth of fungal

PHMB is also antifungal properties, making it an effective disinfectant against fungal infections. This substance works by inhibiting the production of ergosterol, a vital part of the fungal cell membrane.

Without ergosterol, the cell's membrane gets damaged and is cannot function as it should. This eventually leads to cell death. PHMB is a proven method to stop the growth of fungi and keep your surfaces clear.

4. Preventing Bacterial Biofilms

Biofilms are communities of bacteria which are protected by an extracellular matrix. This extracellular matrix surrounds bacteria in order to protect them from hostile environments and makes them more resistant against antibiotics as well as other disinfectants.

PHMB may disrupt the biofilm formation by binding to bacterial cells , thereby preventing them from attaching to surfaces. This makes it more difficult for bacteria to create biofilms and improves disinfection.

What are the unique features of the PHMB

There are many special features of PHMB which make it a perfect and safe disinfectant. You will be glad to learn that PHMB is:

1. Low Toxic PHMB is a low toxic substance that poses no risk to health. It is an ideal disinfectant for use in homes, hospitals, and other environments in which people are present.

2. Environment-friendly: With its low toxicity, PHMB poses minimal risk to the environment. It is suitable for use in the outdoors because it isn't harmful to plants or animals.

3. Non-flammable. PHMB can be used around heat sources as a non-flammable material. This makes it suitable for use in kitchens and other places in which open flames are prevalent.

4. Non-explosive: The usage of PHMB isn't explosive and is not any risk to safety. It is therefore safe to use in public areas and other places where people are present.

5. Surface corrosion is not an issue for PHMB. This property allows it to be utilized in hospitals and other environments where metal surfaces may be there.

6. Non-irritating to Animal and Human Skin: PHMB does not cause irritation to skin.

7. Odor-Free: Since PHMB is non-odorous, it will not produce unpleasant odors when used in the process of disinfecting. This is crucial for those who are sensitive to strong odors.

How to Make use of PHMB?

To reap the maximum benefits from PHMB to get the most benefit from it, you need to know how to use it properly. In general, PHMB is used in combination with water. The exact ratio will be contingent on the type of equipment that you use and the type of surface you're disinfecting.

For separate disinfectants It is suggested to use 100 to 500 mg of PHMB for each liter of water. Spray the solution onto the surface to be disinfected , and allow it to sit for 10 minutes.

Safety precautions to be taken when using PHMB

PHMB is a safe and effective disinfectant when properly used. Be sure to follow safety guidelines when using this substance.

Avoid contact with your eyes: PHMB can irritate you if it comes into contact with your eyes. Protective glasses or goggles are suggested to prevent irritation.

Keep out of reach of children: PHMB is best away from the reach of children in order to prevent accidental ingestion or exposure. The substance is only for adults who are able to use it safely.

Avoid contact with broken skin. PHMB should never be applied to irritated or broken areas. The substance may cause additional irritation, and should only be applied to skin that is healthy.

Avoid inhaling: PHMB should not be inhaled. If you accidentally inhale this substance, make sure you move to a place with fresh air and seek medical attention as soon as you can.

We hope you have a better understanding about the way PHMB disinfectant functions. We've discovered that PHMB is a powerful and safe disinfectant with many distinctive characteristics.

Mix it with water prior to you use it. When using different equipment and surfaces, you need to take note of the ratio of PHMB and water. This will enable you to get the most out of the product.

If you are using this substance, you should always take some safety precautions even though it's comparatively secure.

Don't allow the substance to come into contact with your eyes or skin Avoid inhaling it. These precautions will ensure that you are able to utilize PHMB safely.