Disinfectants are a vital part of public health and hygiene. Harmful microorganisms on surfaces, water, or in the air can cause infections, lead to food poisoning, or contribute to the spread of disease.

For this reason, it's crucial to use an effective disinfectant in your home or business. PHMB or polyhexamethylene biguanide is a powerful disinfectant that is often used in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings.

Polyhexamethylene biguanide  is effective against many microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. A thorough understanding of PHMB's properties, features, and application will help you to maximize its effectiveness.

We'll tell you everything you need to know about PHMB disinfectant so that you can keep your space clean and safe.

What Is PHMB Made of?

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

Due to its structure, PHMB is capable of exhibiting several useful properties, such as biocidal activity, antifouling properties, and the capability of acting as a surfactant. PHMB is commonly used in concentrations of 0.05-0.5%.

What Does PHMB Look Like?

If you look at PHMB, you will observe that it is a colorless liquid. Sometimes, it may have a slight yellow tint. The exact color will depend on the manufacturing process and the grade of PHMB that you're using.

What Is PHMB Used For?

Polyhexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride has a wide range of applications. In the medical field, it is commonly used in wound care dressings and perioperative cleansing products.

It is also used as an antibacterial agent in contact lens cleaning solutions and swimming pool cleaners. PHMB biocide effectively kills a broad spectrum of bacteria, including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

How Does PHMB Work?

PHMB's mechanism of action makes it an ideal disinfectant. You may be wondering how PHMB disinfects surfaces and objects. The working mechanism is based on the cationic nature of this compound.

When PHMB is in contact with a microorganism, it begins to attack the cell membrane. The following are some of the ways in which PHMB affects microorganisms.

1. Disruption of Microbial Cell Membranes and Metabolism

PHMB works by disrupting microbial cell membranes and metabolism. At low concentrations, PHMB interacts with the cell membrane, causing it to become more permeable.

This increased permeability allows essential nutrients and electrolytes to leak out of the cell, eventually leading to cell death. At higher concentrations, PHMB inhibits enzymes involved in cellular metabolism, preventing the cell from producing the energy it needs to function.

As a result, cells are unable to carry out vital functions and ultimately die. PHMB is an effective disinfectant because it targets multiple mechanisms of cell death, making it difficult for microorganisms to develop resistance.

2. Inactivation of Viruses

Many viruses are susceptible to PHMB, including both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses. Enveloped viruses are surrounded by a lipid membrane, which PHMB disrupts, causing the viral particle to become damaged and unable to infect cells.

Non-enveloped viruses do not have a lipid envelope but are still susceptible to PHMB. This substance works by binding to the viral capsid, or protein shell, and preventing the virus from accessing host cells.

PHMB is an incredibly effective virucidal agent that can be used to protect against infection.

3. Inhibition of Fungal Growth

PHMB also has antifungal activity, making it an effective disinfectant against fungi. This substance works by inhibiting the production of ergosterol, a vital component of fungal cell membranes.

Without ergosterol, the cell membrane becomes damaged and unable to function properly. This ultimately leads to cell death. PHMB is an effective way to prevent the growth of fungi and keep your surfaces clean.

4. Prevention of Bacterial Biofilms

Biofilms are communities of bacteria that are surrounded by a self-produced extracellular matrix. This matrix protects bacteria from hostile environments and makes them more resistant to antibiotics and disinfectants.

PHMB can disrupt biofilm formation by binding to bacterial cells and preventing them from attaching to surfaces. This makes it more difficult for bacteria to form protective biofilms and increases the efficacy of disinfection.

What are the Special Features of the PHMB?

There are many special features of PHMB that make it an ideal and safe disinfectant. You will be glad to know that PHMB is:

1. Low Toxic: PHMB is a low toxic substance that poses minimal risk to human health. In this regard, it is an ideal disinfectant for use in homes, hospitals, and other environments where people are present.

2. Environment-friendly: With its low toxicity, PHMB poses minimal risk to the environment. It is not harmful to plants or animals, making it suitable for outdoor use.

3. Non-Flammable: As a non-flammable substance, PHMB is safe to use around heat sources. This makes it ideal for use in kitchens and other areas where open flames are present.

4. Non-Explosive: The use of PHMB is not explosive and does not pose a safety risk. This makes it a safe choice for use in public spaces and other areas where people are present.

5. Non-Corrosive: There is no need to worry about PHMB causing surface corrosion. Due to this property, it can be used as a disinfectant in hospitals and other settings where metal surfaces are present.

6. Non-Irritant to Animal and Human Skin: PHMB is non-irritating to animal and human skin, so it can be used without fear of irritating. 

7. Odor-Free: As PHMB is odorless, it will not produce any unpleasant smells when used as a disinfectant. This is important for those who are sensitive to strong smells.

How to Use PHMB?

To maximize the benefits of PHMB, you must understand how to use it properly. In general, PHMB is used in combination with water. The exact ratio will depend on the type of equipment you are using and the type of surface you are disinfecting.

For separate disinfectants, it is recommended to use 100 to 500 mg of PHMB per liter of water. After mixing, spray on the desired surface and leave for 10 minutes before wiping with a clean cloth.

Safety Precautions That Should Be Taken When Using PHMB

PHMB is a safe and effective disinfectant when used properly. Some safety precautions should be taken when using this substance.

Avoid contact with eyes: PHMB can irritate you if it comes into contact with your eyes. To avoid this, always wear protective goggles or glasses when using this substance.

Keep out of reach of children: PHMB should be kept out of reach of children to avoid accidental ingestion or exposure. This substance should only be used by adults who understand how to use it safely.

Avoid use on broken skin: PHMB should not be used on broken or irritated skin. This substance can cause further irritation and should only be used on healthy skin.

Do not inhale: PHMB should not be inhaled. If you accidentally inhale this substance, move to an area with fresh air and seek medical attention immediately.

Conclusion

We hope you have gained a better understanding of how PHMB disinfectant works. We have seen that PHMB is a powerful and safe disinfectant that has several distinctive features.

Be sure to mix it with water before using it. For different surfaces and equipment, you need to pay attention to the ratio of PHMB to water. This will enable you to make the most of this substance.

When using this substance, you should always take some safety precautions even though it is relatively safe.

Do not allow this substance to come into contact with your eyes or skin, and avoid inhaling it. If you follow these safety precautions, you can use PHMB without worry.