The in vitro Efficacy of Betadine Antiseptic Solution and Colloidal Silver Gel Combination in Inhibiting the Growth of Bacterial Biofilms

Abstract

Betadine (Providone-Iodine) solution is a topically applied antiseptic, which has been used for wound care and surgery for decades for the prevention and treatment of skin and wound infections. However, several studies have documented the ineffectiveness of Betadine solution. Other topical antimicrobial dressings, including those that contain silver, have been used in the management of infected wounds. The present study was undertaken to determine if the combination of 5% Betadine solutions and silver colloidal gel (Ag-gel), is more effective than the individual materials in inhibiting the growth of both Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria. These determinations were carried out by both the colony forming unit (CFU) assay, and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Ag-gel showed complete inhibition on all the bacteria, except Klebsiella pneumoniae CI strain while 5% Betadine concentrations did not completely kill any of the tested bacteria. However, K. pneumoniae was completely eliminated in the presence of the combination of 5% Betadine solution plus Ag-gel. Confocal laser microscopy confirmed the CFU results. Thus this study demonstrated that while the individual treatments are not effective in killing all the bacteria tested, the combination of 5% Betadine solution and Ag-gel completely kill all bacteria tested, including K. penumoniae CI.

"An Open Labeled Multicentric Pilot Trial to Study the Safety and Efficacy of Colloidal Nano Silver Skin Cream in Patients with Various Skin Diseases"

“…The study demonstrated that the combination of 5% Betadine solution and Ag-gel completely inhibits the growth of bacterial biofilms including those of K. penumoniae. However, the individual treatments were not found to be effective in killing all the bacteria tested[20].Skin Irritation Test conducted according to ISO 10993-10 showed no signs of irritation. Maximization Test for Delayed Hypersensitivity was conducted according to the ISO 10993-10.…”