Polyhexamethylene Biguanide (PHMB) is an eco-friendly, versatile, and novel polymer characterized by excellent properties such as broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, high water solubility, efficacy at room temperature, and long-lasting bacteriostatic effects. Here are the top ten applications of PHMB:
Aquaculture: As a high-molecular-weight polymer, PHMB can rapidly eliminate harmful bacteria in seawater, including Gram-negative bacteria, *Vibrio* species (such as floating *Vibrio*, *V. parahaemolyticus*, and *V. alginolyticus*).
Disinfectant Wipes: PHMB is a cationic polymer that exerts its effect by dissolving lipids and altering the permeability of bacterial cell membranes. It is effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as molds. Colorless, odorless, non-irritating to the skin, non-toxic, and non-corrosive, PHMB-treated wipes provide rapid disinfection while remaining resistant to mold growth, boasting a shelf life of up to two years.
Household Disinfectants: Non-toxic, colorless, odorless, non-corrosive, and possessing a broad antimicrobial spectrum, PHMB is ideally suited for household disinfection. It can be used for the antimicrobial cleaning of fruits and vegetables, as well as various textiles such as clothing, towels, and bed linens.
Skin and Wound Disinfectants: Colorless, non-corrosive, and long-acting, PHMB is suitable for the cleaning and disinfection of skin, wounds, and medical equipment-particularly items that cannot withstand high-temperature sterilization-and is widely used in obstetrics, gynecology, and urology.
Intimate Hygiene Washes: Formulated into intimate washes and suppositories, PHMB is effective in treating bacterial, fungal, trichomonal, senile, and non-specific vaginitis, as well as cervicitis, vulvitis, and genital pruritus. It eliminates odors in the perineal area and reduces vaginal discharge. It is suitable for intimate cleaning and disinfection before and after sexual intercourse, during travel, and before or after menstruation, helping to prevent the infection and transmission of skin diseases and sexually transmitted infections.
Public Space Sterilization and Purification: In public settings, PHMB stands out due to its broad antimicrobial spectrum, non-toxic nature, lack of color and odor, and complete absence of corrosiveness. It is highly suitable for the sterilization and disinfection of various public venues, including cars, trains, airplanes, ships, shopping malls, hospitals, cinemas, hotels, and restaurants. Hand Sanitizers: When applied directly to the hands as a sanitizer, PHMB safely, effectively, and conveniently eliminates pathogenic bacteria. Furthermore, it forms a colorless, transparent, and invisible film on the skin surface, thereby maintaining a prolonged antibacterial effect.
Textile Industry: PHMB can be readily incorporated into the development of various sterile and antibacterial hygiene products-such as sanitary pads, panty liners, and baby diapers. Exhibiting exceptional stability, it ensures that the manufactured products remain in a sterile state for extended periods, playing a significant role in maintaining feminine hygiene and aiding in the prevention of gynecological conditions.
Athlete's Foot & Dermatological Conditions: PHMB demonstrates potent and long-lasting fungicidal activity. It is effective against various forms of athlete's foot (tinea pedis)-including vesicular, erosive, squamous-hyperkeratotic, and peeling types-as well as other fungal skin infections such as jock itch (tinea cruris), ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis), ringworm of the body (tinea corporis), and ringworm of the hands (tinea manuum). Additionally, it serves to relieve itching, promote tissue regeneration, and help restore normal skin function.
Detergents & Cleaning Products: Cleaning products formulated with disinfecting properties offer distinct advantages, such as being non-irritating to the skin and mucous membranes while possessing a long shelf life. When incorporated into shampoos, PHMB provides significant bactericidal and anti-itch effects, effectively eliminating dandruff and treating associated scalp conditions such as tinea capitis and seborrheic dermatitis.
