Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
EUFEPS - SITELF MEETING, NAPLES 2026, Naples, İtalya, 27 - 29 Mayıs 2026, ss.1, (Özet Bildiri)
Preoperative patient skin antisepsis aims to minimize the risk of surgical site infections
by reducing the microbial load on the skin and eliminating transient microorganisms
present at the surgical site [1]. For this purpose, iodine-based solutions (povidone–
iodine) and chlorhexidine (2.0–2.5%) in alcohol are commonly used. Chlorhexidine binds
to the stratum corneum of the skin and maintains its antimicrobial activity even in the
presence of blood or serum, whereas povidone–iodine may lose its effectiveness in
blood-contaminated environments [2]. In infection control, particularly in surgical site
antisepsis, alcoholic chlorhexidine at concentrations of 2.0–2.5% demonstrates faster,
longer-lasting, and superior antibacterial activity compared with povidone–iodine. [3]
However, insufficient visual clarity of the application area, the limited persistence of the
solution on the skin surface, and the fact that the color of currently available colored
formulations is not considered optimal by clinicians restrict practical use and user control.
This study was designed as a product development project conducted under TÜBİTAK
1005 – National New Ideas and Products Research Support Program, aiming to develop
clinically/field-transferable, visually distinct, skin-compatible, and colored topical
antiseptic solutions containing chlorhexidine.
In the first stage of the study, low-viscosity chlorhexidine solutions containing Allura Red,
Sunset Yellow, and Brilliant Blue dyes at different concentrations were prepared using a
simple mixing method; the formulations were evaluated in terms of physical appearance
and short-term physical stability. To increase the residence time on the application
surface and control the flow behavior, viscous antiseptic solutions were designed in the
second stage, with Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) selected as the viscosity-enhancing
agent. pH and viscosity measurements were performed on formulations prepared with
increasing PVP ratios (1–2%) and low dye concentrations. Selected formulations were
applied to mouse skin to evaluate color deposition and visual marking of the application
area; color intensity and spread were monitored for 60 minutes. In the antimicrobial
efficacy evaluation, the developed antiseptic solution achieved a 99.999% reduction in
microbial load within just 2 minutes of contact time, successfully meeting the reduction
criteria specified in relevant standards for both bacteria and fungi. Additionally,
cytotoxicity tests for the formulations will be performed to further ensure safety.
As a result, two strong product candidates for topical antiseptic solutions have been
developed, featuring optimized pH, viscosity, and color visibility. The high level of
antimicrobial efficacy, favorable short-term stability findings, and distinct visual marking
capacity strongly support the potential for these formulations to be developed as
marketable, product-focused antiseptic solutions for clinical and surgical applications.