The Sound of Evolution
Chlorhexidine
Mechanism of action:
Chlorhexidine is a bisbiguanide cationic surfactant. Chlorhexidine binds to negatively charged phospholipids and proteins in bacterial cell membranes, altering membrane permeability and causing leakage of cellular contents, which leads to cell death. Because chlorhexidine mainly targets phospholipids and proteins on cell surfaces, it may also cause irritation or cytotoxicity to human cells. However, it is usually used at relatively low concentrations, so the damage is generally limited.
Reference(s):
1. McBain AJ et al. (2003). Effects of a chlorhexidine gluconate-containing mouthwash on the vitality and antimicrobial susceptibility of in vitro oral bacterial ecosystems. Appl Environ Microbiol.
2. Karpinski TM et al. (2015). Chlorhexidine: Pharmaco-biological activity and application. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci.
3. Betcher DL et al. (1990). Chlorhexidine. J Pediatr Oncol Nurs.