An antiseptic and disinfectant agent. It is effective against a wide range of bacteria, some fungi and some viruses, and an agent for the prevention of gingivitis. Commercial ophthalmic products have used this agent to replace thimerosal as a preservative; however, it can cause skin irritation.
Chlorhexidine is used primarily as a topical antiseptic/disinfectant in wound healing, at catheterization sites, in various dental applications and in surgical scrubs. It has been used to study the inactivation of HIV and the immobilization of sperm. It was used to study effective skin antisepsis and disinfection of medical devices as well as the effects of antimicrobials on dental plaque.
Chlorhexidine is a cationic broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent belonging to the bis(biguanide) family. Its mechanism of action involves destabilization of the outer bacterial membrane. It is effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Chlorhexidine is used primarily as a topical antiseptic/disinfectant in wound healing, at catheterization sites, in various dental applications and in surgical scrubs.
A solution of 0.5% in water has been used for general disinfection. Used in conjuction with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) can increase its effectiveness.
Purity: ≥97%
Key Applications: Antiseptic, Disinfectant agent, Chemical Synthesis
Application Areas: Molecular biology; Cell biology
Product Type: Biochemicals
Melting Point: 151 - 159°C
Presentation: White Powder
Format: Powder
Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC): 0.01% (w/v, 25°C)(Lit.)
Solubility: Soluble in water (0.15 g/10 mL water with heat), in ethanol (50 mg/mL - clear, faint yellow solution), alcohol, glycerol, propylene, glycol, polyethylene glycols.
Sterilization of Solutions: Dilute solutions of chlorhexidine (<1.0% w/v) may be sterilized by autoclaving at 115°C for 30 minutes or at 121-123°C for 15 minutes.
Storage & Handling: Room Temperature