Chlorhexidine digluconate solution (CAS 18472-51-0)

Chlorhexidine digluconate solution is a bis(biguanide) family cationic broad spectrum antibiotic. Studies indicate that Chlorhexidine digluconate solution functions, via destabilization of the outer bacterial membrane, which resulted in the release of periplasmic enzymes in gram negative bacteria. In addition, Chlorhexidine digluconate solution inhibits oxygen utilization which leads to a reduction in bacterial ATP. These studies also indicate that the inner membrane in gram negative bacteria was not affected by the solution, however there was inhibition of active transport for small molecules entering the cell. Furthermore, Chlorhexidine digluconate solution is very effective against bacteria such as Propionibacterium, Selenomonas, and cocci resembling Veillonella. This gluconate salt is positively charged and works by disrupting the cell membrane of microbes, thanks to its interaction with their negatively charged surfaces. By penetrating the microbial cell, chlorhexidine gluconate triggers the release of intracellular components, ultimately leading to the demise of the cell.