Ex vivo Human Bone Organ Culture Evaluation of Surgical Irrigation Solutions: Antimicrobial Efficacy and Cytocompatibility

Authors: Rebecca McMahon, PhD, Fahimeh Tabatabaei, PhD, Nina Bionda, PhD 

_{Figure: “Biofilm structure schematic,” by Yang Wang et al., Coatings, 2021. Licensed under CC BY}

In this study, we meticulously evaluated and compared seven different irrigation solutions using a human ex vivo organ culture methodology to closely replicate surgical conditions. By analyzing a range of options, including PHMB (polyhexamethylene biguanide), PVP-I (povidone-iodine), CHG (chlorhexidine gluconate), BZK (benzalkonium chloride), and acids we aimed to pinpoint the most effective solutions that provide robust antibacterial activity while ensuring tissue safety.