Tree bark compound could prevent contact lens infections

A naturally-occurring compound found in trees could provide an effective disinfecting solution for contact lenses to combat keratitis infections, according to a peer-reviewed study, published in Antibiotics.

Hydroquinine, found in the bark of some trees, was found to protect against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and several other clinically important germs, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

The researchers, from the University of Portsmouth and Naresuan and Pibulsongkram Rajabhat universities in Thailand, explored the potential use of multipurpose formulas containing hydroquinine as a disinfectant for contact lenses.

When comparing the antibacterial, anti-adhesion, and anti-biofilm properties of hydroquinine-formulated multi-purpose solutions to two commercial alternatives, they found the natural compound killed 99.9% of bacteria.