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.
The findings may aid the development of disinfectants to combat the P. aeruginosa bacteria, against which many commonly prescribed antibiotics have become resistant.
Dr Robert Baldock from the School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Portsmouth, said: ‘We hoped to demonstrate that new agents made from natural products may be an excellent option to limit or reduce the risk of contact lens contamination. It is exciting to see how this research has progressed; from discovery to exploring potential applications.’