Effects of colloid bound antimicrobials on wound healing

Quaternary ammonium compounds (quats) are surfactants that have been used as antimicrobials in the food industry since the 1970's (3). Quats' amphiphilic properties and low toxicity make them ideal for use as a topical antimicrobial and when covalently bonded to a colloid mobile phase, additional antimicrobial properties are imparted on the quat. Wound cleaning and disinfection is one of the most fundamental practices as a standard of care to help improve the healing of chronic wounds (9). Cleaning the wound reduces and delays the development of biofilms, and removes bacteria, thereby accelerating wound healing. Knowledge of wound healing and anecdotal evidence has led to the hypothesis that a colloid bound quat will decrease wound healing times. This thesis will investigate the wound healing properties of a colloid bound quat both in vitro, and in vivo and will attempt to determine a possible mechanism for increased wound healing.