The antibacterial effect of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate (Dermabond®) skin adhesive

Abstract

Dermabond® is a tissue adhesive commonly used for wound or surgical incision closure. Its use has previously been associated with a reduction in wound infection, and it has been thought to act as a physical barrier to bacteria accessing the wound. This study aimed to establish whether the Dermabond® adhesive demonstrated any intrinsic antimicrobial properties. Solidified pellets of Dermabond® were placed on standardised Agar plates cultured with a variety of pathogens. Inhibition of growth was demonstrated against Gram-positive bacteria. Culture swabs taken from the inhibition rings demonstrated no growth, suggesting that Dermabond has a bactericidal mechanism of action. Based on the design of this study, the results suggest that Dermabond® demonstrates bactericidal properties against Gram-positive bacteria. Its use for wound closure following surgical intervention may reduce postoperative wound infection by Gram-positive organisms.

Keywords: Dermabond®; hip replacement; knee replacement; orthopaedic surgery; prevention; surgical site infection; tissue adhesive; tissue glue.

Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of conflicting interest: The author declares that there is no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1.

Photograph showing custom mould used to create pellets

Figure 2.

Photograph showing no inhibition of growth of a Gram-negative bacteria (A) and inhibition of growth of a Gram-positive bacteria (B) around the pellets of Dermabond®