In vitro antibacterial activity of concentrated polyethylene glycol 400 solutions

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Abstract
Concentrated polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400) solutions had significant antibacterial activity against various pathogenic bacteria: Klebsiella pneumoniae,Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Lowering of water activity and the specific action of PEG-400 molecules on bacterial cells might be responsible for this effect. Phase-contrast microscopy of cells placed in contact with PEG 400 revealed clumping and morphological changes. The more significant changes occurred in species which were more rapidly killed by PEG 400. Evidently, concentrated PEG 400 solutions may have a potential value as a topical antibacterial agent.