Release of Formaldehyde from Dimethylol Dimethylhydantoin, a Possible Antiseptic Agent

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Abstract
Dimethylol dimethylhydantoin (abbreviated as DMDMH), a water-soluble, stable, colorless and odorless hydantoin derivative, was investigated with various microorganisms for its potential applicability as an antiseptic agent. The possible mechanism of its action was elucidated. DMDMH inhibits bacterial and fungal growth at 15.6 to 250 µg/ml, and HeLa S3 cells at 13.7 µg/ml by its continuous presence. Its removal after 1-hr incubation at 5,000 µg/ml reversed the bacterial growth, thus indicating bacteriostatic action. The mechanism of action, in a study using a proton nuclear magnetic resonance, revealed a release of formaldehyde from DMDMH when pH was increased. Effect of DMDMH on antigen-antibody reaction in agar gel showed no adverse effect at moderate concentration. Since its toxicity to animal was much less than that of mercurials or phenol, it can be useful as an antiseptic agent.

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