Comparative testing of liposomal and aqueous formulations of povidone-iodine for their angioirritative potential at the chorioallantoic membrane of ex ovo cultivated chick embryos.

BACKGROUND

Due to its excellent microbicidal activity, povidone-iodine (PVP-I) is used for local anti-infective treatment, especially for wound antisepsis of the skin. Previous studies have shown that liposomal PVP-I formulations are less cytotoxic and that a special liposomal PVP-I hydrogel provides wound healing efficacy.

OBJECTIVE

In the present study, the angiotoxic activity of the liposomal and the aqueous PVP-I formulations were comparatively tested at the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of chick embryos.

METHODS

Test preparations were administered onto the CAM of ex ovo cultivated chick embryos. At different time intervals, the local irritation of the blood vessels was examined microscopically and assigned to a score of vascular injury.

RESULTS

Angioirritative reactions of the CAM were manifest as coagulation, vascular congestion and hemorrhages. The liposomal formulations containing 0.1, 0.5 or 1% PVP-I were found to be significantly less angiotoxic than the corresponding aqueous formulations.

CONCLUSION

The angioirritative potential of PVP-I is significantly reduced by its liposomal encapsulation.