Purpose Benzalkonium chloride (BAK) is the most commonly used eye drop preservative. Benzalkonium chloride has been associated with toxic effects such as "dry eye" and trabecular meshwork degeneration, but the underlying biochemical mechanism of ocular toxicity by BAK is unclear. In this study, we propose a mechanistic basis for BAK's adverse effects. Method Mitochondrial O2 consumption rates...

We have assessed the release of histamine from mast cells by smooth muscle contraction. 0.3 microg/ml compound 48/80 showed no effect on concentration-response relationship of histamine in rabbit aorta. Compound 48/80 induced release of histamine from rat mast cells. When aorta was stimulated by compound 48/80 in the presence of mast cells, contraction was evoked in concentration-dependent mann...

A comprehensive comparative analysis of antifungal potential of benzalkonium chloride and newly synthesized fullerenol/benzalkonium chloride nanocomposite was conducted to assess the possible impact of carbon-based nanocarrier on antimicrobial properties of the commonly used biocide. Physical characterization of synthesized nanocomposite showed zeta potential of +37.4 mV and inhomogeneous parti...

Removal of benzalkonium chloride (BKC) from aqueous streams by polymeric resins XAD-7 and XAD-16 was investigated. Adsorption equilibrium isotherms of BKC from water were measured in a batch adsorber at different temperatures and ionic strengths of the external phase. In addition, the influence of an organic solvent (ethanol) on the phase equilibrium was studied. The experimental data was corre...

Zinc sulphate and boric acid ophthalmic preparations, containing benzalkonium chloride as preservative, have been investigated against gram-negative and positive bacteria. Viability of bacteria was found after 7 days, although it was completely suppressed after 24 hours of inoculation. Zinc sulphate generally increases the antimicrobial activity of benzalkonium chloride, whereas boric acid ...

OBJECTIVE To measure the influence of topical steroids and the preservative potassium sorbate on the ciliary beat frequency (CBF) of human nasal mucosa in vitro. DESIGN In vitro study of cultured ciliated cells of human nasal mucosa. METHODS Human nasal mucosa was removed endoscopically and cultured for 10 days. Cell cultures with ciliated cells grown on an object slide were exposed to benz...

BACKGROUND Resistance toward quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) is widespread among a diverse range of microorganisms and is facilitated by several mechanisms such as biofilm formation. OBJECTIVES In this study, the effects of benzalkonium chloride on planktonic growth and biofilm formation by some field isolates of animal bacterial pathogens were investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty...