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Polyaminopropyl biguanide is a broad spectrum and fast acting bactericide which is used for the formulation of disinfectants and sanitisers.
Polyaminopropyl biguanide proved toxic to keratocytes and was shown to have acute toxic effects in human cells where it caused severe inflammation, atherogenesis, and aging.
Polyaminopropyl biguanide is a polymer containing biguanide group connected with a three methylene (propyl) linker.
CAS Number: 133029-32-0
Molecular Formula: C5H14N6
Molecular Weight :158.21
EINECS Number: 205-516-1
Synonyms: RefChem:1091823, DTXCID5021099, 24717-31-5, DTXSID40873856, N-Hexylimidodicarbonimidic diamide, POLIHEXANIDE, 1-(diaminomethylidene)-2-hexylguanidine, 28757-47-3, POLYAMINOPROPYL BIGUANIDE, 133029-32-0, polihexanida, Lavasept, Purista, Vantocil, Microcare mbg, Cosmocil cq, n-hexylbiguanide, polihexanide hydrochloride, CHEMBL2106939, VAZJLPXFVQHDFB-UHFFFAOYSA-N, POLYAMINOPROPYL BIGUANIDE;N-(3-Aminopropyl)imidodicarbonimidic diamide homopolymer;Imidodicarbonimidic diamide, N-(3-aminopropyl)-, homopolymer;POLYAMINE PROPYL BIGUANIDE;Polyaminopropyl biguanide, PAPB;Tianfu Chem POLYAMINOPROPYL BIGUANIDE 133029-32-0;N-(3-Aminopropyl)imidodicarbonimidic diamide;Polyaminopropyl biguanide（PHMB）
Polyaminopropyl biguanide is a synthetic polymeric biguanide used as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that targets bacteria, fungi, and certain enveloped viruses by disrupting their cellular membranes.
Polyaminopropyl biguanide is composed of repeating biguanide functional groups linked with propyl chains, giving the polymer its cationic, water-soluble nature and strong affinity for negatively charged microbial surfaces.
This polymeric structure allows it to bind to microbial membranes, penetrate them, and cause cell leakage or death without requiring high concentrations.
Polyaminopropyl biguanide is typically produced as a low-odor, colorless aqueous solution that remains stable across a wide pH range and does not lose efficacy easily under normal storage or formulation conditions.
Its mild chemical profile makes it suitable for direct contact with skin, allowing it to be used safely in personal-care products, medical devices, and surface disinfectants.
The compound’s non-volatility and controlled molecular weight distribution contribute to its stability, low irritation potential, and broad compatibility with formulation ingredients.
Polyaminopropyl biguanide exhibits rapid antimicrobial activity by attaching to microbial cell walls, altering membrane integrity, and interfering with the organism’s ability to regulate internal ionic balance.
Unlike harsh disinfectants, its polymeric nature prevents deep penetration into human tissue while still enabling strong activity against pathogens.
This selective mechanism makes PAPB useful in applications requiring continual antimicrobial protection with minimal toxicity.
Polyaminopropyl biguanide is known under several trade names such as Cosmocil®, Vantocil®, and Lavasept, which are used in cosmetics, wound-care products, and industrial sanitizers.
Each formulation employs the core PAPB polymer but varies in concentration depending on its intended use and regulatory limits.
These controlled variations ensure effective antimicrobial action while maintaining product safety across multiple application fields.
The polymer is a propyl analogue of polyhexamethylene biguanide.
The polymer display some antibacterial activity however much lower than Polyaminopropyl biguanide.
As of May 2024, PAPB is not approved as a biocidal active substance under EU regulations.
In some sources, particularly in lists of cosmetic ingredients (INCI), the name polyaminopropyl biguanide is wrongly associated with polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB).
Polyaminopropyl biguanide is an aqueous-based cationic preservative, active against spoilage bacteria and is compatible with a wide range of aqueous based cosmetics and personal care formulations.
Its gentle nature makes it ideal for both rinse-off and leave-on applications like shampoo (with cationic, nonionic or amphoteric surfactants), hair care products, skin creams, skin lotions, baby products, and wet wipes.
When mildness is an important feature for your product, PHMB's gentle and protective nature could make it your solution.
Polyaminopropyl biguanide is a cationic polymeric antimicrobial agent composed of multiple biguanide units connected by propyl linkers, forming a long-chain structure that effectively binds to and disrupts microorganisms.
Its polymeric architecture allows it to interact with microbial membranes far more strongly than small-molecule disinfectants, giving it exceptional antimicrobial potency at very low concentrations.
This structure enables the compound to target bacteria, fungi, and certain enveloped viruses while maintaining a favorable safety profile for human use.
Polyaminopropyl biguanide is typically formulated as a clear, low-viscosity, water-soluble liquid with minimal odor and high chemical stability, which allows it to retain antimicrobial function during storage and in complex formulations.
Polyaminopropyl biguanides non-volatile nature ensures that it does not evaporate or degrade rapidly, making it suitable for long-lasting antimicrobial protection in medical and cosmetic applications.
This stability is especially important in products that require consistent performance over extended shelf life or daily use cycles.
The antimicrobial mechanism of Polyaminopropyl biguanide begins with electrostatic attraction between the positively charged biguanide groups and the negatively charged surfaces of microorganisms.
Once bound, the polymer inserts itself into the lipid membrane, causing structural destabilization and increased permeability that leads to cellular leakage.
This membrane disruption results in rapid microbial death while minimizing the likelihood of developing resistance compared to traditional antibiotics.
InChI: InChI=1S/C5H14N6/c6-2-1-3-10-5(9)11-4(7)8/h1-3,6H2,(H6,7,8,9,10,11)
InChIKey: XKFDVLUHBRJZQF-UHFFFAOYSA-N
SMILES: N(CCCN)C(=N)NC(N)=N
Polyaminopropyl biguanide, a propyl analogue of polyhexamethylene biguanide, is a broad spectrum, fast acting bactericide with antibacterial activity.
Polyaminopropyl biguanide can be used as a preservative in cosmetic products.
Polyaminopropyl biguanide binds strongly to microbial membranes, it provides persistent antimicrobial activity that continues even after drying, rinsing, or extended contact with skin or surfaces.
This residual effect is especially valuable in wound-care products, where continuous antimicrobial presence reduces infection risks during healing.
This makes PAPB superior to fast-evaporating disinfectants that lose protection immediately after application.
Polyaminopropyl biguanide is also utilized in drinking-water treatment, pool systems, and industrial water-management applications, where low-toxicity biocides are required to control bacterial growth.
Its polymeric nature prevents rapid leaching, allowing steady antimicrobial performance with minimal environmental impact compared to harsher disinfectants.
This controlled antimicrobial activity ensures safe and stable water systems while minimizing chemical exposure.
Polyaminopropyl biguanide is a polymeric biguanide-based antimicrobial compound designed to eliminate a broad range of microorganisms by binding to and disrupting their cell membranes.
Its structure is built from repeating biguanide groups connected by propyl linkers, producing a cationic polymer that strongly interacts with the negatively charged surfaces of bacteria and fungi.
This highly charged polymeric architecture gives PAPB the ability to destabilize microbial membranes, leading to leakage of cellular contents and eventual cell death.
Polyaminopropyl biguanide is typically supplied as a clear, water-soluble solution with low odor and excellent chemical stability, allowing it to perform effectively over a wide pH and temperature range.
Polyaminopropyl biguanides polymeric nature prevents it from evaporating, making it far gentler and more persistent than volatile disinfectants such as alcohols or chlorine-based compounds.
This stability ensures long-lasting antimicrobial performance in consumer products, medical preparations, and industrial hygiene applications.
PAPB demonstrates broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, meaning it acts against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as certain yeasts and molds.
Its mechanism begins when the positively charged polymer adsorbs onto microbial membranes, neutralizing surface charges and weakening structural integrity.
Upon interaction, the polymer penetrates the cell envelope, creating irreversible damage that disrupts metabolic processes and prevents the organism from replicating.
Unlike many harsher disinfectants, Polyaminopropyl biguanide exhibits low cytotoxicity toward human skin cells, making it suitable for direct-use formulations applied to skin, wounds, mucous membranes, and consumer cosmetic products.
Its selective mechanism favors microbial membranes due to their high charge density and structural differences from human cells.
This selective action allows PAPB to provide potent antimicrobial protection without causing excessive irritation or tissue damage.
Polyaminopropyl biguanide is recognized by several commercial names—including Cosmocil, Vantocil, Lavasept, Purista, and Microcare MBG—reflecting its wide adoption across cosmetic, medical, and industrial sectors.
Each commercial form may vary slightly in polymer length, concentration, or formulation to suit specific regulatory requirements and product functions.
These controlled variations ensure PAPB delivers consistent antimicrobial efficacy across diverse environments.
Because Polyaminopropyl biguanide is a non-volatile, persistent antimicrobial, it continues to protect treated surfaces long after application, unlike alcohol-based agents that evaporate rapidly.
It binds effectively to skin, plastics, textiles, and various hydrophilic substrates, making it valuable for leave-on products and long-acting hygiene systems.
This continuous protection is especially important for wound-care products, cosmetic lotions, and sanitizing wipes where residual antimicrobial activity is required.
Polyaminopropyl biguanide is chemically classified as a polyhexamethylene biguanide-type biocide, though its exact structure and molecular weight depend on manufacturing methods and regulatory specifications.
Its controlled polymer length influences solubility, microbial-binding strength, and formulation compatibility, allowing tailored versions for medical, cosmetic, and industrial uses.
This versatility is central to its global adoption as a safe, reliable antimicrobial agent.
Polyaminopropyl biguanide is valued for its excellent compatibility with surfactants, emulsions, aqueous gels, and skincare formulations, allowing it to be integrated into a wide range of personal-care products.
Unlike many disinfectants that destabilize emulsions or interact negatively with cosmetic ingredients, PAPB remains stable and effective even in complex formulations.
This compatibility makes it a preferred choice in shampoos, facial cleansers, baby wipes, lotions, and sensitive-skin products.
Polyaminopropyl biguanide maintains stability across broad pH ranges, allowing it to remain active from mildly acidic to alkaline environments without losing antimicrobial potency.
This pH tolerance makes the compound adaptable to various formulation requirements in cosmetics, sanitizers, wound irrigation solutions, and disinfection products.
Such flexibility provides manufacturers with predictable performance, reducing formulation challenges and improving final product quality.
Polyaminopropyl biguanide displays broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, offering effectiveness against Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, yeast, mold, and certain enveloped viruses.
Its ability to suppress microbial growth at extremely low concentrations makes it valuable in formulations that require delicate, non-irritating antimicrobial systems.
This broad activity profile is a key reason it is preferred in both consumer skin-contact products and professional medical applications.
Because Polyaminopropyl biguanide has low cytotoxicity toward human skin cells, it is widely used in personal-care products such as baby wipes, facial cleansers, lotions, shampoos, and sensitive-skin products.
Its selective affinity for microbial membranes, rather than human cell membranes, prevents irritation and supports long-term daily use without compromising skin barrier integrity.
This selective mechanism gives Polyaminopropyl biguanide a unique position among biocides used directly on skin.
Uses:
Polyaminopropyl biguanide is an antiseptic with antiviral and antibacterial properties used in several ways including wound care dressings, contact lens cleaning solutions, perioperative cleansing products, and swimming pool cleaners.
Polyaminopropyl biguanide is widely used in personal-care products because it provides broad-spectrum antimicrobial protection without causing irritation, making it suitable for leave-on and rinse-off formulations.
It is incorporated into facial cleansers, shampoos, deodorants, body washes, wet wipes, and baby-care products where long-lasting antimicrobial stability is required.
Its mildness and compatibility with skin-friendly formulations make it a preferred preservative in modern cosmetics.
Polyaminopropyl biguanide is used extensively in baby wipes and sensitive-skin wipes, where its gentle antimicrobial properties prevent microbial growth inside moist packaging.
Its polymeric nature allows it to remain active over time without causing stinging, redness, or discomfort on infant skin.
This makes Polyaminopropyl biguanide one of the few biocides approved for continuous contact with delicate skin.
In wound-care and medical products, Polyaminopropyl biguanide functions as an antiseptic agent designed to prevent infections in open wounds, burns, and surgical sites.
It is used in wound irrigation solutions, hydrogel dressings, postoperative rinses, and chronic-wound cleansers due to its low cytotoxicity and sustained antimicrobial effect.
Such properties are essential in medical settings where repeated application must not hinder healing or irritate tissues.
Polyaminopropyl biguanide is an active ingredient in eye-care formulations, particularly in contact-lens disinfection systems, where it controls microbial contamination without damaging the lens material.
Its gentleness toward ocular tissues and its ability to remain stable in aqueous solutions make it suitable for daily-use lens-cleaning products.
This dual compatibility ensures both safety and efficacy in maintaining eye hygiene.
Polyaminopropyl biguanide is used in cosmetic preservation to prevent microbial spoilage in emulsions, gels, creams, serums, and lotions.
Its broad activity helps protect formulations against bacteria, yeast, and fungi even at low concentrations, extending product shelf life.
This makes PAPB particularly valuable in natural or low-preservative cosmetics where safety and stability must coexist.
Polyaminopropyl biguanide is incorporated into surface disinfectants, sanitizing sprays, and hygienic cleaners used in homes, hospitals, schools, and commercial facilities.
Its ability to provide long-lasting antimicrobial protection after drying makes it superior to fast-evaporating disinfectants like alcohol.
This persistent action helps maintain hygienic conditions in high-touch environments such as doorknobs, medical devices, and restroom surfaces.
Polyaminopropyl biguanide is used in institutional and industrial cleaning products because it effectively controls bacterial and fungal contamination in large facilities.
It retains activity in the presence of organic matter and surfactants, making it reliable in heavy-duty cleaning applications.
These properties make it widely used in healthcare facilities, laboratories, gyms, restaurants, and food-handling areas.
In water treatment systems, PAPB functions as a low-toxicity biocide that prevents biofilm formation and bacterial contamination.
It is used in cooling towers, pool systems, industrial water lines, and potable-water applications where persistent antimicrobial performance is required.
Its polymeric nature minimizes rapid dissipation, allowing extended microbial control with minimal environmental impact.
Polyaminopropyl biguanide is used in textile and fabric treatments, where it provides long-term antimicrobial protection to medical fabrics, sportswear, bedding, and upholstery.
Its ability to bind to fibers ensures that treated textiles resist microbial odor, staining, and degradation over extended usage cycles.
This long-term activity is highly valued in healthcare textiles and athletic clothing.
Polyaminopropyl biguanide is incorporated into aircraft, transportation, and vehicle sanitizing systems due to its low odor, safety profile, and ability to remain active on surfaces.
It is used in cabin cleaners, seat disinfectants, and high-contact components that require ongoing microbial control.
These applications benefit from PAPB’s long-lasting antimicrobial film, which remains active even after repeated handling.
In industrial production lines, PAPB is used to prevent microbial growth in manufacturing tanks, pipes, and formulation vessels.
It effectively controls biofilms that develop in aqueous environments, ensuring clean production conditions.
This is crucial in industries where microbial contamination can compromise product quality or cause spoilage.
Polyaminopropyl biguanide is used in tattoo and piercing cleansing solutions, where its low irritancy ensures safe repeated use on damaged or sensitive skin.
Its antimicrobial persistence helps prevent infections while maintaining skin comfort.
This makes PAPB particularly valuable in professional tattoo and piercing hygiene protocols.
Polyaminopropyl biguanide is included in pet-care and veterinary products, such as animal wipes, ear cleansers, and topical antiseptics.
Its safety profile allows regular application on animal skin and fur without causing irritation.
This supports infection control and hygiene maintenance in veterinary practices and home pet care.
Polyaminopropyl biguanide is employed in household cleaning wipes, multi-surface wipes, and kitchen sanitizing cloths, where it stabilizes the product and prevents microbial growth in the packaging.
It ensures long-term antimicrobial performance even when the wipes remain moist for extended periods.
These properties help maintain domestic hygiene and prevent product spoilage.
In cosmetic tools and beauty equipment sanitizers, PAPB prevents microbial contamination of brushes, sponges, applicators, and reusable cosmetic tools.
Its mildness makes it suitable for items that contact the face, eyes, or lips.
This contributes to improved hygiene and reduced risk of cosmetic-associated infections.
Polyaminopropyl biguanide is extensively used in skin-care formulations where it prevents microbial contamination of creams, lotions, serums, masks, gels, and moisturizers.
Its mildness compared to stronger preservatives allows formulators to maintain product safety without causing burning, redness, or disruption to the skin barrier.
This makes Polyaminopropyl biguanide a preferred antimicrobial in luxury skincare, dermatological products, and sensitive-skin formulations.
Polyaminopropyl biguanide is a key component in wet wipes such as baby wipes, adult hygiene wipes, feminine care wipes, and intimate wipes due to its excellent safety profile and long-term antimicrobial performance.
Its polymeric structure binds to fibers in the wipe, ensuring residual antimicrobial protection as the product remains moist for weeks or months.
This ability to maintain microbial control inside sealed packaging is a primary reason for its global use in hygiene wipes.
Polyaminopropyl biguanide is used in hair-care products, including shampoos, conditioners, scalp treatments, and hair tonics, where it suppresses bacterial and fungal contamination that may occur during storage or regular use.
Its gentle chemistry avoids stripping natural lipids or irritating the scalp, making it suitable for people with sensitivity or dermatological conditions.
This preservation capability also protects complex hair formulations containing botanical extracts and proteins.
The compound is incorporated into body cleansers and hand washes, where it prevents spoilage and maintains product quality by controlling microbial growth in surfactant-rich environments.
Its compatibility with anionic and non-ionic surfactants ensures that cleansing products remain stable and effective throughout their shelf life.
This ability to remain active in foaming systems makes PAPB crucial to hygiene formulations.
Polyaminopropyl biguanide is used in industrial coatings, paints, and polymer dispersions as a preservative that prevents microbial degradation of water-based systems.
Its efficiency at low concentrations maintains product integrity during storage and distribution.
This is essential for coatings used in humid or warm climates.
It is utilized in HVAC system maintenance, where its ability to inhibit microbial slime formation reduces odors and improves air quality.
Its long-lasting antimicrobial activity helps maintain cleaner air ducts and humidifier components.
This improves efficiency and reduces health concerns in closed building environments.
Safety Profile:
Polyaminopropyl biguanide is not safe for consumers when used as a preservative in all cosmetic products up to the maximum concentration of 0.3%.
The safe use could be based on a lower use concentration and/or restrictions with regard to cosmetic products' categories.
Polyaminopropyl biguanide can cause skin irritation in some individuals because its cationic polymeric structure interacts with proteins in the outer skin layers.
Prolonged or repeated contact may lead to redness, dryness, itching, or mild dermatitis, particularly at higher concentrations or in occluded conditions.
Although generally gentle, proper dilution and protective gloves are recommended for occupational handling.
Polyaminopropyl biguanide may cause eye irritation, as the polymer can bind to ocular surface proteins and disrupt the natural tear-film barrier.
Accidental splashes may result in stinging, tearing, redness, and transient blurred vision due to membrane interaction.
Immediate flushing with water is required to minimize irritation and prevent prolonged discomfort.
Inhalation of concentrated mists or aerosols can lead to respiratory irritation, especially during industrial mixing, spraying, or application in poorly ventilated environments.
Symptoms may include coughing, throat irritation, or a tight sensation in the chest caused by the cationic polymer interacting with mucous membranes.
Adequate ventilation or respiratory protection is important during processes where airborne droplets may form.
Polyaminopropyl biguanide may cause skin sensitization in susceptible individuals after repeated or prolonged exposure.
Sensitization can manifest as allergic contact dermatitis, presenting with itching, swelling, or persistent rash even at very low future exposures.
Once sensitized, individuals may react strongly, making exposure avoidance necessary.
