The effect povidone-iodine on the wound healing process: A study on fibroblast populated collagen lattice (FPCL) model

Abstract

Povidone-iodine (PI) 10% solution is an effective antiseptic. However, it appears to be toxic to
the cells involved in wound healing. The aim of this study is to evaluate the toxicity of PI on
cultured human fibroblast using fibroblast populated collagen lattice (FPCL) model. The cultured
human fibroblast was divided into 6 groups i.e. 5 groups were exposed by PI 1, 0.1, 0.01, 0.001
and 0.0001%, and 1 group was exposed by phosphate-buffered-saline (PBS). Twenty-four hours
later, the media was washed using PBS. The size of the FPCL media on each group was
observed over time by serial photographs, which then were measured by Image-J computer
program. Exposure of 0.1, 0.01, 0.001 and 0.0001 PI caused an obvious reduction of fibroblast’s
contraction capability on FPCL media, which described temporary fibroblast injury, that showing
a concentration-dependent recovery phenomenon after 48th hour. Furthermore, 1% PI exposure
leads to a permanent fibroblast injury. In conclusion, PI exposure in concentration more than
0.1% has a permanent toxic effect on fibroblast that clearly observed using a simple FPCL
model.