The present mini-review explores the current methods used for the delivery of antiseptics and topical antimicrobials. Relevance of hand scrub with antiseptic liquid soap (e.g. chlorhexidine, PVP-iodine, triclosan) and alcohol-based hand rub is discussed and compared in terms of bactericidal activity, skin tolerance, and medical staff observance. New strategies for antibacterial delivery focus on the challenge of colloidal drug carrier such as liposomes, micro- and nanoparticles enabling sustained bactericidal effect and effective bacterial targeting.
Keywords: Antisepsis, disinfection, biocides, alcohol-based rubs, hand scrubs, iposomes, microparticles, nanoparticles