Polyquaternium-1

Polyquaternium-1 (Polidronium chloride; PQ-1) is an antimicrobial preservative and an activator of NF-κB. Polyquaternium-1 targets bacterial cell membranes, commonly used in ophthalmic surgery. Polyquaternium-1 adsorbs to the surface of microbial membranes through its polycationic properties, destroying membrane integrity and inducing potassium ion leakage, leading to bacterial death. Polyquaternium-1 exerts antimicrobial effects at a concentration of 0.001% and has low toxicity to mammalian cells. Polyquaternium-1 can be used to prepare products such as glaucoma eye drops (Travoprost preparations containing PQ-1), artificial tears, and contact lens solutions to reduce the ocular surface toxicity of traditional preservatives such as benzalkonium chloride (HY-B2232) [1][2][3].