(LR-029) A new non-silver antimicrobial carboxymethyl cellulose dressing shows improved physical properties against competitor wound dressings

Graeme Kettlewell, PhD – Director of Research and Development, R&D, Speciality Fibres and Materials Ltd

Introduction: The antimicrobial formulations within wound dressings have improved significantly in recent times and wear-times beyond 7-days are now a possibility. However, in a moist would healing environment can the absorbency and mechanical properties of the dressing be maintained for these extended periods? A new, non-silver, CMC dressing has demonstrated antimicrobial activity for periods up to 28-days. In the current study the physical properties of the dressing have been investigated for extended wear times.

Methods: Absorbency and mechanical properties have been tested on a novel antimicrobial dressing and a selection of direct competitors dressings.

Absorbency was assessed using sodium chloride/calcium chloride solution and Simulated Wound Fluid according to the European Standard EN13726-1 March 2002. In addition, the tensile strength of the fabrics was tested on the moist fabrics based on a method from the British Pharmacopoeia 1993

Both tests were performed after 30 minutes and 28 days. Samples were stored in closed containers in 37^°C for the duration of the test.

Results: Results suggest that all of the tested dressings have been designed as highly absorbent materials, but the new, non-silver antimicrobial dressing has the highest ability to absorb liquids after 30 minutes and 28 days in comparison to all tested dressings.

From a mechanical perspective, new antimicrobial dressing has a higher tensile strength than selected commercial materials. This does not change after 28 days.

Discussion: Performed testing shows that the new antimicrobial dressing can absorb 13 times as much as it weighs, so it is ideal for the management of heavy or moderately exuding wounds. Moreover, this dressing offers an improvement over the mechanical properties of competitors products.