Nanocrystalline Silver Layer of Knitted Polyester Outperforms Other Silver-Containing Wound Dressings in an In Vitro Wound Model
Cureus, 2023
Jonathan Hus, Ricardo F Frausto, Joel Grunhut, Nir Hus
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In brief
Silver dressings are used routinely in wound care, but there is little head-to-head evidence on which works best. We tested seven silver-containing dressings against E. coli and S. aureus in an in vitro wound model and measured the zone of bacterial inhibition around each.
Key findings
Acticoat Flex-3 (nanocrystalline silver on knitted polyester) produced a mean inhibition zone of 1.59 cm² against E. coli, significantly larger than Aquacel Ag, Mepilex Ag, Mepitel Ag, Optifoam and Tegaderm Alginate Ag.
Against S. aureus, Acticoat Flex-3's mean inhibition zone was 1.21 cm², larger than Aquacel Ag, Mepilex, Optifoam and Tegaderm Alginate Ag.
Acticoat Flex-3 was statistically indistinguishable from Maxorb II Ag against both organisms.
Abstract
Background Silver possesses cytotoxic properties against many microorganisms and is regularly used in wound care. Current evidence supporting the use of one type of silver-containing wound dressing (SCWD) is insufficient. Materials and methods To examine the ability of selected SCWDs to inhibit the growth of two strains of bacteria (Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus) commonly found in wounds, an in vitro wound model was used. Bacteria were applied to the surface of nutrient agar, and a piece of each SCWD was applied to the bacteria. The plates were incubated at 37°C overnight. The zone of inhibition (ZI) around each SCWD was measured in cm(2). Results The mean ZI for Acticoat Flex-3 on E. coli was 1.59 ± 0.15 cm(2), which was significantly greater than that observed for Aquacel Ag (p<0.001), Mepilex Ag (p<0.0001), Mepitel Ag (p<0.001), Optifoam (p<0.0001), and Tegaderm Alginate Ag (p<0.01), but statistically indistinguishable from Maxorb II Ag. The mean ZI on S. aureus was 1.21 ± 0.16 cm(2), which was greater than Aquacel Ag (p<0.05), Mepilex (p<0.0001), Optifoam (p<0.0001), and Tegaderm Alginate Ag (p<0.05), but statistically indistinguishable from Maxorb II Ag or Mepitel Ag. Conclusion Of the SCWDs tested, Acticoat Flex-3 demonstrated the most robust antimicrobial effect. Herein, we show that Acticoat Flex-3 may provide the most wound protection against bacterial infection. In conclusion, these data provide clinicians with additional independent evidence to inform their clinical practice on the use of specific wound dressings.
How to cite
Hus J, Frausto RF, Grunhut J, Hus N. Nanocrystalline Silver Layer of Knitted Polyester Outperforms Other Silver-Containing Wound Dressings in an In Vitro Wound Model. Cureus. 2023;15(7):e42401. doi:10.7759/cureus.42401