Evaluation of an antimicrobial silver foam dressing.

153 Abstract: CuraVAC Ag, a product that delivers negative pressure wound therapy through a polyurethane foam dressing, contains sil- ver nanoparticles, which, when moistened with water, release silver ions onto a wound surface. The in vitro antimicrobial action of silver can destroy both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, as well as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The pur- pose of this study was to assess the efficacy and in vivo outcomes of using the product. Methods. Thirty-six female Sprague-Dawley white rats, 8-weeks old and 250 g - 300 g in weight, were used. The experimental product was prepared using a vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) kit and coating it using the silver nanoparticles. For the con- trol group, a 10% povidone-iodine solution was applied. Results. All groups showed decreases in wound area over time, in the order CuraVAC Ag (group A) > CuraVAC (group B) > control (group C). On the third, fifth, and seventh days, wound healing efficacy scores in- creased in both group A and group C. Groups A and B showed more rapid decreases than group C in bacterial culture from wounds. Con- clusion. CuraVAC Ag may be useful for treatment of wounds infected with bacteria.