Silver Dressing Battles Bacterial Contamination

A novel wound dressing combines a highly absorbent gelling fiber filler dressing with the benefits of silver (Ag).

The DURAFIBER Ag is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial dressing that is made of a unique nonwoven fiber blend (integral to its high performance) that provides clinicians with a different approach to address bacterial contamination posed by medium to heavily exuding wounds. The conformable gel matrix helps promote patient concordance and comfort, while reducing dead space where bacteria may proliferate. Dressing efficiencies include minimal shrinkage when wet, which helps to maintain sustained coverage and a favorable moist wound healing environment.


The dressings provides sustained release of silver and antimicrobial activity for up to seven days against a broad spectrum of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, including antibiotic resistant strains such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, VRE, Candida albicans, Bacteroides fragilis, and Rhizopus arrhizus, as well as yeasts and filamentous fungi wound pathogens for up to 7 days, killing the pathogens within 30 minutes of contact.

The dressings also provides effective exudate management by locking in fluid and harmful bacteria due to a high absorption and retention capacity, as well as minimal lateral wicking, which helps protect surrounding skin against maceration. When done, the clean one-piece dressing removal lowers risk of fiber shed and dressing residue, while causing minimal pain and trauma to the patient. The DURAFIBER Ag is a product of Smith & Nephew (London, United Kingdom), and has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“DURAFIBER Ag is strong when wet—a key attribute for ease of use for gelling fiber dressings” said Robin Carlstein, interim president of advanced wound management at Smith & Nephew. “The DURAFIBER portfolio facilitates clean, cost-effective, one-piece dressing removal continuing on the Smith & Nephew commitment to deliver consistent clinical and economic benefits for wound care.”

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