Superior absorption and retention properties of foam-film silver dressing versus other commercially available silver dressing

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to investigate the physicochemical and structural properties of Medifoam®Silver and to compare with other commercially available silver-containing polyurethane (PU) foam dressing in vitro. METHODS: Surface and cross-section of four polyurethane foam dressings were assessed with field-emission scanning electron microscope. Thickness, density, tensile strength, elongation, absorption rate, absorption/retention capacity and water-vapor transmission (WVT) were measured to compare physical properties of various dressing materials. RESULTS: Among four tested dressings, Medifoam®Silver has relatively uniform and smallest pore size in both surface and cross-section. In comparison of absorption properties with other dressing materials, Medifoam®Silver has rapid absorption rate, good absorption/retention capacity and good WVT value. CONCLUSIONS: The data further suggests that Medifoam®Silver is a promising candidate for wound healing management.