Antimicrobial and hemostatic activities of cotton-based dressings designed to address prolonged field care applications

Authors: Edwards, Judson - Vince; Prevost, Nicolette; Nam, Sunghyun; Graves, Elena; YAGER, DORNE - Virginia Commonwealth University; DACORTA, JOSEPH - H&h Medical Corporation; Reynolds, Michael; Condon, Brian

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/23/2019
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Developing affordable and effective hemostatic and antimicrobial wound dressings for prolonged field care (PFC) of open wounds is of interest to prevent infection and sepsis and to conserve tissue viability. The need for an effective hemostatic dressing that is also antimicrobial is obviated by the virulent activity of S. aureus, which has evolved mechanisms to gain control over blood coagulation. Thus, dressings that provide effective hemostasis and reduction in the frequency of dressing changes, while exerting robust antimicrobial activity are of interest for PFC. Highly cleaned and sterile unbleached cotton has constituents not found in bleached cotton that are beneficial to the hemostatic and inflammatory stages of wound healing. Here we demonstrate two approaches to cotton-based antimicrobial dressings that utilize the unique components of the cotton fiber with simple modification confer a high degree of hemostatic and antimicrobial efficacy. Methods: Spun bond nonwoven unbleached cotton was treated using traditional pad dry cure methods with low concentration ascorbic acid (< 1% add-on). Similarly, 1% nanosilver-dispersed cotton fiber (nanosilver-cotton fiber) was blended with cotton fibers at various weight ratios to produce hydroentangled nonwoven fabrics. The resulting treated fabrics were assessed for hemostasis using thromboelastographic and Lee White clotting assays, and antimicrobial activity utilizing AATCC 100. Results: The hemostatic activities of the dressings were retained or improved while the antimicrobial activity was greater than 99 percent against S. aureus, K. pneumoniae, and P. aeruginosa. Conclusion: Molecular components inherent to unbleached cotton promote antimicrobial activity in the presence of ascorbic acid and silver treated dressings while retaining hemostatic efficacy, which provide a safe, economical, and shelf stable family of wound dressings for use in PFC.