Antibacterial effect of dressings containing multivalent silver ion carried by zirconium phosphate on experimental rat burn wounds
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Updated: Jun 26, 2026
Severe Burn Injury in a Swine Model for Clinical Dressing Assessment
Published on: November 6, 2018
Gaoxing Luo1, Jin Tang, Weifeng He
1Burn Research Institute, Southwestern Hospital, State key lab of trauma, burns and combined surgery, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.
Abstract:
To evaluate the antibacterial effect of multivalent silver ion carried by zirconium phosphate (ZP-Ag) both in vitro and in an experimental rat burn wound compared with that of sulfadiazine silver (SD-Ag). Firstly, the minimal inhibition concentration and the minimal bactericidal concentration of ZP-Ag to three different strains of bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli) were compared with those of SD-Ag in vitro. Following this dressings containing the same mass of ZP-Ag or SD-Ag were applied to wounds in a rat burn model and their antimicrobial activity assayed. The inflammatory response of the wounds managed with the two kinds of dressings was compared. Both the minimal inhibition concentration and minimal bactericidal concentration of ZP-Ag to S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and E. coli were two to four times lower than those of SD-Ag. In vivo ZP-Ag had a more effective antibacterial action inhibiting the growth of the above three bacterial strains under burn scar, compared with dressings made from the same mass of SD-Ag. Moreover, the antibacterial effect was unchanged after the ZP-Ag dressings were washed 20 times, while it dramatically decreased after the dressings with SD-Ag were washed 20 times. When covered by either regular or washed ZP-Ag dressings, the wounds showed integrity with no visible inflammatory reaction. However, various extents of inflammatory reactions on or around the wounds covered with regular SD-Ag dressing were observed. This study showed that dressings with ZP-Ag had a prominent and relative long-term antibacterial effect. ZP-Ag dressings could be an effective, low-cost management option for burn wounds.
Insights
Multivalent silver ion carried by zirconium phosphate (ZP-Ag) shows superior antibacterial effects against common wound bacteria compared to sulfadiazine silver (SD-Ag). ZP-Ag dressings offer a durable, low-cost option for managing burn wounds with reduced inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Infectious Disease Research
- Wound Healing Studies
Background:
- Silver-based compounds are widely used for their antimicrobial properties in wound care.
- Traditional silver dressings, such as sulfadiazine silver (SD-Ag), face limitations in efficacy and durability.
- Novel delivery systems for silver ions are needed to enhance antibacterial activity and longevity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the in vitro and in vivo antibacterial efficacy of zirconium phosphate-supported silver ions (ZP-Ag) against sulfadiazine silver (SD-Ag).
- To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects and durability of ZP-Ag dressings in a rat burn wound model.
Main Methods:
- In vitro assessment of minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli.
- Application of ZP-Ag and SD-Ag dressings to experimental rat burn wounds.
- Assay of antimicrobial activity, inflammatory response, and dressing durability after repeated washing.
Main Results:
- ZP-Ag demonstrated 2-4 times lower MIC and MBC values than SD-Ag against the tested bacterial strains.
- In vivo, ZP-Ag dressings exhibited superior antibacterial action and reduced wound inflammation compared to SD-Ag.
- ZP-Ag retained significant antibacterial efficacy after 20 washes, whereas SD-Ag's efficacy drastically decreased.
Conclusions:
- ZP-Ag possesses potent and sustained antibacterial properties, outperforming SD-Ag in both in vitro and in vivo models.
- ZP-Ag dressings promote wound healing with minimal inflammation and offer a durable antimicrobial effect.
- ZP-Ag represents a promising, cost-effective alternative for burn wound management.
