Hydrofiber Dressing Saturated With Mafenide Acetate Extends the Duration of Antimicrobial Activity

Area of Science:

• Wound care and infection control
• Biomaterials science
• Antimicrobial drug delivery

Background:

• Mafenide acetate is a topical antimicrobial agent effective for burn wound treatment.
• Current application of mafenide acetate requires frequent, uncomfortable dressing changes.
• Hydrofiber dressings are designed for extended wear and moisture retention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the sustained antimicrobial activity of mafenide acetate when incorporated into hydrofiber dressings.
• To compare the efficacy of hydrofiber dressings with traditional gauze for mafenide acetate delivery.
• To determine if hydrofiber dressings can extend the duration of antimicrobial activity, potentially reducing dressing change frequency.

Main Methods:

• Four experimental groups were established: hydrofiber control, gauze with mafenide acetate on porcine skin, hydrofiber with mafenide acetate on a dry plate, and hydrofiber with mafenide acetate on porcine skin.
• Antimicrobial activity was assessed by measuring the zone of inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa at 0, 24, 48, and 72 hours.
• Experiments were replicated four times to ensure reproducibility.

Main Results:

• Plain hydrofiber showed no antimicrobial activity.
• Gauze dressings with mafenide acetate demonstrated limited antimicrobial activity beyond 0 hours.
• Hydrofiber dressings saturated with mafenide acetate consistently exhibited sustained antimicrobial activity for at least 72 hours.
• This activity was observed both on a dry plate and on porcine skin, indicating stability and efficacy.

Conclusions:

• Hydrofiber dressings effectively retain mafenide acetate solution and maintain its antimicrobial properties for extended periods.
• Mafenide acetate-loaded hydrofiber dressings provide sustained antimicrobial activity against key burn wound pathogens (S. aureus, P. aeruginosa) for up to 72 hours.
• These findings suggest that hydrofiber dressings offer a promising alternative for mafenide acetate delivery, potentially improving patient comfort and reducing nursing workload by decreasing dressing change frequency.