Wound dressings were originally designed to prevent infection of open wounds. With further understanding and technological improvements, wound dressing now promote a higher rate of healing [1]. An effective wound bandage is characterised by the healing time as well as the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of the bandage [2].
One widely used wound dressing is derived from alginate. Alginate can be correlated back to the early 1800’s where it was used in its rawest form to stop bleeding and drain abdominal wall abscesses [3]. Alginate is sourced commercially from 3 of the 265 known marine brown algae, Luminaria, Macrocystis and Ascophyllum [6,7]. The foundation for alginate wound dressing comes from seaweed. Alkaline can be extracted
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Aquacel® is a fibrous dressing derived from 100% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose [8]. Another variation of the Aquacel® product is Aquacel® Ag which incorporates ionic silver. The addition of 1.2% (w/w) silver improves the antimicrobial activity within the wound bed [6,9]. The Aquacel® product excels in absorbing exudate which can be upwards of 20 times their own weight in wound fluid [3,9]. Furthermore it is haemostatic with the ability to stem bleeding, the first stage of wound healing [10]. Moreover the ability to provide a moist environment and conform to the surface offers the best climate for healing. A waxy coating on the Aquacel® is a seal designed to prevent leakage while still allowing gas exchange [3]. Additionally Aquacel® decreases wound pain and odour by being non-adherent and easily removable without causing trauma to patients [4]. Aquacel® is an easy to use, cost effective solution with a wide range of versatile applications. Aquacel® can be employed on moderate to heavily draining, medium to wide wounds and hence suitable for applications such as pressure ulcers, surgical wounds, donor sites, minor burns and cavity wounds