What To Know
- Eradicating MRSA in as little as 4 hours in the dressing, Silverlon antimicrobial dressings are effective against a broad spectrum of pathogens and contain typically 100 times more silver than impregnated silver dressings.
- The sustained release of silver ions in the dressing results in antimicrobial activity that aids in healing and remains effective for up to seven days without ever-changing the dressing.
Medical Device News Magazine Interviewed Raul Brizuela, President and CEO of Argentum Medical Regarding the Silverlon® Would Dressing, Applications and Use in the U.S. Military
Q: MDNM: What Is Silverlon® Technology and Describe the Effectiveness of the Antimicrobial Dressings
A: Raul Brizuela: Silverlon® wound dressings feature a permanently plated metallic surface that provides the antimicrobial benefits of silver in the dressing without staining the skin or increasing bioburden. Eradicating MRSA in as little as 4 hours in the dressing, Silverlon antimicrobial dressings are effective against a broad spectrum of pathogens and contain typically 100 times more silver than impregnated silver dressings. Utilizing a large reservoir of deliverable silver ions, Silverlon dressings continuously deliver an effective level of silver ions in the dressing for up to 7 days.
Originally developed to treat combat injuries, Silverlon is now used throughout the U.S. military. Numerous studies support the advanced antimicrobial dressings’ ability to help healthcare professionals protect patients and improve patient care.
Argentum Medical, maker of Silverlon antimicrobial dressings, pioneered the use of silver-plated nylon technology. Specializing in the development of innovative products made from silver-plated nylon, the company continues to explore new applications and markets for its Silverlon technology in keeping with its corporate mission to improve clinical outcomes.
Q: How Do Silverlon Products Work?
A: Raul Brizuela: Silverlon puts the antimicrobial power of pure silver in the dressing. Moisture activates the silver ions’ antimicrobial properties that are effective against a wide spectrum of wound pathogens.
Silver ions kill pathogens by at least three mechanisms. First, the ion binds to a receptor on the cell wall, preventing cellular respiration. Second, in the same manner, it prevents the cell from taking in nutrients. And third, the ion penetrates the cell wall, disrupting the DNA and preventing replication.
Q: How Else Are Silverlon Dressings Used?
A: Raul Brizuela: Surgeons and other healthcare professionals around the world use Silverlon dressings on surgical wounds, in negative pressure wound therapy, on chronic wounds, burns, skin grafts, and IV and catheter-related wounds. Their unique, permanent silver-plated metallic surface also is ideal for IVs, central lines and pin sites. Silverlon has been included in numerous studies that have clearly demonstrated that silver nylon dressings can offer advantages that help to improve patient care.
Q: What Sets Silverlon Products Apart from Other Silver-Lined Dressings Currently On the market?
A: Raul Brizuela: Silverlon’s innovative silver-plated nylon products use a unique silver-plating process that employs up to 100 times more pure silver than any other impregnated dressing and five times more than crystalline silver dressings. This high concentration of silver provides a large reservoir of deliverable silver ions within the dressing for sustained benefits.
Q: How Do Silverlon Dressings Benefit/Aid Surgical Teams and Improve Patient Outcomes?
A: Raul Brizuela: Silverlon produces a broad-spectrum antimicrobial effect that rapidly kills microorganisms, eradicating pathogens like Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in as little as four hours and Pseudomonas in less than two hours.
The sustained release of silver ions in the dressing results in antimicrobial activity that aids in healing and remains effective for up to seven days without ever-changing the dressing.
Q: How Does the Military Use Silverlon Wound Dressings?
A: Raul Brizuela: The U.S. military has battlefield-tested Silverlon antimicrobial technology in the most austere environments for over a decade. The U.S. Army uses Silverlon wound-care technology extensively in the management of burn and blast injuries, and the U.S. Air Force Critical Care Air Transport teams employ Silverlon burn products and protocols. Silverlon dressings are indicated for the management of infected wounds because the silver component provides an antimicrobial barrier to help the body heal.
Q: What Are Potential Future Military Applications for Silverlon?
A: Raul Brizuela: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HSS) is working with Argentum to repurpose Silverlon technology to treat radiation injuries to the skin. HSS just awarded Argentum an $8.4 million contract to explore the use of Silverlon technology to treat low-grade and severe skin radiation injuries, which require reliable, sustained and versatile antimicrobial protection. Argentum also is nearing completion of studies required to apply for FDA clearance of Silverlon for skin burns caused by sulfur mustard chemical weapon exposure.
