Porex Corp. has introduced a broad-spectrum antimicrobial foam technology intended to block infections and their growth and improves flexibility in wound dressings. Bacteria-fighting particles are evenly distributed throughout a foam matrix used in wound dressings, providing consistent and sustained release of antimicrobial protection and offering wicking and absorption properties to speed healing.

“Porex’s antimicrobial foam is a game-changing technology for the advanced wound care market because it provides a ‘one-two punch’ of infection control,” said Jack Chan, Porex’s global marketing director, medical, in a news release. “It immediately kills a broad spectrum of harmful bacteria while offering extended release protection that is precise and measured. No other technology on the market offers this level of protection combined with patient comfort,” he added.

The antimicrobial technology incorporates metallic particle silver within a hydrophilic polyurethane foam. It offers greater than 99.99 percent efficacy at attacking Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungal species by disrupting essential functions of infectious microbial cells, destroying cell structures and interfering with cell reproduction, the company reported.

The amount of silver ions released is limited to the amount needed for killing harmful bacteria, because while silver functions as an effective antimicrobial agent, excessive amounts of the element could cause wound discoloration, the company reported.

[Image courtesy of POREX]