Modification of cellulose non-woven substrates for preparation of modern wound dressings

Different ways are presented of modifying cellulosic non-woven substrates, which can serve as potential wound dressings with satisfactory antimicrobial and hydrophilic properties. For safe attachment of silver particles without a measurable release from the used materials, a sol–gel derived process was used. Alkaline and oxygen plasma treatments were used to improve the hydrophilicity of the materials. Their efficiency was determined by measuring contact angles and water retention values. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used for determination of sample morphology prior to and after treatment. The efficiency of silver attachment and activity was evaluated by in vitro release studies and antimicrobial tests. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and SEM, combined with dynamic light scattering, were used for determination of silver particle size. Additionally, we evaluated the influence of treatment on technological parameters, important for application performance, i.e. mechanical properties and air permeability.