Antibacterial Activity and Scanning Electron Microscopy (sem) Examination of Alginate-based Films and Wound Dressings Właściwości Antybakteryjne I Skaningowa Mikroskopia Elektronowa (sem) W Badaniach Filmów Alginianowych I Opatrunków Aktywnych

Natural polymers widely used to produce drug carriers and active dressings include alginates, gelatine, chitosan and hyaluronic acid. In this study, alginate films were obtained bypassing the process of lyophilization. Produced from the common bladder wrack (Fucus vesiculosus L.), they can be used in food chemistry, wound treatment (tissue infections, burns) and in skin care; they are also good drug carriers. The films were examined for their bacteriostatic effects. Alginate gels exhibit bacteriostatic properties against Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus. Tests conducted for active dressings revealed that Aquacel Ag and gauze soaked with 1% AgNO3 exhibit bacteriostatic properties against E. coli and no resistance against S. aureus. Examination using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed the bacteriostatic properties of the Aquacel Ag dressing and gauze with 1% AgNO3. Dead cultures of Staphylococcus aureus were observed on the fibre surface of both dressings.