Novel elastomeric fabrics for burn pressure garments using silver antimicrobial agents

In burn treatments, microorganisms on pressure garments during pressure therapy can prevent rehabilitation by causing functional, hygienic and aesthetic difficulties. As bacteria is one of the most trouble-causing organisms, they can threaten patients causing infection during the long period of use of these garments. In this study, novel burn pressure garments having durable antimicrobial property were developed using silver-based antimicrobial agent Silvadur™ ET (Dow Chemical Company) on highly elastic 70/ 30 nylon 6.6/ spandex fabrics in flat warp knitted structures. Untreated, treated and a duplicate treated set of samples washed for 5, 10 and 50 cycles were tested to determine the antimicrobial activity. Pressure garments were designed including the area from ankle to knee before and after treatments using a mannequin. Commercial wireless pressure sensors were used to control the pressures of burn pressure garments at an acceptable medical range before and after antimicrobial treatments. XPS and FTIR analysis were conducted to examine the achievement of the treatments using antimicrobial chemical agents on fabric samples. Our results showed that satisfying durable antimicrobial activity up to 50 launderings was obtained with silver-based antimicrobial agent procedures by controlling the pressures which is the main function of these garments. These novel burn pressure garments will prevent odor, decrease infection and support reducing of scarring by increasing the rehabilitation rates.