Chronic wound infections are a significant challenge for healthcare systems worldwide, in large part due to the persistence of bacterial biofilms, which contribute to delayed healing and increased infection risks. A recent study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial effectiveness of commonly used bioactive wound healing materials, focusing on their efficacy against 3 prevalent bacterial pathogens associated with chronic wounds: Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.¹ The researchers’ goal was to identify potentially optimal wound dressing compositions for improved infection management.

The study assessed the antibacterial and antibiofilm properties of 4 different bioactive wound healing materials through in vitro antibacterial assays and ion release profile measurements.¹ The effectiveness of the tested biomaterials varied significantly in their ability to combat biofilms, with minor differences observed between bacterial species. Notably, copper and zinc-doped borate bioactive glass compositions exhibited strong antibacterial activity against all 3 pathogens in both their planktonic and biofilm states. The authors attributed this enhanced efficacy to the sustained release of copper and zinc ions, which are known to possess potent antimicrobial properties.¹

The authors contend that findings in this study highlight the potential of copper and zinc-doped bioactive glass materials as promising solutions for managing chronic wounds. These materials may not only provide robust antibacterial action but also support wound healing by addressing biofilm-related complications.¹ Healthcare professionals can consider integrating copper and zinc-based bioactive wound dressings into chronic wound care protocols to enhance infection control and wound healing efficiency. Further research and clinical trials are warranted, however, to optimize their application across various patient populations.

Reference 
Fakher S, Westenberg D. Evaluation of the antibacterial properties of four bioactive biomaterials for chronic wound management. Future Microbiol. 2025:1-12. doi:10.1080/17460913.2025.2453334. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39810612.