In vitro performance of Biatain Superabsorber and use in management of moderately-to-highly exuding wounds

OBJECTIVE: Superabsorbent wound dressings (SWDs) are often applied for the management of excess exudate in moderately-to-highly exuding wounds; however, in vitro performance characteristics, including absorptive capacity and retention of fluid, can vary significantly between SWD brands. The aims of this study were to: i. assess in vitro absorptive and retention capacities of a new non-adhesive SWD (Biatain Superabsorber, Coloplast A/S, Denmark) and four non-adhesive comparator SWDs (Zetuvit Plus (Hartmann, Germany); ConvaMax Superabsorber (Convatec, UK); Mextra Superabsorbent (Mölnlycke, Sweden); and Vliwasorb (Lohmann & Rauscher, Germany)); ii. assess the ability of the SWDs to reduce matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity in vitro; iii. assess bacterial retention within the new SWD; and iv. explore the clinical application of the new SWD in three cases studies. METHOD: In vitro performance characteristics were assessed for the five SWDs, which included: free swell absorption; absorption under compression (40mmHg); retention of fluid under compression (40mmHg); and sequestration (protease activity reduction) of MMP-2 and MMP-9. Bacterial retention was assessed with the new SWD. RESULTS: Significant variations in in vitro performance characteristics between the SWDs were observed. The new SWD showed higher free swell absorption, retention of fluid under compression and absorption under compression than the comparators. MMP-2 and MMP-9-activity were reduced by 98% and 80%, respectively, after four hours' incubation with the new SWD, and it effectively absorbed and retained bacteria within the dressing. The three case reports highlighted benefits of using the new SWD in management of moderately-to-highly exuding wounds. CONCLUSION: The new SWD, Biatain Superabsorber, showed good performance in the different in vitro comparative assessments, and clinical use of the dressing highlighted benefits in the management of wound exudate and in establishing an environment supporting wound healing.