sodium carboxymethyl cellulose silver

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose silver is a combination of the polymer sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC-Na) and incorporated silver ions or nanoparticles. This composite is primarily used as an antimicrobial wound dressing material. The CMC component acts as a hydrophilic polymer matrix that provides moisture retention and supports wound healing by forming hydrogels or nonwoven sheets. Silver serves as the active antibacterial agent, released in a controlled manner from the matrix to inhibit bacterial growth at the wound site. The mechanism of action involves sustained release of bioactive silver ions that disrupt microbial cell membranes and metabolic processes, providing broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa[5][8]. This formulation has been shown to accelerate wound healing compared to other dressings due to its combined moist environment maintenance and potent antimicrobial effect[5][8]. It is also being explored for use in bone cements for infection prevention in orthopedic implants[3].

Brand names

Aquacel AgExtra

Other names

sodium carboxymethylcellulose silverCMC-Na/Agsilver-loaded sodium carboxymethylcelluloseAg-loaded Na-CMC hydrogel