Publication details

Comparing the antibacterial and healing properties of medical-grade honey and silver-based wound care products in burns

Authors

BOEKEMA Bouke K H L CHRYSOSTOMOU Daniela CIPRANDI Guido ELGERSMA Anouk VLIG Marcel POKORNÁ Andrea PETERS Linsey J F CREMERS Niels A J

Year of publication 2024
Type Article in Periodical
Magazine / Source Burns
MU Faculty or unit

Faculty of Medicine

Citation
Web https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0305417923002115?via%3Dihub
Doi http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.burns.2023.10.009
Keywords Medical-grade honey; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Silver sulphadiazine; Silver nitrate; Infected burn wounds; Wound healing
Description Burns are a major global healthcare concern, often complicated by the presence of bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the wounds. Silver-based dressings are commonly used in the treatment of burns but can cause skin irritation and delay healing time. Medical-grade honey (MGH) provides an interesting alternative. This study investigated the antimicrobial effects and possible cytotoxicity of L-Mesitran Soft (MGH-gel) and its individual components, Medihoney (Manuka), Flammazine (silver sulphadiazine), and silver nitrate (AgNO3) in an ex vivo human burn wound model. Bacterial survival and wound healing parameters, including re-epithelialization and keratinocyte proliferation were assessed. L-Mesitran, Flammazine, and AgNO3 reduced P. aeruginosa numbers below detection levels. L-Mesitran Soft exhibited a significantly stronger antimicrobial effect compared to Medihoney. The individual components of L-Mesitran contributed significantly to its antibacterial efficacy, thus suggesting synergistic activities. Moreover, L-Mesitran, Flammazine, and AgNO3 slightly inhibited re-epithelialization while Medihoney treatment resulted in a complete lack of re-epithelialization and keratinocyte proliferation. Furthermore, clinical cases illustrated the effectiveness of MGH therapy in infected burns. Overall, L-Mesitran Soft had similar effects as silver-based products on bacterial load and epidermal regeneration, but outperformed Medihoney. Therefore, supplemented MGH could be used as an effective alternative to silver-based dressings for P. aeruginosa-infected burns.

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