Acticoat™ stimulates inflammation, but does not delay healing, in acute full-thickness excisional wounds

Acticoat™ has antimicrobial and anti‐inflammatory effects which aid wound healing. However, in vitro studies indicate that Acticoat™ is cytotoxic and clinical and in vivo studies suggest that it may delay healing in acute wounds. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of Acticoat™ on healing in acute full‐thickness excisional wounds. Using a porcine model, healing was assessed on days 3, 6, 9 and 15 post‐wounding. Five wounds dressed with Acticoat™ and five wounds dressed with polyurethane film (control) were assessed per day (n = 40 wounds). The rate of healing, inflammatory response, restoration of the epithelium and blood vessel and collagen formation were evaluated. No difference was found in the rate of healing between wounds treated with Acticoat™ and the control wounds. Inflammation was increased in Acticoat™‐treated wounds on day 3 post‐wounding compared to the control wounds. However, by day 15 post‐wounding, the epithelium of the Acticoat™‐treated wounds closely resembled normal epithelium. Acticoat™‐treated wounds also contained a higher proportion of mature blood vessels, and differences in collagen deposition were apparent. Despite inducing an inflammatory response, Acticoat™ did not delay healing in acute wounds. Conversely, the improved quality of the epithelium and blood vessels within Acticoat™‐treated wounds indicates that Acticoat™ has a beneficial effect on healing.