Efficacy and toxicity of antibacterial agents used in wound dressings

Wound dressings have been used to facilitate the process of wound healing. Prevention and/or control of infection in the wound and the surrounding areas has always been an important expectation for these wound dressings. To provide wound dressings that meet such expectations, extensive research efforts have been devoted to the development of wound dressings that are incorporated with various antibacterial agents via different methods. These antibacterial agents are usually expected to work effectively against a broad spectrum of microorganisms, while causing little toxicity or allergy to those who use the products. This article reviews the antibacterial activity and toxicity of the most frequently used antimicrobial agents used in current wound dressings.