Abstract: Disclosed is a wound closure device, such as a suture, including a substantially flexible tensile member, the tensile member having an external surface, the external surface including a biocidal material such as a coating of substantially pure silver. A method of applying the suture includes piercing a patient's skin adjacent to a wound using, for example, a needle and drawing a substantially flexible tensile member through a resulting aperture in the skin. By virtue of the biocidal material, pathogens and other bioactive materials drawn through the aperture are rendered less active and/or incapable of causing infection.

Abstract: A hemostatic biocidal dressing includes pro-coagulant and biocidal agents providing a physical barrier to bleeding as well as chemical action to promote blood coagulation and thereby arrest coverage. At the same time, biocidal properties of the dressing prevent the introduction of infected agents and the establishment of infection within wounded tissue. A silverized textile provides biocidal action while a granulated hemostatic agent disposed within interstitial regions between polymer fibers provides coagulating action.