The present invention provides methods for preparing an absorbent antimicrobial wound dressing which comprise steps of (a) preparing an antimicrobial coating composition by mixing an antimicrobial agent and one or more polymers in a solvent system that comprises a non-aqueous solvent, (b) contacting the antimicrobial coating composition of step (a) with a wound dressing substrate which comprises absorbent fibers or absorbent particles, and (c) drying the product of step (b). The present invention also provides absorbent antimicrobial wound dressings including those prepared by these methods as well as antimicrobial coating compositions and methods of producing antimicrobial coating compositions.
