a composition and method useful in promoting hemostasis , absorbing ooze , and being antimicrobial with respect to an open wound . the composition broadly includes an antimicrobial agent , preferably povidone iodine , preferably a ferrate compound , and a cation ion exchange resin . this composition will destroy a biofilm which has formed over the open wound in providing a soluble iron compound , a cation chelation compound , and an active antimicrobial compound effective against planktonic microorganisms and biofilms . the antimicrobial agent is locked or sealed within the scab formed over the wound to maintain long - term positioning and anti - dilution of the antimicrobial over the wound .