the base forms of lidocaine and bupivacaine were incorporated into powder and non-woven fabric forms of wound dressings. an antiseptic formulation of benzalkonium chloride (maquat lc-12s) was also incorporated into fabrics and powders. the povidone iodine (basf 17/12) was microencapsulated using the wurster process. selected materials were characterized by mercury porosimetry, electron diffraction of x-rays (edax), and stability to various storage conditions. the base forms of etidocaine and bupivacaine dissolved slowly in phosphate buffer. this rate could be decreased further by incorporation into powders and fabrics. powders of bupivacaine base yellowed with age. benzalkonium chloride at a 20 concentration in fabric gave the best in vitro release (20 immediate release, 35 in one day and 45 in two days). continued active iodine release was demonstrated by microcapsules containing povidone iodine. at 30 polymer, 70 of the product was between 212-600 microns. this material gave in vitro release of approximately 17 in 1 hour, 47 in 1 day, 60 in 2 days, 70 in 3 days and 90 in 6 days. the diffusion was studied at 20 c to avoid the loss of active iodine during the study