Novel phosphate starch derivatives are useful in wound healing. Novel phosphorylated cottons are useful in wound healing. Silver-derivatized wound care products are provided which survive washing and remain part of the wound care product. Silver-derivatized wound care products are provided that have favorable elastase-sequestering activity while advantageously appearing white-colored, without needing to darken to grey or black as usually would occur when working with silver. Also, starch products with outstanding water uptake are provided.