Abstract: A sensor for detecting and indicating a potential forthcoming skin or gastrointestinal issue includes a detection mechanism and an output mechanism. The detection mechanism is configured for detecting at least one Bacteroides virulence factor present from a sample location on a subject. The output mechanism is configured to provide an indication of a potential forthcoming skin or gastrointestinal issue based on at least one Bacteroides virulence factor being detected. Additional embodiments include a sensor having a detection mechanism configured for detecting an amount of Bacteroides and an amount of Anaerococcus from the sample location and an output mechanism configured to provide an indication of a potential forthcoming skin or gastrointestinal issue based on a Bacteroides to Bacteroides ratio of at least 0.4 being detected. The sensor may be incorporated into absorbent articles, such as diapers, training pants, adult incontinence products, female hygiene products, or wipes.

Abstract: A composition may be applied to animate and inanimate surfaces to render such surfaces antimicrobial for as long as the composition remains on the surface. The composition contains at least one pathogen-associated virus that is self-regenerating so that a user need not take steps to regenerate the material. The virus is or viruses are contained within a polymer matrix. The polymer matrix has the ability to maintain a desired moisture content to support the regeneration of the virus(es). Various methods of using the composition include the coating of animate and inanimate surfaces to prevent bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.

Abstract: A composition may be applied to animate and inanimate surfaces to render such surfaces antimicrobial for as long as the composition remains on the surface. The composition contains at least one pathogen-associated virus that is self-regenerating so that a user need not take steps to regenerate the material. The virus is or viruses are contained within a polymer matrix. The polymer matrix has the ability to maintain a desired moisture content to support the regeneration of the virus(es). Various methods of using the composition include the coating of animate and inantimate surfaces to prevent bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.

Abstract: A fibrous web that includes a cationic polymer that contains a cationic monomer comprising a cationic functional group having an affinity for the negatively charged cell walls of bacteria and a hydrophobic monomer comprising a hydrophobic functional group is provided. The molar ratio of the cationic monomer to the hydrophobic monomer is greater than about 1:1. The affinity of the cationic polymer for the bacteria allows the web to capture bacteria, thereby removing them from a surface or liquid, without the use of harsh chemicals, and also inhibiting their spread to other surfaces and liquids that may contact the web.

Abstract: A fibrous web that includes a cationic polymer that contains a cationic monomer comprising a cationic functional group having an affinity for the negatively charged cell walls of bacteria and a hydrophobic monomer comprising a hydrophobic functional group is provided. The molar ratio of the cationic monomer to the hydrophobic monomer is greater than about 1:1. The affinity of the cationic polymer for the bacteria allows the web to capture bacteria, thereby removing them from a surface or liquid, without the use of harsh chemicals, and also inhibiting their spread to other surfaces and liquids that may contact the web.