Abstract: An article including a surface having a coating thereon, in which the coating includes a base coat, firmly adhered to the surface, and a hydrophilic, biocompatible top-coat. An antibiotic ceramic component is dispersed in one or both of the base coat and top-coat. Preferably, the ceramic component is dispersed in the base coat. In a preferred embodiment, the ceramic component is a zeolite with silver ions exchanged onto internal acidic sites of the zeolite, and the top-coat includes a polysaccharide, such as hyaluronan. The zeolite is highly effective in imparting anti-microbial character to the coating.

Abstract: A medical graft, such as a vascular graft, made of a fabric containing an inorganic antimicrobial agent. The fabric has a coating material with the inorganic antimicrobial agent bonded to it, the agent preferably being a zeolite. The fabric can be porous so as to permit tissue to grow on it with the fabric pores providing attachment sites for the tissue. Alternatively, the fabric can be coated with a tissue biocompatible material, such as collagen. A porous fabric applicable for the graft, and for other medical uses, and a method of manufacturing the porous fabric having a coating thereon to which is bonded an antimicrobial agent, such as a zeolite, also is provided. The fabric is antimicrobial, remains pliable, and is also porous.

Abstract: A dental appliance, such as of the orthodontic type, to be placed in the mouth and having an inorganic antimicrobial agent on a surface, the agent preferably being a zeolite. The dental appliance may comprise metal or a polymer and the agent may be present in a coating that is applied to the surfaces of the appliance that are to be contacted by liquids or solids in the mouth. The appliance can be of a polymer resin or an elastomer incorporating the agent. A preferred antimicrobial agent is ceramic particles (e.g., zeolite particles) containing antimicrobial metal ions, e.g., silver ions, as the active agent.

Abstract: This invention provides an antimicrobial high-pressure laminate which contains an inorganic antibiotic metal containing composition incorporated in an antimicrobially effective amount in its surface layer, which is preferably formed of melamine. The laminate can be bonded to appropriate substrates to form antimicrobial table tops, cabinets, wall paneling, and counter tops.