Abstract: A liquid antimicrobial composition is provided for use in the disinfection of the skin of a human or an animal, in particular where disinfection of a drug resistant organism is required. The composition comprises a cationic, cell membrane-disrupting biocide and a cationic dendrimer capable of inhibiting an efflux pump mechanism of said cell membrane. The cationic, cell membrane-disrupting biocide is preferably any or a combination of chlorhexidine, a polymeric biguanide, octenidine dihydrochloride and a quaternary ammonium compound. The dendrimer is provided to bind and disrupt the cell membranes of microorganisms in order to inhibit or destroy the cell's efflux pump mechanism thereby preventing microorganism strains resistant to the cationic membrane-disrupting biocide from becoming prevalent, particularly if the biocide comprises chlorhexidine.

Abstract: A valve structuring designed for use in all water installations, water inlets for houses, kitchen installations and embedded shower filters as a stop valve, in the areas to perform on-off control, in faucets with the purpose of providing water savings and to use in domestic and industrial type kitchen faucets as a stop valve. The valve is designed for use as an on-off valve in air installations that operate with air.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a therapeutic agent for the treatment of infections includes the steps of preparing a homogeneous solution of poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide acid), preparing a solution of a peroxygen donor, preparing a solution of an acetyl donor, adding each of the solutions to a quantity of the poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide acid) solution to produce a resultant mixture, preparing encapsulated nano- or micro-scale particles from the resultant mixture using a microencapsulator, collecting the nano- or micro-scale particles, and subsequently subjecting the particles to a lyophilization process.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a therapeutic agent for the treatment of infections includes the steps of preparing a homogeneous solution of poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide acid), preparing a solution of a peroxygen donor, preparing a solution of an acetyl donor, adding each of the solutions to a quantity of the poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide acid) solution to produce a resultant mixture, preparing encapsulated nano- or micro-scale particles from the resultant mixture using a microencapsulator, collecting the nano- or micro-scale particles, and subsequently subjecting the particles to a lyophilization process.

Abstract: A valve structuring designed for use in all water installations, water inlets for houses, kitchen installations and embedded shower filters as a stop valve, in the areas to perform on-off control, in faucets with the purpose of providing water savings and to use in domestic and industrial type kitchen faucets as a stop valve. The valve is designed for use as an on-off valve in air installations that operate with air.

Abstract: A nano- or micro-scale therapeutic agent is provided for use in the treatment of an infection of a human or animal. The agent includes micro- and/or nano-particle carriers loaded with at least one inert precursor chemical. The carriers encapsulate the precursor which after release from the carrier are activatable by the physiological milieu in situ at the site of the infection to form an antimicrobial agent. Preferably, the precursor chemical or chemicals form an oxidative biocide on release, which oxidative biocide is hydrogen peroxide. Advantageously, the precursor chemicals also include an acetyl donor that on release reacts with the hydrogen peroxide to produce a mixture of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide. The carrier is preferably in the form of micro- and/or nano-particles that have been manufactured using a thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) process, for example the carrier may be a biodegradable polymer such as poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA).

Abstract: A nano- or micro-scale therapeutic agent is provided for use in the treatment of an infection of a human or animal. The agent includes micro- and/or nano-particle carriers loaded with at least one inert precursor chemical. The carriers encapsulate the precursor which after release from the carrier are activatable by the physiological milieu in situ at the site of the infection to form an antimicrobial agent. Preferably, the precursor chemical or chemicals form an oxidative biocide on release, which oxidative biocide is hydrogen peroxide. Advantageously, the precursor chemicals also include an acetyl donor that on release reacts with the hydrogen peroxide to produce a mixture of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide. The carrier is preferably in the form of micro- and/or nano-particles that have been manufactured using a thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) process, for example the carrier may be a biodegradable polymer such as poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA).

Abstract: A wet wipe is provided suitable for use in cleaning surfaces in a healthcare environment that leaves a smear-free or substantially smear-free finish. The wipe comprises a substrate that has been impregnated with a cleaning composition which comprises an aqueous alkyl glucoside and/or alkyl polyglucoside mixture. The alkyl glucoside and/or alkyl polyglucoside is present in any amount between 0.01% w/v and 4.00% w/v inclusive. Preferably, the substrate comprises a nonwoven material that is binder free.

Abstract: A wet wipe is provided suitable for use in cleaning surfaces in a healthcare environment that leaves a smear-free or substantially smear-free finish. The wipe comprises a substrate that has been impregnated with a cleaning composition which comprises an aqueous alkyl glucoside and/or alkyl polyglucoside mixture. The alkyl glucoside and/or alkyl polyglucoside is present in any amount between 0.01% w/v and 4.00% w/v inclusive. Preferably, the substrate comprises a nonwoven material that is binder free.

Abstract: A construction includes a substrate incorporating an activatable antimicrobial composition. The substrate includes a laminate having at least two layers bonded together by a thermoplastic bonding medium. The antimicrobial composition includes a peroxygen donor and an acid and/or an acid-producing substance. The peroxygen donor is incorporated separately and in a different portion of the substrate from the other component or components of the antimicrobial composition. Preferably, the antimicrobial composition includes a peroxygen donor in the form of sodium perborate as a mono or tetra hydrate, or sodium percarbonate and an acid-producing substance in the form of tetra acetyl ethylene diamine. Such an antimicrobial composition can be activated by wetting the substrate with water.

Abstract: A heat pack capable of being heated to at least 55.degree. C. is provided and includes a flexible impervious outer container capable of being sealed to retain a liquid such as water therein and of maintaining its sealed integrity when heated to at least the aforesaid temperature. A porous, non-rigid filing material, which can absorb at least its own weight of the liquid, is located in the container. Advantageously, the pack contains a weight of liquid in the range 250 goods to 1250 goods, which liquid is water or compounds having one or more hydroxyl groups, or a mixture of water and such hydroxyl group compounds. In order to prevent microbial growth within the liquid-filled, sealed container, a predetermined quantity of a preservative at an appropriate concentration is also added to the fill. The filling material is preferably either fibrous or spongy in nature and advantageously may be a textile material or paper which is either recycled or would otherwise be treated as scrap or waste.

Abstract: A solid composition for making up a disinfectant or sterilizing preparation, which comprises a disinfecting or sterilizing amount of saturated dialdehyde having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms absorbed and/or adsorbed on an inorganic or organic particulate carrier material and, in some cases, an alkalinating agent.