Abstract: Disclosed are polyvalent macromolecules, compositions comprising the macromolecules, and methods of use. The polyvalent macromolecules have a polymer backbone and pendent groups attached to the polymer backbone. Some or all of the pendent groups have optionally a linker, a surface-seeking group capable of binding strongly to a metal surface, and a spectroscopically detectable chromophore detectable.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the preparation of antimicrobial membranes by inclusion of low leaching, control release silver-based antimicrobial additives as described in claim 1 into the polymer matrix and forming this into a semipermeable membrane. The antimicrobial agents protect the membrane system against bacterial and/or algal decay and assist in maintaining a high efficiency of the membrane filtration process.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the preparation of antimicrobial membranes by inclusion of low leaching, control release silver-based antimicrobial additives as described in claim 1 into the polymer matrix and forming this into a semipermeable membrane. The antimicrobial agents protect the membrane system against bacterial and/or algal decay and assist in maintaining a high efficiency of the membrane filtration process.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to polyvalent macromolecules comprising: (a) a polymer backbone and (b) pendent groups attached to said polymer backbone, wherein some or all of said pendent groups comprise: (i) optionally a linker, (ii) a surface-seeking group, which is capable of binding strongly to a metal surface, (iii) optionally a chromophore, which is detectable by at least one spectroscopic method. Such molecules can modify metal surfaces and have a variety of uses including (without limitation) appending chromophores to metal surfaces without the need to establish complex chemistry; for the stabilisation and labelling of metal nanoparticles; and for preparing and aggregating nanoparticles in a controlled fashion.