Abstract: A biosensor includes a substrate with a layer of receptive material disposed thereon overlying a layer containing a photo-reactive agent. The receptive material is specific for an analyte of interest. A pattern of active and inactive areas of the receptive material are defined in the receptive material layer by a masking process wherein the photo-reactive agent is activated in the exposed regions of the mask.

Abstract: A fibrous web containing a composition capable to tract and/or trap negatively charged matter, such as bacteria and other pathogens, is generally disclosed. The bacteriostatic composition can be a multivalently charged metal ion, such as an aluminum cation, ligated to at least one surfactant. The surfactant can be an anionic surfactant, such as an alkyl sulfate. Also, methods of forming a fibrous web capable of trapping negatively charged matter is generally provided.

Abstract: A wound or surgical dressing is disclosed. The wound or surgical dressing is configured to cover or surround a wound, a surgical incision, or any type of skin irritation. In accordance with the present disclosure, the wound or surgical dressing is treated with a bacteriostatic composition that is capable of binding and trapping negatively charged matter, such as bacteria, pathogens, and the like. The bacteriostatic composition comprises a cationic polymer, a cationic oligomer, or particles coated with a cationic material. The bacteriostatic composition is bonded to the wound or surgical dressing in a manner such that the bacteriostatic composition is not substantially transferred to a patient being treated.

Abstract: There is provided products for the removal of negatively charged particles like bacteria from surfaces. The products have a positive charge that may be developed through the use of cationic treatments. The product or substrate from which it is made may be dipped in an aqueous solution of a non-antimicrobial treatment having a positive charge and the excess solution squeezed out. Treatment of the resulting coated substrate with heat at a temperature and for a time sufficient adheres the coating to the substrate. Alternatively, a non-antimicrobial, cationically charged chemical may be imbedded in a substrate web such that it will bloom to the surface when the web is exposed to water. A suitable substrate web may be a pulp and synthetic fiber fabric made by coforming or hydroengling and may be a laminate including other layers. The treated substrate and product remove a substantial amount of the bacteria from a surface yet do not appreciably kill the bacteria.

Abstract: A biosensor includes a substrate with a layer of receptive material disposed thereon. The receptive material is specific for an analyte of interest. A pattern of active and deactivated areas of the receptive material are defined in the receptive material layer by a masking process.

Abstract: A biosensor includes a substrate with a layer of receptive material disposed thereon overlying a layer containing a photo-reactive agent. The receptive material is specific for an analyte of interest. A pattern of active and inactive areas of the receptive material are defined in the receptive material layer by a masking process wherein the photo-reactive agent is activated in the exposed regions of the mask.

Abstract: A vaginal treatment composition that rapidly forms a gel when placed into contact with monovalent or polyvalent cations, such as sodium (Na+) and calcium (Ca2+) cations naturally found in vaginal mucosa, is provided. The gel may form in less than about 1 hour, in some embodiments less than about 1 minute, and in some embodiments, less than about 30 seconds. Among other things, such rapid gelation reduces the likelihood of leakage during use. In addition, because the gel may form intravaginally, it is more likely to retain its structure and shape over an extended period of time. In this manner, the gel may provide the prolonged release of a therapeutic agent that inhibits and/or treats vaginal infection. For instance, the gel may remain within the vagina for about 2 to about 48 hours to provide the desired effect.

Abstract: A biosensor includes a substrate with a receptive material layer of radiation-absorbing member (RAM)-tagged biomolecules disposed thereon. The receptive material is specific for an analyte of interest. A pattern of active and deactivated areas of the receptive material are defined in the receptive material layer by a masking process wherein areas are exposed through a mask with a light source to induce deactivation.

Abstract: A vaginal treatment composition that employs a therapeutic agent to inhibit and/or treat vaginal infection is provided. The therapeutic agent is capable of inhibiting and/or killing Gardnerella (e.g., Gardnerella vaginalis), Candida (e.g., Candida albicans), and/or Trichomonas (e.g., Trichomonas vaginalis) pathogens. Desirably, such antimicrobial efficacy is achieved without substantially inhibiting the growth of Lactobacillus acidophilus. For instance, sugars and/or sugar alcohols may be employed in the present invention as a therapeutic agent for inhibiting and/or treating vaginal infection. In one particular embodiment, D-xylitol is used as the therapeutic agent.

Abstract: There is provided a pain relieving substance made of an eicosanoid-absorbent substance and a carrier. The eicosanoid-absorbent substance may be an eicosanoid enzyme, antibody and/or acid moiety binder. The eicosanoids may be prostaglantins, thromboxanes, leukotrienes, lipoxins and hydroxyl and hydroperoxy fatty acids and mixtures thereof. The eicosanoid-absorbent substance may be delivered in a liquid carrier such as a gel or lotion or may be delivered by a solid carrier such as a tampon, sponge, etc.

Abstract: There is provided a wipe for the removal of bacteria from surfaces. The wipe has a positive charge that may be developed through the use of cationic treatments. The wipe may be dipped in an aqueous solution of a non-antimicrobial treatment having a positive charge and the excess solution squeezed out of the wipe. Treatment of the resulting coated wipe with heat at a temperature and for a time sufficient adheres the coating to the wipe. Alternatively, a non-antimicrobial, cationically charged chemical may be imbedded in the web such that it will bloom to the surface when the wipe is exposed to water. The web is desirably a pulp and synthetic fiber fabric made by coforming or hydroengling and may be a laminate including other layers. The treated web removes a substantial amount of the bacteria from a surface yet does not appreciably inhibit the growth of the bacteria. The web does not contain harsh chemicals and so is mild in its effect on the user's skin.

Abstract: The premature rupture of amniotic fluid (PROM) may be discovered through a number of inventive means. Methods of evaluating whether PROM is present include; a) through the testing of the pH of vaginal fluids using an irreversible pH test; b) through the detection of analytes (e.g. enzymes) specific to amniotic fluid in the vaginal fluids; c) though the detection of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the vaginal fluid; and d) through the detection of cholesterol in vaginal fluid. While individually indicative of PROM, it is desirable to combine at least two of these techniques to yield a powerful tool of even greater reliability. Test devices and feminine hygiene pads into which the test methods may be incorporated are also included herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for intravaginal administration of peroxide-generating enzymes and substrates for promoting the growth of Gram-positive bacilli, inhibiting Gram-negative bacilli, promoting an oxidizing environment, and/or treating or preventing disturbances of the vaginal bacterial flora accompanying the reduction of Gram-positive bacilli or the increase in pathogenic microbes, such as Gram-negative bacilli, resulting in vaginal infections.

Abstract: A biosensor includes a substrate with a receptive material layer of radiation-absorbing member (RAM)-tagged biomolecules disposed thereon. The receptive material is specific for an analyte of interest. A pattern of active and deactivated areas of the receptive material are defined in the receptive material layer by a masking process wherein areas are exposed through a mask with a light source to induce deactivation.

Abstract: A biosensor includes a substrate with a layer of receptive material disposed thereon overlying a layer containing a photo-reactive agent. The receptive material is specific for an analyte of interest. A pattern of active and inactive areas of the receptive material are defined in the receptive material layer by a masking process wherein the photo-reactive agent is activated in the exposed regions of the mask.