Abstract: A suturing ring to attach the body of an implantable heart valve to heart tissue by sutures is composed of a fabric containing an inorganic antimicrobial agent. The fabric can have a material coating the fibers of the fabric in which particles of the agent are embedded. The coating material can be elastomeric and the fabric porous, to improve its flexibility, or non-porous and the fabric ring can be coated with a tissue compatible substance such as collagen. One type of ring has an annular top part to fit over one of top and bottom surfaces of the valve body and defining an opening to the heart valve, a step wall depending from the annular top part to extend along said valve body wall and an outwardly extending flange through which the sutures are to be sewn.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high aspect ratio microcapsule comprising an inorganic antimicrobial agent coated with a hydrophilic polymer. The hydrophilic polymer is able to absorb sufficient water as to enable the action of the encapsulated antimicrobial agent. These high aspect ratio microcapsules are useful to impart antimicrobial activity and can be used in polymer compositions, sprays and coatings. A method of preparing the high aspect ratio microcapsule by melt compounding and fabrication of the antimicrobial agent with the hydrophilic polymer is provided. Polymer compositions comprising the high aspect ratio microcapsules and a matrix polymer are also provided. Another embodiment of the invention is an article prepared from the polymer compositions comprising the high aspect ratio microcapsules and a matrix polymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microcapsule comprising an inorganic antimicrobial agent coated with a hydrophilic polymer. The hydrophilic polymer is able to absorb sufficient water as to enable the action of the encapsulated antimicrobial agent. These microcapsules are useful to impart antimicrobial activity and can be used in polymer compositions, sprays and coatings. A method of preparing the microcapsule by treatment of the antimicrobial agent with a solution of the hydrophilic polymer is provided. Another embodiment of the invention is a method of preparing the microcapsule by coating of the antimicrobial agent with a polymer precursor followed by treatment with a reactive ingredient. Another embodiment of the invention is a method of preparing the microcapsule by melt compounding the antimicrobial agent with the hydrophilic polymer followed by grinding to the desired particle size. Polymer compositions comprising the microcapsules and a matrix polymer are also provided.

Abstract: An orthopedic surgical implant of one or more components having a surface which is to be contacted by body tissue and/or fluid. The surface contains an inorganic antimicrobial agent either incorporated in the material forming a component having the surface or incorporated in a coating, such as of the adhesive or powder spray type, applied to the surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to an antibiotic coated substrate having an antibiotic coating composition coated thereon. The coating composition is formed of a hydrophilic polymer having antibiotic ceramic particles, preferably antibiotic zeolite, dispersed therein. The antibiotic zeolite may further comprise a discoloration agent. Another embodiment of the invention is an article comprising a substrate on which is coated the antibiotic hydrophilic coating composition. A method for preparing the antibiotic hydrophilic polymer coating on a substrate is also provided.

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: Belting of one or more layers of either woven or non-woven fibers of a natural or man made material. The fibers are saturated with a polymeric material forming a flexible web. The polymeric material saturating the fibers forming the web contains an inorganic antimicrobial agent or the agent is applied to coat the web. The agent can be one or more of inorganic materials of a metal or a metal salt having antimicrobial properties, such as a zeolite. The web layer, or layers, can be cover coated with a contiguous layer of a flexible polymeric material and the material of the cover coat also has an inorganic antimicrobial agent mixed therein or coated thereon.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel chewing gum product generally for the lysis and killing of oral microbes. In a preferred embodiment, the chewing gum product comprises an antimicrobial metal ion component and an inorganic ceramic carrier, and provides a concentration of such substances from about 0.05 to 50 weight percent of the chewing gum. In particular, these compositions may comprise zeolites ion-exchanged with antimicrobial metals, in addition to other oral care compounds. The present invention also relates to methods of using such compositions for treating and inhibiting dental caries, dental plaque and gingivitis, oral malodor and periodontal conditions. The compositions of the present invention may be incorporated into chewing gum according to conventional methods used in the art.

Abstract: A food serving tray with at least one depressed section having a surface with which food comes into contact and the material forming the surface contains an inorganic antimicrobial agent. The tray can be formed from a plastic resin containing the antimicrobial agent or the agent being contained in a coating applied to the tray.

Abstract: A cooking grill having surfaces such as a hood, side table, a hood handle and control knobs which are to be contacted by the hands of the grill user, food, food juices and utensils provide sites for bacteria growth and cross-contamination to the food. Such surfaces contain an antimicrobial agent either incorporated in the material forming a component having the surface or a coating such as a paint or powder applied to a surface.

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.

Abstract: An antibiotic toothpaste is formulated with an inorganic antibiotic metal containing composition that is present in an amount effective to impart substantial antimicrobial activity within the normal time for brushing teeth.