Abstract: A thin film culture device for enumerating mold colonies is provided. The device comprises water-resistant first and second substrates with a growth region disposed therebetween, a dry, cold water-soluble gelling agent disposed in the growth region, and an effective amount of a calcium-chelating compound disposed in the growth region. The effective amount of calcium-chelating compound is capable of reducing a rate of lateral enlargement of the colony-forming unit growing in the culture device relative to the rate of lateral enlargement of a colony of the same mold species growing in an otherwise identical culture device that does not contain the effective amount disposed in the growth region, wherein reducing the rate of lateral enlargement of the colony-forming unit does not substantially delay detection of the colony. A corresponding method is also provided.

Abstract: A condensation management manifold includes a first portion having a first elongated channel comprising a first condensate flow channel. A second portion of the manifold has second elongated channel comprising a second condensate flow channel. The second portion is configured to nest at least partially within the first portion such that a first surface of a flexible condensate management film is fluidically coupled to the first flow channel and an oppositely oriented second surface of the condensate management film is fluidically coupled to the second flow channel.

Abstract: A thin film culture device for enumerating mold colonies is provided. The device comprises water-resistant first and second substrates with a growth region disposed therebetween, a dry, cold water-soluble gelling agent disposed in the growth region, and an effective amount of a calcium-chelating compound disposed in the growth region. The effective amount of calcium-chelating compound is capable of reducing a rate of lateral enlargement of the colony-forming unit growing in the culture device relative to the rate of lateral enlargement of a colony of the same mold species growing in an otherwise identical culture device that does not contain the effective amount disposed in the growth region, wherein reducing the rate of lateral enlargement of the colony-forming unit does not substantially delay detection of the colony. A corresponding method is also provided.

Abstract: Films and articles are described comprising a microstructured surface having an array of peak structures and adjacent valleys. For improved cleanability, the valleys preferably have a maximum width ranging from 10 microns to 250 microns and the peak structures have a side wall angle greater than 10 degrees. The peak structures may comprise two or more facets such as in the case of a linear array of prisms or an array of cube-corners elements. The facets form continuous or semi-continuous surfaces in the same direction. The valleys typically lack intersecting walls. Also described are methods of making and methods of use. The microstructured surface of the article can be prepared by various microreplication techniques such as coating, injection molding, embossing, laser etching, extrusion, casting and curing a polymerizable resin; and bonding microstructured film to a surface or article with an adhesive.

Abstract: A condensation management apparatus comprises a first microstructured film having channels arranged to condense water and move it with capillary action to a gutter-type assembly. The condensation management apparatus may be utilized on substantially vertical or substantially horizontal surfaces.

Abstract: Articles are provided, including a porous elastomeric material having a first major surface and an elastomeric material integrated into the first major surface of the porous elastomeric material. The elastomeric material coating the first major surface, a first portion of the elastomeric material being disposed within a plurality of pores defined by the first major surface of the porous elastomeric material and extending into the plurality of pores to a depth of at least 300 micrometers (?m), wherein the first portion of the elastomeric material provides fluid communication through the porous elastomeric material via holes formed in the elastomeric material extending into the thickness of the porous elastomeric material through the voids of the pores of the elastomeric material. A method of making an article is also provided.

Abstract: A biological sterilization indicator device is provided. The device comprises a body, a plurality of test microorganisms, and an oxygen-modulated first fluorescent sensor. The body comprises a first layer attached to a second layer, forming at least one isolatable microchamber and at least one primary passageway that provides fluidic communication between ambience and the at least one microchamber. The microchamber has an isolated volume of about 0.5 microliters to about 9.5 microliters. The plurality of test microorganisms and the oxygen-modulated first fluorescent sensor are disposed in the microchamber. A method of using the device to determine the effectiveness of a sterilization process is also provided.

Abstract: A condensation management apparatus comprises a microstructured film arranged to condense water vapor on an underside of a substantially horizontal surface. The film comprises channels disposed at least on a first major surface and configured to support capillary movement of condensate. The channels have a channel axis substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of the film. A capillary siphon structure of the film comprises a fold in the film, a condensate collection region proximate the fold, and a siphon region between the fold and a condensate release location of the film. At least a portion of a second major surface is attached to the underside of the substantially horizontal surface such that longitudinal openings of the channels of the condensate collection region are oriented towards a direction of gravity and the condensate release location is positioned lower along the direction of gravity than the condensate collection region.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device that includes a base comprising a substrate having a first major surface, a pressure sensitive adhesive adhered to at least a portion of the first major surface, a polymeric cover film coupled to the substrate via the adhesive, a plurality of isolated closed compartments disposed between the substrate and the cover film, and an aqueous liquid disposed in two or more of the closed compartments. The cover film is a composite film comprising ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, a linear copolymer of ethylene and a higher alkene, and a tackifier. Each compartment of the plurality is defined by a seal that prevents liquid communication with at least one other compartment of the plurality. Methods of using the device for partitioning a sample, for analyzing a sample, and for culturing a microorganism are also provided.

Abstract: An article, including a network of interconnected polymeric strands; wherein each of the interconnected polymeric strands has a first surface adapted to contact a tissue site and a second surface opposite the first surface; wherein at least one of the interconnected polymeric stand has a plurality of features extending from the first surface of the interconnected polymeric strands; wherein at least one of the interconnected polymeric strands is non-linear; a plurality of openings between adjacent interconnected polymeric strands; an adhesive layer in contact with the second surface of the interconnected polymeric strands; and a filler in contact with the adhesive layer, the adhesive layer in between the network of interconnected polymeric strands and the filler; wherein the article is a negative pressure wound therapy article.

Abstract: A condensation management apparatus comprises a first microstructured film arranged to condense water vapor on a substantially vertical surface of a component. The first film comprises channels disposed on first and second major surfaces of the first film and dimensioned to support capillary movement of condensate. The channels have a channel axis substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of the first film. The longitudinal axis of the first film is tilted at a tilt angle of at least 4 degrees with respect to an axis normal to a direction of gravity. Openings in the channels are disposed at one or both end edges of the first film. The openings provide condensate release locations of the first film. A second film is disposed over a portion of the first film. The second film attaches the first film to the substantially vertical surface of the component.

Abstract: A fibrin-coated wound dressing article having a flexible film layer, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer disposed on the flexible film layer, and a fibrin powder layer disposed on a surface of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer opposite the flexible film layer. Methods of making and using fibrin-coated wound dressing articles are included.

Abstract: Light control films are provided that confine light transmitted therethrough to be within a 360° view region and block light outside of this view region. The light control films can provide security in all directions including right-and-left and up-and-down of the films, without compromising light transmittance compared to one-dimensional light control films. The light control films include an array of light transmissive, tapered posts and absorptive regions disposed between the posts.

Abstract: An article, including a network of interconnected polymeric strands; wherein each of the interconnected polymeric strands has a first surface adapted to contact a tissue site; wherein at least one of the interconnected polymeric strand has a plurality of features extending from the first surface of the interconnected polymeric strands; wherein only one of any two adjacent polymeric strands has a plurality of features extending from the first surface of the interconnected polymeric strands; and wherein at least one of the interconnected polymeric strands is non-linear; and a plurality of openings between adjacent interconnected polymeric strands.

Abstract: Film articles with dual-sided structures are ones in which both of the major surfaces of the film have a structured surface. The structured film articles have a first major surface and second major surface, where each surface has a plurality of spaced apart protrusions forming a repeating pattern. Each repeating pattern has a major axis, where the major axis is one of the major axes in the translational direction of the repeating pattern. The major axis of the repeating pattern on the second major surface forms an oblique angle with the major axis on the first major surface, where the angle is in the range of 10-90% of the angle of rotational symmetry of the repeating pattern. The structured film is a unitary substrate. The structured film articles are prepared by providing a flowable material composition having two major surfaces and simultaneously contacting the major surfaces with a first microstructuring tool, and a second microstructuring tool.

Abstract: Systems and methods for concentrating a sample and detecting an analyte of interest using a separation liquid. The system can include a sample detection container that can include a microcavity. The microcavity can include a concentrate of a sample resulting from centrifugation of the sample. The container can further include a separation liquid located between the microcavity and a supernatant of the sample located outside of the microcavity. The separation liquid can have a density greater than that of the supernatant of the sample, and an interfacial tension with the supernatant of at least 0.05 N/m. The separation liquid can be non-toxic and inert. The method can include adding the separation liquid to the sample detection container, after centrifuging the sample detection container, to displace the supernatant located outside of the microcavity from the microcavity.

Abstract: Systems and methods for concentrating a sample and detecting an analyte of interest. The system can include a sample detection container that can include a microcavity. The microcavity can include a top opening, a base, and a longitudinal axis. The container can further include a wall that extends to the microcavity, wherein at least a portion of the wall located adjacent the top opening of the microcavity has a slope that is oriented at an effective angle ? with respect to the longitudinal axis of the microcavity. The effective angle ? can be greater than 45 degrees and less than 90 degrees, and at least the portion of the wall located adjacent the top opening of the microcavity that is oriented at the effective angle ? can have a length of at least 5 times a transverse dimension of the microcavity.

Abstract: A condensation management system includes an elongated flexible film configured to be stretched under tension between a first film support and a second film support. The film includes first and second ends that extend laterally across a width of the film. The film includes first and second sides that extend longitudinally between the first and second film ends. The film has a concave surface and an opposing convex surface extending between the first and second sides of the film. Microchannels are disposed in at least one of the concave surface and the convex surface. The microchannels induce a predetermined radius of curvature in the concave and convex surfaces of the film when the film is stretched longitudinally between the first and second film supports.

Abstract: A condensation management manifold includes a first portion having a first elongated channel comprising a first condensate flow channel. A second portion of the manifold has second elongated channel comprising a second condensate flow channel. The second portion is configured to nest at least partially within the first portion such that a first surface of a flexible condensate management film is fluidically coupled to the first flow channel and an oppositely oriented second surface of the condensate management film is fluidically coupled to the second flow channel.

Abstract: An anti-slip, liquid management cover article for a flooring surface. The article includes a film defining a working face. A microstructured surface is formed at the working face, and includes a plurality of primary ridges and capillary microchannels each having a bottom surface. Each primary ridge is an elongated body having a length. A shape of a portion of at least one of the primary ridges is non-uniform in a direction of the length. The capillary microchannels facilitate spontaneous wicking of liquid. With this construction, the non-uniform shape establishes an elevated coefficient of friction at the working face as measured in multiple directions. The cover article minimizes the risk of pedestrian slippage, even in the presence of water or other liquids.