Abstract: Three-dimensional polymeric article (100) having first (101) and second (102) opposed major surfaces, a first dimension perpendicular to a second dimension, a thickness orthogonal to the first and second dimensions, and a plurality of alternating first (107) and second (109) polymeric regions along the first or second dimensions, wherein the first (107) and second (108) regions extend at least partially across the second dimension, wherein the first regions (107) are in a common plane (115) and wherein some of the second regions (108) project outwardly from the plane (115) in a first direction (generally perpendicular from the plane), and some of the second regions (108) project outwardly from the plane (115) in a second direction that is generally 180 degrees from the first direction, where the first regions (107) have a first crosslink density, wherein the second regions (108) have a second crosslink density, and wherein the second crosslink density of the second regions (108) are less than the first crossl

Abstract: Three-dimensional polymeric article (100) having first (101) and second (102) opposed major surfaces, a base body (103) having a first dimension, a second dimension perpendicular to the first dimension, and a thickness, wherein the thickness is orthogonal to the first and second dimensions, wherein the base body (103) comprises a plurality of alternating, adjacent first (107) and second (108) polymeric regions along the first dimension, wherein the second dimensions of the first (107) and second (108) regions extend at least partially across the second dimensions, wherein the first regions (107) have a first crosslink density, wherein the second regions (108) have a second crosslink density, wherein the second crosslink density of the second regions (108) are less than the first crosslink density of the first regions (107), wherein the first and second regions extend perpendicularly in two directions from a central plane (115) in the base body (103) parallel to the first and second dimensions of the polymeric

Abstract: A fluid control film is provided that includes fluid control channels extending along a channel longitudinal axis. Each of the fluid control channels has a surface and is configured to allow capillary movement of liquid in the channels. The fluid control film further includes a hydrophilic surface treatment covalently bonded to at least a portion of the surface of the fluid control channels. The fluid control film exhibits a capillary rise percent recovery of at least ten percent. Typically, the hydrophilic surface treatment includes functional groups selected from a non-zwitterionic sulfonate, a non-zwitterionic carboxylate, a zwitterionic sulfonate, a zwitterionic carboxylate, a zwitterionic phosphate, a zwitterionic phosphonic acid, and/or a zwitterionic phosphonate. A process for forming a fluid control film is 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; 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 at least one of the interconnected polymeric strands is non-linear; and a plurality of openings between adjacent polymeric strands; wherein the article is a negative pressure wound therapy article.

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: The present disclosure describes methods for concentrating microorganisms with concentration agents in a sampling device and the sampling device described herein. More specifically, methods for concentrating microorganisms from large volume samples with concentration agents in a sampling device can provide for rapid, low cost, simple (involving no complex equipment or procedures), and/or effective processes under a variety of conditions.

Abstract: Three-dimensional polymeric article (100) having first (101) and second (102) opposed major surfaces, a first dimension perpendicular to a second dimension, a thickness orthogonal to the first and second dimensions, and a plurality of alternating first (107) and second (109) polymeric regions along the first or second dimensions, wherein the first (107) and second (108) regions extend at least partially across the second dimension, wherein the first regions (107) are in a common plane (115) and wherein some of the second regions (108) project outwardly from the plane (115) in a first direction (generally perpendicular from the plane), and some of the second regions (108) project outwardly from the plane (115) in a second direction that is generally 180 degrees from the first direction, where the first regions (107) have a first crosslink density, wherein the second regions (108) have a second crosslink density, and wherein the second crosslink density of the second regions (108) are less than the first crossl

Abstract: Three-dimensional polymeric article (100) having first (101) and second (102) opposed major surfaces, a base body (103) having a first dimension, a second dimension perpendicular to the first dimension, and a thickness, wherein the thickness is orthogonal to the first and second dimensions, wherein the base body (103) comprises a plurality of alternating, adjacent first (107) and second (108) polymeric regions along the first dimension, wherein the second dimensions of the first (107) and second (108) regions extend at least partially across the second dimensions, wherein the first regions (107) have a first crosslink density, wherein the second regions (108) have a second crosslink density, wherein the second crosslink density of the second regions (108) are less than the first crosslink density of the first regions (107), wherein the first and second regions extend perpendicularly in two directions from a central plane (115) in the base body (103) parallel to the first and second dimensions of the polymeric

Abstract: Article comprising a polymeric substrate having a first major surface comprising a plurality of particles (e.g., clay particles, graphite particles, boron nitride particles, carbon particles, molybdenum disulfide particles, bismuth oxychloride particles, and combinations thereof) attached thereto. Articles described herein are useful, for example, for a tamper evident surface.

Abstract: Method for detecting an analyte of interest in a sample. The method can include providing a container including a microstructured surface, and centrifuging the container toward the microstructured surface to form a sediment and a supernatant of the sample. Following centrifugation, the container can be inverted to decant at least a portion of the supernatant of the sample from the second portion, such that a concentrate (e.g., including the sediment) of the sample is retained in the microstructured surface. The concentrate can then be interrogated in the microstructured surface for the analyte of interest. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the second portion can be substantially transparent, such that the concentrate can be interrogated from the outside of the container, without requiring that the container be opened prior to interrogation.

Abstract: Compounds are provided that are either fluorogenic or fluorophoric. Compositions and articles that include the compounds are also provided. Additionally, methods of detecting a microorganism using the compounds are provided. The compounds are fluorinated and can be used advantageously under acidic conditions.

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.

Abstract: The disclosure provides microstructured articles and methods useful for detecting an analyte in a sample. The articles include microwell arrays. The articles can be used with an optical system component in methods to detect or characterize an analyte.

Abstract: The disclosure provides microstructured articles and methods useful for detecting an analyte in a sample. The articles include microwell arrays. The articles can be used with an optical system component in methods to detect or characterize an analyte.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods for concentrating microorganisms with concentration agents in a sampling device and the sampling device described herein. More specifically, methods for concentrating microorganisms from large volume samples with concentration agents in a sampling device can provide for rapid, low cost, simple (involving no complex equipment or procedures), and/or effective processes under a variety of conditions.

Abstract: The disclosure provides microstructured articles and methods useful for detecting an analyte in a sample. The articles include microwell arrays. The articles can be used with an optical system component in methods to detect or characterize an analyte.

Abstract: Kits and systems for isolating microorganisms from a sample, the sample including sample matrix and microorganisms, the kit including concentration agent; and a system for isolating microorganisms from a sample.

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: The present disclosure describes methods for concentrating microorganisms with concentration agents in a sampling device and the sampling device described herein. More specifically, methods for concentrating microorganisms from large volume samples with concentration agents in a sampling device can provide for rapid, low cost, simple (involving no complex equipment or procedures), and/or effective processes under a variety of conditions.

Abstract: A biological sterilization indicator, system, and methods of determining the effectiveness of a sterilization process. The biological sterilization indicator can include a locus of spores, a reservoir containing a liquid, and a sterilant path positioned to provide fluid communication between ambience and the locus of spores. The reservoir can have a closed state in which the reservoir is not in fluid communication with the locus of spores and an open state in which the reservoir is in fluid communication with the locus of spores. The biological sterilization indicator system can include the biological sterilization indicator and a detection device adapted to be coupled to the biological sterilization indicator. In some embodiments, the method can include assaying the spores for a detectable change in a characteristic, and detecting substantially all of the detectable change.