Abstract: An applicator having a body configured to house a fluid, an application member in selective fluid communication with the body, and a time-indicating device, wherein the time-indicating device includes a capillary component having a fluid path, wherein the time-indicating device is configured such that fluid advancement along the fluid path directly or indirectly provides at least a first observable signal, and wherein the first observable signal signifies a first certain application period.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sterilizing iodophor compositions are described. In some cases, the iodophor composition comprises a complex comprising iodine and a polymer (i.e., an iodine-polymer complex). The iodine-polymer complex may be polyvinylpyrrolidone iodine (also referred to as “povidone-iodine” or “PVP-I”) or iodine povacrylex. Methods are described for heating an initial iodophor composition to produce a sterilized iodophor composition. The resulting sterilized iodophor composition may have a relatively high assurance of sterility (e.g., a sterility assurance level of 10?3 or less, 10?6 or less). In some cases, heating the initial iodophor composition comprises exposing at least a portion of a container containing the initial iodophor composition to a heated liquid. In certain cases, the heated liquid is part of a moving liquid stream (e.g., a cascading waterfall stream produced by a cascading waterfall sterilizer).

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to antimicrobial hydrogel polymers, and dressings comprising one or more hydrogel-forming hydrophilic polymers, where the hydrogels and dressings further comprise one or more antimicrobial agents that are released from the hydrogel in a controlled manner. The hydrogels and dressings may be used for medical, veterinary, and/or cosmetic applications. The dressings may be applied, for example, as wound dressings, surgical dressings, and percutaneous site dressings. In certain aspects of the invention, the dressings may be beneficially used in methods of accelerating wound healing, preventing and/or reducing the incidence of wound infection, and reducing scarring associated with wounds.