Abstract: The invention relates to an aqueous composition comprising in combination an alkyl pyrrolidone, such as a C8-C18 linear alkyl pyrrolidone, and an alkyl polysaccharide such as an alkyl polyglucoside, and a method of enhancing the efficacy of an enzyme containing composition for use in cleaning medical instruments comprising the step of including in said composition an alkyl pyrrolidone and an alkyl polysaccharide. The methods and compositions of the present invention may further include at least one enzyme such as proteases, lipases, amylases, and cellulases.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shelf stable liquid disinfectant concentrate composition containing at least 1% by weight of a quat biocide (biocidally active quaternary ammonium compounds) and capable of dilution with 20 parts of water to 1 part of concentrate to produce a diluted solution, the diluted solution exhibiting a MIC after 24 hours in the presence of up to 2% tryptone (or the protein equivalent thereof) which is less than the MIC of a simple solution of the same concentration of the same quat biocide in water in the presence of the same concentration of the protein. The biocidal efficacy of the quat biocide may be protected by an “activity protector” selected from the group consisting of “enzyme stabilisers”, “enzyme stabilising systems”, micelle formation modifiers and inhibitors, and combinations thereof. The invention also relates to a disinfectant working solution prepared from the concentrate, and to a method of protecting a quat biocide from deactivation.

Abstract: A unitary single use analytic device for detecting an enzyme in a liquid. The device comprises a support structure for manual manipulation and a composition associated therewith which is responsive to the enzyme in such a way as to cause a change in appearance of the device. The device may be adapted for detecting an enzymes from a plurality of classes by having compositions selectively responsive to an enzyme of one class, each responding in such a way as to cause a change in appearance of the device indicative of the presence of an enzyme of a respective class. Also disclosed is a method for estimating the activity of an enzyme in a liquid comprising the steps of inserting a test trip of the present invention into the liquid and measuring the time taken from the moment of insertion until a predetermined change in appearance of the test trip is observed, or noting the appearance of the strip after predetermined time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of disinfection comprising the steps of sonicating a liquid disinfectant at a frequency selected to be above 15 MHz, preferably above 2 MHz in a nebulizing chamber to produce a nebulized disinfectant product. The frequency of the ultrasonic energy and the formulation of the disinfectant to which the ultrasonic energy is applied is such that 90% of microdroplets are between 0.8 and 2.0 micrometres in diameter. In preferred embodiments, the microdroplets are activated by the ultrasound and are substantially more effective than non-sonicated disinfectant. The invention also relates to compositions suitable for use in such methods which mar include activatable agents, surfactarits and/or agents to assist in drying.

Abstract: The invention provides a filter treated with a humectant which may optionally be in combination with a surfactant. The treatment may also include a water soluble rheology modifier to alter the viscosity of water drawn onto the filter by the humectant. A tackifier may also be added. The invention also provides compositions suitable for application to a filter to carry out the treatment. The invention provides a method of “upgrading” a filter using the treatments and compositions described.

Abstract: The invention relates to an air filter including a composition which has a biostatic or biocidal agent adapted to migrate through particulates accumulating in use on the filter. The biocidal agent may have bacteriostatic and/or fungistatic properties and may optionally include a humectant, a surfactant or rheological additive. The invention also relates to compositions for treating filters and a method of reducing airborne contaminants in air.

Abstract: The invention provides a biocidal concentrate including zinc pyridinethione; and a second biocide selected to be biocidally effective in a pH range complimentary to zinc pyridinethione. The second biocide may be an aromatic halogenated phenol such as triclosan, dichlorophen and trichlorcarban. The invention also provides biocidal cleaning devices and plastic materials and methods of manufacture thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides a biocidal concentrate including zinc pyridinethione; and a second biocide selected to be biocidally effective in a pH range complementary to zinc pyridinethione. The second biocide may be an aromatic halogenated phenol such as triclosan, dichlorophen and trichlorcarban. The invention also provides biocidal cleaning devices and plastic materials and methods of manufacture thereof.

Abstract: A non-woven fabric treated with a biocidal composition including at least one halogenated phenolic biocide; a water soluble, film forming polymer which is a polyvinylpyrrolidone polymer or copolymer; and at least one surfactant, wherein a complex is formed between the halogenated phenolic biocide and the polyvinylpyrrolidone polymer or copolymer so that, after treatment of the non-woven fabric therewith and drying, no cloudy residue remains on the non-woven fabric.

Abstract: There is provided a two part medium for use in double contrast radiography. A first part contains a radiopaque substance for example barium sulphate. A second part is radiolucent. The first part contains a reactant for example Carboxy Methyl Cellulose) which reacts with a component of the second part (for example polyvinyl pyrolidone on contact between the parts to form a compound or complex which inhibits migration of the radiopaque substance into the radiolucent part.

Abstract: A coating composition displaying an extremely low coefficient of friction particularly with respect to rubber-type materials and with high abrasion resistance and excellent adhesion to a wide variety of substrates, including metal and glass is provided. The composition contains a high fluorocarbon polymer content, (e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene), a silane wetting agent, a thermosetting resin (e.g. epoxy), and optionally a crosslinking agent and is easy to apply.