Abstract: A method of removing calculus from a tooth is described comprising: applying aqueous compositions A and B to the tooth surface, wherein the composition A comprises hydrogen peroxide or a precursor thereto and composition B comprises catalase and a stabilizer comprising hydroxyl groups; and removing at least a part of the calculus from the tooth surface. Preferred stabilizers include dipropylene glycol and 1,3 propane diol. Also described are aqueous compositions and kits.

Abstract: A wipe article includes a substrate, a cationic coating disposed on a surface of the substrate, distributed throughout the substrate, or both. The cationic coating contains a guanidinyl-containing polymer that is crosslinked and bound to the substrate. The substrate includes sponge, nonwoven fabric, or woven fabric. The wipes are useful for removing microorganisms from a microorganism-contaminated surface and also for reducing re-contamination of the cleaned surface or transfer to another surface of the removed microorganisms.

Abstract: Methods and kids for removing calculus from a tooth. The method can include applying a component A comprising a hydrogen peroxide or a precursor thereto and a component B the comprising a catalase to the tooth, thereby generating oxygen; and removing at least a part of the calculus from the tooth.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods that include contacting a skin surface with a first liquid composition; and then contacting in the skin surface with a cationic coated article loaded with a second liquid composition, while at least some portion of the first liquid composition remains on the skin surface, wherein one or both of the first liquid composition or the second liquid composition includes acrylate copolymer particles dispersed therein, the acrylate copolymer particles including the reaction product of a reaction mixture, the reaction mixture including monomers, the monomers including from about 5 wt % to about 50 wt % of at least one high Tg monomer where the wt % of the high Tg monomer is with respect to the total weight of the monomers in the reaction mixture; and from about 20 wt % to about 80 wt % of at least one low Tg monomer where the wt % of the low Tg monomer is with respect to the total weight of the monomers in the reaction mixture, wherein the particles have a number average diameter of at lea

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: A wipe article includes a substrate, a cationic coating disposed on a surface of the substrate, distributed throughout the substrate, or both. The cationic coating contains a guanidinyl-containing polymer that is crosslinked and bound to the substrate. The substrate includes sponge, nonwoven fabric, or woven fabric. The wipes are useful for removing microorganisms from a microorganism-contaminated surface and also for reducing re-contamination of the cleaned surface or transfer to another surface of the removed microorganisms.

Abstract: Methods and kits for removing calculus from a tooth, wherein the method can include applying a component A to the tooth, wherein component A comprises a hydrogen peroxide or a precursor thereto; applying a component B to the tooth, wherein component B comprises a non-enzymatic, hydrogen peroxide decomposition catalyst for generating oxygen gas; wherein components A and B are applied simultaneously or sequentially to the tooth, thereby generating oxygen gas to soften and/or loosen at least part of the calculus on the tooth; and removing at least a part of the calculus from the tooth.

Abstract: An optical element includes a porous layer with a network of a plurality of interconnected voids. The porous layer is optically diffusive to at least one wavelength of light when the network of interconnected voids is substantially free of fluid. The porous layer of the optical element undergoes a detectable optical change upon fluid ingress into the network or egress from the network of interconnected voids.

Abstract: An article comprises a structure having an outer surface extending along a longitudinal axis. At least a portion of a cross section of the outer surface is convex. Fluid control channels extend along a channel longitudinal axis along at least a portion the convex surface. The channel longitudinal axis makes an angle between 0 and 90 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis of the outer surface. The fluid control channels are configured to allow capillary movement of liquid in the channels and across the convex surface.

Abstract: A device for growing microorganisms. The device includes a body member comprising a self-supporting, water-proof substrate having upper and lower surfaces; a hydrophobic spacer element adhered to the upper surface of the substrate forming side walls to retain a predetermined amount of liquid in contact with the substrate, wherein the hydrophobic spacer element has a hole therein; a fluid control film in the hole of the hydrophobic spacer element; a cover sheet having an inner-facing surface and an outer-facing surface, the cover sheet adhered to at least a portion of the body member; and a substantially dry, first microbial growth nutrient composition disposed on a portion of the inner surface of the cover sheet; a first adhesive composition adhered to the first microbial growth nutrient composition; and a cold-water-soluble first hydrogel-forming composition adhered to the first adhesive composition.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides articles having conformal layers and methods of making such articles. An article includes a first polymeric layer having a substantially planar major surface and an opposing major surface bonded to a second polymeric layer. One major surface of the second polymeric layer is conformal to the first polymeric layer while the opposing major surface defines a cavity having at least one wall. The second polymeric layer also has a channel connecting the cavity to at least one edge of the second polymeric layer or to the planar surface of the first polymeric layer. A surface of the cavity exhibits an advancing contact angle with water of less than 90 degrees. A method includes obtaining a tool having protruding features; disposing a first polymer on the protruding features; disposing a second polymer on the first polymer; and applying compression to the polymeric tooling, the first polymer, and the second polymer at an elevated temperature to form the article.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a self-mating fastener that includes a backing having a first side, and a rail element protruding perpendicularly from the first side of the backing. The rail element extends in a longitudinal direction along the backing. The rail element has a base portion attached to the first side of the backing and a cap portion distal from the backing. The cap portion has a cap width that is greater than a width of the base portion and the cap portion overhangs the base portion on opposing sides. The self-mating fastener includes an electrically conductive contact element proximate to the rail element.

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: 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: A system and methods for sterilizing or disinfecting articles, particularly the hollow internal areas of medical instruments are disclosed. The system includes a plasma generator having an electrode, a shield, and a dielectric gap between the electrode and the shield. A source of electrical power is connected to the plasma generator for applying an electron energy density between the electrode and the shield. A source of gas comprising water vapor, oxygen and nitrogen provides a flow of gas between the electrode and the shield, to form a plasma containing acidic and/or oxidizing species. In the exemplary system, the temperature at the shield's surface is <150° C. when the electron energy density is >0.05 eV/molecule of the gas. Also disclosed is a method for disinfecting an article contaminated with a bio-film or spores, by exposing the contaminated article to the plasma for an exposure time sufficient to achieve at least 2-log10 reduction in colony forming units.

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: A wipe article includes a substrate, a cationic coating disposed on a surface of the substrate, distributed throughout the substrate, or both. The cationic coating contains a guanidinyl-containing polymer that is crosslinked and bound to the substrate. The substrate includes sponge, nonwoven fabric, or woven fabric. The wipes are useful for removing microorganisms from a microorganism-contaminated surface and also for reducing re-contamination of the cleaned surface or transfer to another surface of the removed microorganisms.

Abstract: A wipe article includes a substrate, a cationic coating disposed on a surface of the substrate, distributed throughout the substrate, or both. The cationic coating contains a guanidinyl-containing polymer that is crosslinked and bound to the substrate. The substrate includes sponge, nonwoven fabric, or woven fabric. The wipes are useful for removing microorganisms from a microorganism-contaminated surface and also for reducing re-contamination of the cleaned surface or transfer to another surface of the removed microorganisms.

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.