Abstract: An extruded component formed from an extruded material having antimicrobial components is disclosed. The extruded material may be formed from polymers and formed into a generally elongated shape. The antibacterial components may be included within at least a portion of the material forming the extruded component. The extruded component may be a filament and may include silver glass particles. In some embodiments, the extruded component may be a single component system, a bi-component system, or a tri-component system.

Abstract: An extruded component formed from an extruded material having antimicrobial components is disclosed. The extruded material may be formed from polymers and formed into a generally elongated shape. The antibacterial components may be included within at least a portion of the material forming the extruded component. The extruded component may be a filament and may include silver glass particles. In some embodiments, the extruded component may be a single component system, a bi-component system, or a tri-component system.

Abstract: An antibacterial bandage formed from at least one foam with at least one antimicrobial agent and at least one hemostatic agent is disclosed. The at least one antimicrobial agent and the at least one hemostatic agent may be mixed with materials forming the foam during manufacture of the at least one foam.

Abstract: A method of producing a metallized polymeric foam that produces an anti-microbial material using an advanced method of metallizing polymeric foam with a metal, such as silver. The foam material may be polyurethane, polyester, polyether, or a combination thereof. The method provides a 3-dimensional surface coating of the metal. The metallized substrate is durable and highly adherent. Such metallized foam is a highly effective filter and/or an anti-microbial product. The mechanism of filtration is mainly due to Vander Der Wal attraction. The anti-microbial activity may be due, in part, to the release of select metal ions as a response to stimuli.

Abstract: An extruded component formed from an extruded material having antimicrobial components is disclosed. The extruded material may be formed from polymers and formed into a generally elongated shape. The antibacterial components may extend from an outer surface of the extruded material radially outward. A color dye coating may be placed on the outer surface of the extruded material. The antibacterial component may be sized such that the color dye coating may be applied to the outer surface of the extruded material without compromising the effectiveness of the antibacterial component.

Abstract: A conductive composite material formed from an organic polymer base, a highly conductive metal interlayer, and an electroless nickel top layer is described. The composite material may be electrically conductive and resistant to corrosion. The highly conductive metal interlayer may be silver or copper. An electroless nickel plating process is described that efficiently deposits the nickel top layer without the use of, surfactants, and stabilizers at low temperatures. The method enables reduction of substantially all of a nickel salt onto the silver surface leaving a spent bath solution free of nickel that can be recycled.

Abstract: A compression stretch bandage formed from at least one layer of a stretchable, textile material forming a body of the bandage, a base material attached to the stretchable, textile material on a first side, and a silver material attached to the base material for reducing risk of infection. The bandage may be a flexible, stretchable, hydrophilic bandage that reduce the risk of infection at a wound by providing a moist environment that will aid in optimum release of silver ions into the wound.

Abstract: A conductive composite material formed from an organic polymer base, a highly conductive metal interlayer, and an electroless nickel top layer is described. The composite material may be electrically conductive and resistant to corrosion. The highly conductive metal interlayer may be silver or copper. An electroless nickel plating process is described that efficiently deposits the nickel top layer without the use of, surfactants, and stabilizers at low temperatures. The method enables reduction of substantially all of a nickel salt onto the silver surface leaving a spent bath solution free of nickel that can be recycled.

Abstract: A method of producing metal-containing particles. The metal-containing particles are micro-sized and/or nano-sized particles. The particles may have anti-microbial properties depending on the metal used. For embodiments wherein silver is used, the particles may also provide and-fungal properties, anti-static properties, electromagnetic interference shielding, and/or conductive properties. The particles may range in size from about 0.01 to about 300 ?m.

Abstract: A multilayer breathable fabric providing protection against microbial growth, along with anti-odor, anti-static, heat and moisture transfer is disclosed. The breathable fabric includes, in certain embodiments, a membrane containing a porous scaffold material having a void volume and an interconnecting microstructure, and may have a resin composition applied to at least one surface of the scaffold material. The fabric further includes silver-containing substrate placed in contact with the membrane, the silver-containing substrate being secured to the membrane by an adhesive system.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the metal ion release rate of a substrate having a coating of a metal thereon. The method includes the steps of forming the metal-coated substrate and then subjecting the metal-coated substrate to a step that removes portions of the metal coating to form at least one notch in the metal coating, thereby increasing the surface area of the metal coating. The increased surface area enhances the metal ion release rate of the substrate. The metal may be silver. A silver-coated substrate may be used in the formation of medical products having increased antimicrobial and/or anti-fungal characteristics.

Abstract: An improved method for plating an organic substrate with silver is disclosed. Improved plating is achieved in part through the use of Na4EDTA, which facilitates improved grain formation and recovery of silver from waste material. Articles prepared using the method of the invention are also disclosed.