Abstract: The disclosure provides methods and materials suitable for preparing coating layers on substrates. The coatings comprise quaternary amine groups and therefore impart anti-bacterial properties to the substrate. In one embodiment, for example, there is provided a quaternary amine-containing polymeric coating comprising propylene and ethylene repeat units.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods of preparing antimicrobial elastomeric articles that include an elastomeric article having an antimicrobial coating provided thereon. The antimicrobial elastomeric articles exhibit enhanced ability to reduce or eliminate microbes that come in contact with the article. Certain aspects of the invention are further directed to methods of packaging the antimicrobial elastomeric articles, where the packaged antimicrobial articles exhibit antimicrobial effectiveness for an extended period of time as compared to unpackaged antimicrobial articles. Antimicrobial elastomeric articles and packaged antimicrobial elastomeric articles prepared in accordance with the methods of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes extracts of the pre-sporulation (preconidial) mycelial stage of entomopathogenic fungi as insect attractants and/or pathogens. The fungus can be cultivated on grain, wood, agricultural wastes or other cellulosic material. More than one fungus and substrate can be used in combination.

Abstract: Barrier treatment compositions using conidia of entomopathogenic fungi and methods for applying and using the same for bed bug population control and prevention are disclosed. The compositions and methods of the invention provide residual biopesticides control for bed bug populations using barrier treatment compositions transferring conidia of entomopathogenic fungi to a population of bed bugs providing effective kill within about 24 hours to about 10 days. The compositions and methods provide significantly enhanced horizontal transmission of the conidia of the entomopathogenic fungi providing enhanced bed bug control without detrimental effects of bed bug tolerance, resistance and/or negative impact on humans or animals contacting the residual biopesticides.

Abstract: An antimicrobial composition for coating a medical device. The antimicrobial composition includes a polymeric film forming material and an antimicrobial agent comprising a material selected from the group of extract of Houttuynia cordata, sodium houttuyfonate, sodium new houttuyfonate and mixtures thereof. A medical device having an antimicrobial composition that includes a material selected from the group of extract of Houttuynia cordata, sodium houttuyfonate, sodium new houttuyfonate and mixtures thereof and a method for making same are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel process for preparing organically modified sheet silicates in high purity. The process of the invention uses ion exchange resins for this purpose.

Abstract: Disclosure is provided for 1,4,5-substituted amino imidazole compounds useful to control microbial growth, compositions including these compounds, devices including these compounds, and methods of using the same.

Abstract: Disclosed is an antibacterial sheet including an antibacterial composition and a sheet-like base member with the antibacterial composition attached thereto. In the antibacterial sheet, a composition including an antibacterial agent and a water-soluble thermoplastic polymer which is solid at a normal temperature and which dissolves in a body fluid is used as the antibacterial composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides antimicrobial solutions that comprise at least one alcohol, at least one antimicrobial agent and at least one chelator and/or anticoagulant. Also provided are methods for rapidly reducing a microbe or a virus from surfaces including surfaces of indwelling medical devices and organic surfaces such as skin and sutures, and inorganic surfaces such as hospital equipment, pipelines etc.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to providing antimicrobial compositions consisting of a polymeric material and, embedded therein, an antimicrobial compound. The antimicrobial compound contains at least one quaternary ammonium group, at least one hydrocarbon chain comprising a minimum of 10 carbon atoms and a maximum of 24 carbon atoms, and one or more anions to balance the charge of the quaternary ammonium groups. The invention is also directed to a method of making antimicrobial compositions containing an antimicrobial compound embedded in a polymeric material.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for the control and management of wildlife populations (including domesticated animals) and pests such as birds including geese, deer and other herbivore such as rabbits, ground hogs, raccoons, moose and elk, tunneling animals such as moles, voles and gophers and insects, carnivores and other organisms. Specifically provided are geraniol oil-based formulations which may be applied to natural or artificial surfaces. Also provided are pest control systems incorporating the use of repellent or attractant formulations.

Abstract: A process for deterring behavior of pets which includes providing a device comprising a reflective metalized plastic sheet having a thickness of about 0.5 to 10.0 mils, having a reflective and non-reflective side and capable of making a sound when the sheet is flexed by pressure from a pet, a fibrous layer, and a decorative fabric layer, where the layers are joined together to form the device, and the reflective side of said reflective plastic layer is oriented outward, where the device is capable of being folded or rolled-up, and when placed on an object, the device deters pets from getting on said object.

Abstract: The present invention provides an antiseptic composition comprising a germinant and an antimicrobial agent, wherein the germinant increases a pathogen's susceptibility to attack from the antimicrobial agent and wherein the antimicrobial agent does not inhibit the germinant. The present invention also provides an antiseptic wipe, handwash or paint comprising such antiseptic composition and a method of sterilizing a surface using such a composition.

Abstract: Silver nanoparticles associated with 20 to 80% by weight of a biocomponent of the genus Lactobacillus, said silver nanoparticles having a ratio of the average particle size to the specific surface area (BET) of from 0.015 to 0.

Abstract: A bactericidal or antimicrobial polymeric composition includes a hydrophilic first comonomer copolymerized to a second comonomer to produce a polymeric composition that is more hydrophilic or more bactericidal or antimicrobial in an aqueous solution than either of the comonomers alone. Methods for identifying bactericidal or antimicrobial polymers, methods for rendering materials bactericidal or antimicrobial, and methods for using bactericidal or antimicrobial compositions to kill or reduce bacterial or microbial growth are also described. Applications for the inventive compositions include their use in catheters, stents, medical devices, contact lenses; root canal fillers; fibers; paper; and/or wound dressing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral composition with excellent sterilizing power, deodorization and adhesion activity, an application thereof, and a method for preparing the same. The composition with sterilizing activity against bacteria, fungus and virus comprises colloidal silver particles in an amount of from 11 wt % to 15 wt %, titanium dioxide nanoparticles in an amount of from 18 wt % to 25 wt %, a dispersion stabilizer in an amount of from 0.01 wt % to 10 wt %, a binder in an amount of from 0.1 wt % to 4 wt %, and a balance of water in an amount required to form 100 wt %.

Abstract: A method for preparing a neutral, stable and transparent photocatalytic titanium dioxide sol is provided. The method comprises (1) contacting an alkaline titanium dioxide sol with an alkaline peptizing agent to provide a peptized alkaline titanium dioxide sol; (2) neutralizing the peptized alkaline titanium dioxide sol; and (3) obtaining or collecting the neutral, stable and transparent photocatalytic titanium dioxide sol. The titanium dioxide sol is stable and transparent over a range of pH of about 7.0 to about 9.5. The titanium dioxide sol may include crystallites of titanium dioxide having an average particle size of less than about 10 nm with at least 90% of the crystallites being in the anatase form.

Abstract: Medical implants are provided which release a fluoropyrimidine or an analog thereof, thereby inhibiting or reducing the incidence of infection associated with the implant.

Abstract: Provided are compositions comprising (a) a propylene-alpha-olefin copolymer comprising at least about 50%, by weight of the propylene-alpha-olefin copolymer, of propylene-derived units and about 5% to about 35%, by weight of the propylene-alpha-olefin copolymer, of units derived from at least one of ethylene or a C4-10 alpha-olefin, wherein the polypropylene-alpha-olefin copolymer has a heat of fusion of about 75 J/g or less, melting point of about 100° C. or less, and crystallinity of about 2% to about 65% of isotactic polypropylene; and (b) a pesticide, preferably a pyrethroid; films, filaments, fibers, sheets, molded objects, extruded articles, woven or non-woven materials, yarns, or mosquito nets made therefrom; and methods of their manufacture.

Abstract: Pesticidal compositions and articles providing topical application of a mixture of (1) a macrolide of the avermectin/milbemycin class, such as, but not limited to ivermectin, abamectin, or milbemectin, and (2) a synergist of the aryl aliphatic ether-class, such as, but not limited to piperonyl butoxide, present in (3) a weight ratio of synergist:macrolide that is great than 1:1. The compositions and articles demonstrate efficacy, even in point-of-contact applications, against various pests of domestic animals, such as, but not limited to arthropod ectoparasites including horn flies and buffalo flies. Methods are provided in which compositions can be employed as pour-ons, spot-ons, dusts, or sprays for direct topical application to the domestic animal; or in which articles comprising a polymer resin base, such as an ear tag, from which the active ingredients of the composition can be released, are affixed to the animal to provide long-term delivery.

Abstract: An aqueous composition with a higher-than-neutral pH includes a significant amount of one or more surfactants and large amounts of osmotically active solutes. This composition, as well as an acidic counterpart and solid materials, can be used in a variety of applications such as wound care, oral care, medical equipment reprocessing, healthcare acquired infection and implant treatment.

Abstract: Novel antimicrobial compositions and coatings are disclosed. The antimicrobial compositions consist of mixtures of taurolidine and protamine, including protamine salts. The antimicrobial compositions are particularly useful in coatings for implantable medical devices. The antimicrobial compositions are effective against a broad spectrum of microbes.

Abstract: A process of preparing articles having gaseous NO sequestered therein is disclosed, as well as articles prepared thereby. Also disclosed are articles having gaseous NO sequestered therewithin and having reduced amount of oxygen-containing and/or nitrogen-containing reactive species. Also disclosed are processes of preparing packaged articles having a non-gas permeable package that comprises gaseous NO therein and packaged articles made therefrom. Also disclosed are charging devices which can be utilized in the above-described processes. The articles prepared by the above-described processes are preferably medical devices such as indwelling catheters, intubation devices and tampons. Tampons having sequestered therein gaseous NO, uses thereof and processes of preparing same are also disclosed.

Abstract: Use of dried compositions of silver dihydrogen citrate along with citric acid in antimicrobial amounts directly as disinfectants is described.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds, compositions and methods for biofilm disruption and prevention. In particular, the invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions for the disruption of biofilm and prevention of biofilm in patients. The invention also relates to anti-biofouling compositions for the disruption of biofilm and prevention of biofilm on surfaces. The invention also relates to the removal of biological material from surfaces. The compositions of the invention include microbial deoxyribonucleases.

Abstract: A method of repelling sharks for limiting their attacking a surfboard user comprises applying a conventional surfboard traction improving solid wax that also incorporates a shark repellent such as a surfactant, a capsaicinoid or a semiochemical in a concentration based on the “Johnson & Baldridge Test”. The extent of application is consequently sufficient to render the coated surfboard foul tasting when bitten by a shark but insufficient to reliably repel a shark in response to the dispersion in the water of the repellent. The invention extends to a shark repellent incorporating surfboard coating wax.

Abstract: Methods of protecting a crop from weed infestation, controlling weed growth, reducing fumigant dosage in crop protection, and reducing the growth of weeds by applying a polymer composite material with or without a biocide to soil, a crop, a vegetable, a weed, or combinations thereof are provided. In an aspect, the disclosure provides for a polymer composite material including a base polymer coated with: (1) a first barrier layer; (2) a second layer with our without a biocide; and (3) a third protective layer.

Abstract: The invention discussed is a durable Antimicrobial Strap made using a polymer material, including plastics or vinyl, or a combination thereof, which have been enhanced through the integration of antimicrobial material adapted to kill microbes. The Antimicrobial Strap may be used in applications including but not limited to gait belts, helmet harness, and seat belts in child safety seats where the strap controls the level of cross-contamination by killing unwanted microbes that contact the strap and thereby, prevents the spread of disease and infections.

Abstract: Polymer composite material with barrier functionality, in particular for the use in fumigation methods, comprising at least one base polymer compound and at least one barrier functional layer, wherein the barrier functional layer comprises at least one binder that is cross-linkable and after cross-linking capable of water absorbing and gel-forming.

Abstract: A process for limiting the growth of microorganisms comprises (a) providing an antimicrobial agent comprising fine-nanoscale gold on a support medium comprising nanoparticulate titania, the fine-nanoscale gold having been deposited on the support medium by physical vapor deposition; and (b) contacting at least one microorganism with the antimicrobial agent.

Abstract: Polymer composite material with biocide functionality, preferably for the use in agriculture, comprising at least one base polymer compound and at least one biocide active ingredient, wherein the biocide active ingredient is an organic biocide that can be emitted from the polymer composite material by diffusion and/or osmosis and method of its production.

Abstract: A fiber containing ferrate, which comprises (1) one or more ferrate compounds, wherein the ferrate compound is selected from a group consisting of a metal ferrate(V) compound, metal ferrate(VI) compound, and a mixture thereof; and (2) one or more nonaqueous polymers. Also, methods are disclosed that make and/or use the fibers.

Abstract: Wallboard and facing paper that provides increased mold resistance at lower biocide loadings. The biocide is: (a) an n-alkyl isothiazolinone such as octylisothiazolinone (OIT), a monohalo and dihalo substituted n-alkylisothiazolinone such as chloromethylisothiazolinone (CMIT) or dichlorooctylisothiazolinone (DCOIT), 3-iodo-2-propynyl-butylcarbamate (IPBC), chlorothalonil, methylene-bis-thiocyanate, or mixtures of two or more thereof; or (b) carbendazim and a second biocide selected from 3-iodo-2-propynyl-butylcarbamate (IPBC), diiodomethyltolylsulfone (DIMTS), sodium pyrithione, octylisothiazolinone (OIT), dichlorooctylisothiazolinone (DCOIT), and chlorothalonil.

Abstract: A band, bracelet, strip or patch to be worn around the wrist or ankle or removably attached to the back of the wearer's hand. Each article is treated with an anti-microbial agent (e.g., tea tree oil) that is capable of killing germs and potentially harmful bacteria. The band, bracelet, strip or patch is impregnated with the anti-microbial agent during manufacture or saturated with the agent by the wearer following manufacture. The agent is delivered to the skin (e.g., the hands) of the wearer by way of either dispersion (exudation) and migration (mixed with the wearer's normal body oil) or by direct touch contact with and transmission to the wearer's fingers so as to reduce the spread of illness and disease.

Abstract: Among other things, there is disclosed an improved wet wipe or similar substrate for applying an antibacterial/antibiotic layer to surfaces or other items. A wipe substrate is impregnated with a solution in water of organo-functional silane-based molecule, such as 3-(trihydroxysilyl) propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride and/or octadecyldimethyl trimethoxysilylpropyl ammonium chloride. Packages of multiple wipes for a consumer's pocket, home, business or other uses are also discussed.

Abstract: A highly antimicrobial composition having characteristics of a lactic acid polymer such as biodegradability is prepared by combining a lactic acid oligomer with a metal salt thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a molded article which is shaped of a polymer composition comprising 100 parts by weight of an olefin-based polymer, and 0.01 to 100 parts by weight of a C10-90 saturated chain hydrocarbon and/or liquid paraffin and 0.01 to 200 parts by weight of a releasable active compound per 100 parts by weight of said olefin-based polymer, and which is drawn at a draw ratio of 2 or more.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for treating planktonic bacteria or a biofilm. The methods include contacting the planktonic bacteria or biofilm with an effective amount of an isolated Citrobacter freundii colicin A polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide has an antibacterial activity against the planktonic bacteria or the biofilm. Methods are also provided herein for treating a subject that has a bacterial infection, for example caused by a biofilm. The methods can be used to treat a biofilm on a living or non-living surface. Also provided herein are Citrobacter freundii colicin A polypeptides that have an antibacterial activity against planktonic bacteria or surface attached bacteria, and nucleic acid sequences encoding the polypeptides. Medical devices comprising a surface having an antimicrobial effective amount of a Citrobacter freundii colicin A polypeptide, or a nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A low pH wipe is produced having no other buffering or modifying agents, using water only. The water has been modified by means of a reactor to produce an excess of hydronium ions to lower the pH.

Abstract: The present application relates to oligomeric antimicrobial compounds and compositions comprising the same. The oligomers are formed by polymerizing aminoalkyl (meth)acrylate or aminoalkyl (meth)acrylamide monomer(s). In addition to imparting materials with broad spectrum antimicrobial activity, the oligomers can impart antimicrobial activity to substrates such as hair and skin.

Abstract: A cleaning swab for cleaning, disinfecting, and sealing underneath fingernails. The swab features an elongated shaft having a first end and a second end. A first absorbent component is disposed on the first end of the elongated shaft. The first absorbent component is impregnated with a solution with at least six of the following: keratin, equisetum arvense, carrageenan, aucoumea klaineana extract, ginseng root extract, vitamin C, and tea tree oil.

Abstract: A method comprises preventing or inhibiting bacterial adhesion and/or bacterial biofilm development by treating a substrate with a composition of a soluble group II capsular polysaccharide obtained from a bacterial strain.

Abstract: In accordance with the present disclosure, compositions and methods are described for potentiating the effectiveness of insecticides with which materials or objects are treated or impregnated to reduce or eliminate insect populations that infest or inhabit materials, articles and furnishings associated with human or animal use. Materials or articles may be treated or impregnated with compositions comprising one or more insecticides in combination with one or more potentiating agents that effectively promote the movement or aggregation of insects to a designated area that has been treated or impregnated with insecticide, and delivery devices containing a potentiating agent or agents may be associated with a material or article that has been previously treated or impregnated with insecticide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymer composition comprising 100 parts by weight of an olefin-based polymer, and 0.01 to 100 parts by weight of a C1-10 alcohol and 0.01 to 200 parts by weight of a releasable active compound different from said alcohol, per 100 parts by weight of said olefin-based polymer.

Abstract: The subject invention relates in part to the oral administration of ecdysteroids for controlling subterranean termites. Preferred ecdysteroids for use according to the subject invention are ecdysone, certain ecdysone analogs, and 20-hydroxyecdysone, for example. In some preferred embodiments, one or more of these compounds is used in a termite bait in combination with one or more chitin synthesis inhibitors. Thus, the subject invention also relates in part to controlling termites by the use of a chitin synthesis inhibitor (CSI), such as hexaflumuron and/or noviflumuron, together with an ecdysteroid (and analogs thereof) or molt-accelerating compound (MAC), such as halofenozide. The subject invention also relates to mixtures comprising these two active ingredients. The MAC/ecdysteroid analog induces a preliminary molting event in termite workers (they could not complete the molting), which then allows the CSI to further disrupt the molt and cause mortality.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymer composition comprising 100 parts by weight of an olefin-based polymer, and 0.01 to 100 parts by weight of an ester having a HLB value of 4 or less and 0.01 to 200 parts by weight of a releasable active compound per 100 parts by weight of said olefin-based polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymer composition comprising 100 parts by weight of an olefin-based polymer, and 0.01 to 100 parts by weight of a branched fatty acid and 0.01 to 200 parts by weight of a releasable active compound per 100 parts by weight of said olefin-based polymer.

Abstract: A cationic star polymer is disclosed of the general formula (1): I??P?]w???(1), wherein w? is a positive number greater than or equal to 3, I? is a dendritic polyester core covalently linked to w? independent peripheral linear cationic polymer chains P?. Each of the chains P? comprises a cationic repeat unit comprising i) a backbone functional group selected from the group consisting of aliphatic carbonates, aliphatic esters, aliphatic carbamates, aliphatic ureas, aliphatic thiocarbamates, aliphatic dithiocarbonates, and combinations thereof, and ii) a side chain comprising a quaternary amine group. The quaternary amine group comprises a divalent methylene group directly covalently linked to i) a positive charged nitrogen and ii) an aromatic ring.

Abstract: This invention pertains to method for imparting a durable antimicrobial activity to substrates, particularly textiles. An acetate-free metal and peroxide antimicrobial treatment formulation is prepared by adjusting the pH of a mixture of a metal salt in aqueous hydrogen peroxide to about 7.5. The substrate is treated with the composition and dried to afford the treated substrate with antimicrobial activity. Zinc salts, ions, or complexes are preferred.

Abstract: A covalently crosslinked hydrogel comprises a) three or more divalent poly(alkylene oxide) chains P? covalently linked at respective first end units to a branched first core group C?, b) three or more divalent poly(alkylene oxide) chains P? covalently linked at respective first end units to a branched second core group C?, the chains P? comprising respective second end units which are covalently linked to between 0% and 100% of respective second end units of chains P? by divalent linking groups L?, and c) at least one pendant cationic block copolymer chain A?-B?. A?-B? comprises i) a divalent block A? comprising a poly(alkylene oxide) backbone chain having an end unit covalently linked to a second end unit of one of the chains P? by a divalent linking group L?, and ii) a monovalent block B? comprising a first repeat unit, the first repeat unit comprising a backbone carbonate group and a cationic side chain group.