Abstract: The present invention provides hydrogels and methods of making hydrogels with precisely controlled levels of chemical compositions by mixing one or more monomers in a plasma reactor; polymerizing the one or more monomers into a polymer; crosslinking the polymer to form a hydrogel; immersing the hydrogel in a first solution; and adsorbing one or more solute species from the solution, wherein the one or more solute species are released at controlled rates.

Abstract: A hydrophilic composition and a hydrophilic member obtained by using the composition are provided, which composition contains a hydrophilic polymer having a specific structure of having a hydrolysable group in the side chain thereof in a content of 50% by weight or more based on the weight of the solid components and further contains an additive having an antifungal property, and which composition shows excellent water resistance and maintains the high hydrophilicity even after being stored for a long period under an environment of high temperature and high humidity.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions comprising at least one nitric oxide donor and at least one second therapeutically active agent with antimicrobial or wound healing capability. In one embodiment, the nitric oxide donor is a nanoparticle which is designed to control for the amount and duration of release of nitric oxide. The nanoparticle may further comprise the additional therapeutically active agent. The composition is useful for enhancing wound healing and for treating and preventing microbial infection. In one embodiment, the composition is directed toward reducing oral bacteria or dental plaque. The combination of one or more nitric oxide donors and one or more additional therapeutically active agent results in unexpected synergistic effects, wherein both the antimicrobial efficacy of the nitric oxide and the antimicrobial or wound healing efficacy of the second therapeutically active agent are enhanced.

Abstract: The invention relates to the treatment of burn injuries. Described are methods for modulating a burn injury in a subject, the method comprising providing the subject with a gene-regulatory peptide or functional analogue thereof, e.g., LQG, AQG, LQGV (SEQ ID NO:1), AQGV (SEQ ID NO:2), LQGA (SEQ ID NO:3), VLPALP (SEQ ID NO:4), ALPALP (SEQ ID NO:5), VAPALP (SEQ ID NO:6), ALPALPQ (SEQ ID NO:7), VLPAAPQ (SEQ ID NO:8), VLPALAQ (SEQ ID NO:9), LAGV (SEQ ID NO:10), VLAALP (SEQ ID NO:11), VLPALA (SEQ ID NO:12), VLPALPQ (SEQ ID NO:13), VLAALPQ (SEQ ID NO:14), VLAPALPA (SEQ ID NO:15), GVLPALP (SEQ ID NO:16), LPGC (SEQ ID NO:17), MTRV (SEQ ID NO:20), MTR, or VVC. Also described is the use of an NF-kappaB down-regulating peptide or functional analogue thereof for the production of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of burn injury of a subject.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a biologically active device with a main body made from a polymer, in which bioactive nanoparticles of one or several materials are embedded, wherein the nanoparticles of at least one material proliferatively act on a biological material contacted by the device, and wherein nanoparticles of a different material act in an anti-proliferative manner on biological material in the ambience of the device. The invention is also directed to a method of manufacturing a biologically active device with a main body made from a polymer, wherein nanoparticles of several different materials are dispersed in an injection-moldable fluid, and the fluid is shaped into the polymer main body by means of injection molding and curing, such that the nanoparticles are dispersed in the bulk of the polymer main body.

Abstract: A wound dressing comprising an antimicrobial absorbent layer containing silver, and an apertured sheet covering the antimicrobial absorbent layer, wherein the apertured sheet is formed from a liquid-impermeable sheet material having an array of apertures therein, said apertures having a mean effective diameter of from about 0.5 mm to about 2 mm, and wherein the percentage open area of the apertured sheet is from about 7% to about 25%. The selection of apertures in this range provides enhanced antimicrobial efficacy.

Abstract: An adhesive composition is provided that is water-insoluble yet water-absorbent, i.e., capable of absorbing up to 15 wt. % water or more. The composition is composed of a film-forming hydrophilic polymer with at least one linear segment having a plurality of recurring polar groups along the polymer backbone, a complementary multifunctional polymer with a plurality of recurring functional groups that noncovalently bind to the polar groups on the film-forming polymer, and a plasticizer. A method for manufacturing the adhesive composition is provided as well.

Abstract: Layered phyllosilicates are useful for adsorbing and/or binding to and, thereby, inactivating viruses, bacteria and fungi. Accordingly, provided herein are methods of inactivating a virus, bacteria or fungus and methods of treating a viral, bacterial or fungal infection. Methods of delivering a therapeutic agent to a mammalian subject and methods of inactivating a virus in the gastrointestinal tract of an animal are also provided.

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: An external medicine includes an active hydrogen generating agent, which generates active hydrogen by bringing multiple agents into contact, and/ or an active hydrogen generating agent, which activates generated hydrogen molecules.

Abstract: Described are medical compositions including a collagenous ECM particulate dispersed in a carrier. Such medical compositions can be applied to at least a portion of a surface of a sheet of collagenous ECM material to form a medical product. Medical compositions and products as described herein find particular use in wound repair. Related methods of manufacture and use are also described.

Abstract: The invention discloses an anti-bacterial composition and method for producing the same. The anti-bacterial composition of the invention includes an organic siloxane material which comprises an amino group, and a plurality of silver atoms. Particularly, the organic siloxane material has a meshed structure, and the plurality of silver atoms are bonded to the amino group and are well dispersed in the meshed structure.

Abstract: Modified mineral-based fillers with enhanced retention of at least one active ingredient and/or enhanced antimicrobial capabilities are described. The materials comprise at least one mineral-based filler subjected to at least one modification process, which may be either a cationic modification process, a surface adsorption process, a surface retention process, or a combination thereof, with at least one active ingredient, followed by at least one thermal treatment. The at least one active ingredient may be a metal substance or other biocide, fungicide, mildewcide, antibiotic, insecticide, preservative, or antimicrobial agent. Methods for enhancing the antimicrobial activity of products in applications such as polymers, clothing, surgical equipment, coatings, and paints are also described.

Abstract: A web material encompasses a bonded fibrous material web of cellulose material that is made of a layer of cellulose fibers that are press-bonded in sections of the fibrous material web. One or several antimicrobial substances are contained in the fibrous material web. The antimicrobial substances are selected from finely dispersed silver and silver salts, antimicrobial metal oxides, solid inorganic acids, solid organic acids, and biocides.

Abstract: The multifunctional paint is based on a highly porous inorganic substance created by a reaction of at least two components. TiO2 nanoparticles are attached to the surface of this substance. The first component is a water insoluble calcium compound and the second component is a water soluble sulfate. The method of applying the multifunctional paint on the surface is that the first component containing the water suspension of the insoluble calcium compound is applied on the treated area first and subsequently a mixture of TiO2 nanoparticles suspended in the water solution of the second component is applied over the first layer. Another way is to apply a water suspension of the first component containing also TiO2 nanoparticles on the treated surface and then deposit the water solution of the second component on the layer. A mixture of all components can be also applied on the treated area at once.

Abstract: Disclosed is a functional agricultural product and a method for cultivating the same. The functional agricultural product is characterized in that metallic nano particles are absorbed into the agricultural products in a particle form. Also, in the method for cultivating the functional agricultural products, a metallic nano particle colloid, in which the metallic nano particles are dispersed in water or an electrolyte, is supplied into the agricultural products. Hence, the agricultural products containing metals hard to be ionized can be cultivated by low cost.

Abstract: An antimicrobial composition comprising metal particles that may be silver, copper, or gold together with a surfactant such as benzalkonium chloride in a liquid medium, which is preferably deionized water, that will not react with the other constituents of the antimicrobial composition. Preferably, the composition also comprises a source of iodine, such as poly(vinyl pyrrolidone)-iodine complex. And a substrate carrier having the same type of metal as the particles deposited onto it may also be introduced into the liquid medium. The metal particles are preferably nanoparticles but may be in the micron size, in the submicron size, or bulk particles.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions comprising a compound based on the general formula (I) R1-Arg-R2—NH—CH(R3)—CH2—NH—R4??(I) The composition may be used to eliminate and/or reduce microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa.

Abstract: Compositions are provided for promoting healing of tissue of a vertebrate organism. The compositions can be for internal administration of a therapeutically effective amount of pharmacologically active, protease inhibiting, aqueous media soluble polysulfonated materials in salt form and associated with a secondary material to reduce one or more of inflammation, bacterial proliferation, proteolytic activity, and cancerous cell growth. The compositions may additionally or alternatively be cross-linked so as to alter the solubility of these pharmacologically active salts or slow dissolution by providing biodegradable cross-linkers. Compositions for healing the tissue of a multicellular organism are provided that can include a polysulfonated material in a liquid mixture, as solid particles or constructs that may or may not biodegrade or deliver a pharmacologically relevant value.

Abstract: A non-toxic environmentally friendly aqueous disinfectant is disclosed for specific use as prevention against contamination by potentially pathogenic bacteria and virus. The aqueous disinfectant is formulated by electrolytically generating silver ions in water in combination with a citric acid. The aqueous disinfectant may include a suitable alcohol and/or a detergent. The aqueous disinfectant has been shown to be very effective at eliminating standard indicator organisms such as staphylococcus aureus, salmonella cholerasuis and pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Abstract: A device for treating a skin condition is provided. The device comprises a delivery system for administering a composition to the skin disorder. The delivery system includes an electrode for delivering a composition to the skin of a person and a counter electrode. The device also includes a drainage system which includes a channel for removing material from a person's skin and a pump in communication with the channel The device further includes a control system for powering and controlling the electrode system.

Abstract: A method of preparing silver triangular bipyramids having a high shape selectivity and low edge length variation is disclosed. Also disclosed are silver triangular bipyramids prepared by this method.

Abstract: Functional particulate carrier materials with enhanced retention capabilities are described. The materials comprise at least one functional particulate carrier material subjected to at least one surface treatment, and at least one active ingredient. The at least one surface treatment may be at least one physical surface treatment and/or at least one chemical surface treatment with at least one surface treating agent. The at least one active ingredient may be a biocide, a fungicide, a mildewcide, an antibiotic, an insecticide, a preservative, or an antimicrobial agent. Methods for enhancing the performance of plastics and liquid-based media, for example, coatings and paints, are also described by increasing the retention factors of active ingredients in those plastics and media through surface treatment of functional particulate carrier materials.

Abstract: A polymer composition that includes a hydrophilic polymer, an optional secondary organic polymer, and a bioactive agent distributed therein, wherein the bioactive agent is selected from the group consisting of a silver compound, a copper compound, a zinc compound, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nanoparticle composition comprising cellulose nanofibers embedded with nanosized material. More particularly the present invention relates to cellulose nanofibers embedded with silver or iron oxide embedded silver. In addition the present invention is also related to the preparation of the cellulose nanofibers embedded with nanosized material. The nanoparticle composition is antibacterial in nature and can be utilized in various antibacterial applications.

Abstract: Provided herein are powder-free elastomeric articles exhibiting good antimicrobial and anti-blocking properties. Also provided herein are methods for the manufacture of such articles substantially free from antimicrobial interfering materials, as well as packaging means for maintaining antimicrobial efficacy.

Abstract: A process for mineralizing a particulate organic material includes providing particles of a non-porous, swellable organic material, and contacting the particles with a solution containing at least one cation and a solution containing at least one anion, thereby obtaining the mineralized particulate organic material.

Abstract: A waterline treatment system for treating and preventing biofilms in a dental unit includes a plurality of noncontiguous silver and copper pieces in a ratio between about 8:3 to 10:1, in order to maintain less than 200 colony forming units per milliliter in the water. The waterline treatment device may include a housing, optionally equipped with a flotation mechanism. The water treatment device may be packaged in a kit along with a pre-treatment liquid component that includes colloidal silver.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of stable atomic quantum clusters (AQC) with antimicrobial activity. The stable AQCs include at least 500 metal atoms (Mn, n<500), the metals being selected from among Au, Ag, Co, Cu, Pt, Fe, Cr, Pd, Ni, Rh, Pb or bi- or multi-metallic combinations thereof. Said AQCs are used as antimicrobial agents, antifungal agents and biocides at concentrations of the order of between 1 nM and 100 nM or more in relation to atoms of the corresponding metal. The antimicrobial activity is specific to both the type of metal and size of cluster used.

Abstract: Devices are provided which are functionalized to include surface regions having anti-infective agents. Methods are provided for functionalizing various material surfaces to include active surface regions for binding anti-infective agents. Methods are provided by which anti-infective moieties or agents are bonded to functionalized surfaces.

Abstract: An antiviral composition and a method of treating viral conditions comprising colloidal silver and an antiviral natural herb or a natural herb from the Rutaceae family, such as Ruta graveolens, Myrtaceae family, such as Melaleuca alternifolia, Cupressaceae family, such as Thuja occidentalis, and the Moraceae family, such as unripe fig, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to combinations of pyrimethanil, or a salt thereof, and silver compounds which provide an improved biocidal effect. More particularly, the present invention relates to compositions comprising a combination of pyrimethanil, or a salt thereof, together with one or more silver salts selected from silver acetate, silver alginate, silver azide, silver citrate, silver lactate, silver nitrate, silver sulfate, silver chloride, silver thiocyanate, silver-sodium-hydrogen-zirconium phosphate, silver sulfadiazine, silver cyclohexanediacetic acid and disilver 2,5-dichloro-3,6-dihydroxy-2,5-cyclohexadiene-1,4-dione; in respective proportions to provide a synergistic biocidal effect.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods by which surface modification techniques can be used to modify wide range polymeric or metal substrates using metal nanoparticles.

Abstract: A topical semisolid (gel) formulation of nanoparticles of silver comprising about 0.001% w/w to about 1% w/w of silver by weight of the total mass of the formulation with its particle size in the range of 0.1 to 150 nanometer; about 0.5% w/w to about 25% w/w of at least one gel forming agent by weight of the total mass of the formulation; about 25% w/w to 60% w/w of at least of one co-solvent by weight of the total mass of the formulation; about 1% w/w to 50% w/w of purified water by weight of the total mass of the formulation and other optional adjuvants wherein the nanoparticle size of the silver enhances the therapeutic action of the formulation.

Abstract: Antiseptic compositions and kits containing a source of silver ions and menthol, which act in synergy such that a concentration of silver ions in the composition is substantially reduced, are disclosed. Further disclosed are uses of the antiseptic compositions as disinfectants and in the treatment of wounds.

Abstract: An antimicrobial composition is provided having a mole ratio of equivalents of silver ion to equivalents of anion of greater than 1. The invention further relates to antimicrobial compositions composed of silver ions and silver salt particles. Also provided are methods for using the compositions of the invention for the treatment of a subject, and methods for conferring antimicrobial protection to an object.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a silver-based inorganic antimicrobial agent that has excellent heat resistance and chemical resistance, that gives little resin coloration, and that has excellent processability. It has been found that the object can be attained by a silver ion-containing zirconium phosphate represented by Formula (1) below by limiting the production conditions to wet synthesis, and the present invention has thus been accomplished. Aga MbZrc(PO4)3.nH2O??(1) In Formula (1), M is at least one type of ion selected from an alkali metal ion, a hydrogen ion, and an ammonium ion, a, b, and c are positive numbers and satisfy 1.5?c?2 and a+b+4c=9, and n is no greater than 2.

Abstract: A method of producing a hydrophilic polyurethane foam structure containing a silver salt, chosen from the group of silver sulphate, silver citrate, silver acetate, silver carbonate, silver lactate and silver phosphate, or a mixture of these salts includes the steps of (a) providing a water phase containing a surfactant, and at least one silver salt, wherein the at least one silver salt is dispersed in the water phase; (b) providing a isocyanate-terminated polyether having functionality of more than (2); (c) mixing the water phase and the isocyanate-terminated polyether, immediately transferring the resulting mixture to a mould whereby a foam structure is obtained; and (d) drying the foam structure until it has a moisture content of at most 10% (wt). The hydrophilic polyurethane foam structure produced by the method and a wound dressing containing the foam structure are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stable pyrithione salt polyol dispersion containing a pyrithione salt(s) in particulate form, a polyol and a stabilizer such as a rheological additive. The dispersion can be incorporated into existing polyurethane formulations without additional formula adjustment. Polyurethane foams produced from the composition containing pyrithione salt polyol dispersion of the present invention have more open cell structures, than those produced with a typical commercially available pyrithione salt thus providing a soft comfortable feeling.

Abstract: Disclosed are a hydrogel dressing for covering or treating a wound and a method for preparing the same. The hydrogel dressing includes a matrix structure of a cross-linked mixture, and an elastic sheet coated with an elementary metal or ionic metal embodied in the matrix structure. The mixture comprises a hydrophilic polymer, about 0.5 to about 5 wt % of a photocatalyst agent and at least 80 wt % of water based on the total weight of the mixture.

Abstract: A composition with antimicrobial efficacy has at least one or more polymers; or polymerizable or crosslinkable monomers; or polymerizable or crosslinkable prepolymers; or polymerizable or crosslinkable polymers; and porous glass particles which contain an antimicrobial silver additive.

Abstract: Methods of growing and harvesting multiple species of phytoplankton are disclosed herein. The method generally includes four steps, namely: (1) collecting phytoplankton seawater containing multiple species of naturally-occurring phytoplankton directly from a source of seawater; (2) adding nutrients to the phytoplankton seawater to proliferate the multiple species of naturally-occurring phytoplankton to a predetermined density; (3) separating the multiple species of naturally-occurring phytoplankton from the phytoplankton seawater to form a phytoplankton concentrate; and (4) collecting the phytoplankton concentrate such that the collected phytoplankton of the phytoplankton concentrate remain in a substantially intact cellular state.

Abstract: An anti-amoebatic ophthalmologic compound which includes an inorganic carrier in which silver ions and hydrogen ions are added. The carrier includes silver ions and hydrogen ions in an amount of more than 1 ppm. The compound can be suspended in an aqueous solution. The aqueous solution may be controlled in a pH value of 5 to 8. The compound may be formed as a molded resinous piece containing an inorganic carrier including silver ions and hydrogen ions in an amount more than 0.01 wt %. The compound is stable, while sustaining a high anti-amoebatic property.

Abstract: A composition for dissolving or reducing the viscosity of sputum on a surface of a device includes an effective amount of glycerol and an effective amount of dextran sulfate in a saline solution. The effective amount of glycerol is between about 30-50% and the effective amount of dextran sulfate is between about 10-30%. The composition may further include an antimicrobial agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biocide composition comprising, as active microbicidal components, 2-methylisothiazolin-3-one and also one or more haloalkyl sulphones, said composition being outstandingly suitable as an industrial preservative for protecting industrial products. The invention further relates to the use of haloalkyl sulphones as an additive for reducing “emissions” from compositions containing 2-methylisothiazolin-3-one.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is a treatment for the mitigation and prevention of systemic infection of plants using materials derived from bactericidal metals wherein one metal is silver. The candidate bactericidal metal is preferably introduced in metallic, nanocrystalline, salt form, chelated form, or otherwise coupled form. Metal atoms, ions, molecules, clusters, or particles in concentrations between 0.001 to 100,000 parts per million (ppm) may be employed, wherein the preferred concentration of silver is sufficient to suppress bacterial viability. The bactericidal principle is preferably introduced to the plant by injection, ballistic insertion, pneumatic insertion, mechanical insertion, manual insertion, root application, aerosolization or spray in order to effect the treatment and prevention of systemic plant infections by bacterial agents of disease or reduced productivity.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for enhanced sanitation and oxidation of aqueous solutions at aquatic facilities. The method provides a means for the in-situ generation of chlorine dioxide from dilute solutions of chlorite anions at near neutral pH, and enhanced inactivation rates of microbiological organisms including cryptosporidium.

Abstract: A wild animal care device is provided for use with wild animals, such as wild birds. The wild animal care device includes a device body. The device body includes a silver-containing, antimicrobial agent applied to the body in a sufficient quantity to exhibit antimicrobial activity.

Abstract: A method for reducing odor is provided. The method comprises forming a coordination complex between a transition metal and a polydentate compound, and contacting the coordinated complex with an odorous compound. The transition metal provides one or more active sites for capturing the odorous compound. In some embodiments, the polydentate compound may be a polyalkylimine, such as polyethyleneimine, polypropyleneimine, or a dendrimer thereof.

Abstract: A process for producing porous polymer masterbatch having anti-bacterial and odor eliminating functions, wherein said fiber contains materials such as porous natural mineral kieselguhr or active carbon, can absorb and eliminate odor such as stink of sweat and the like discharged from the human body, has functions of sterilization, anti-bacterial, anti-mold, and the like. Pores of the natural mineral kieselguhr or active carbon contain organic Chinese herbal medicine and inorganic anti-bacterial minerals, wherein all of such organic Chinese herbal medicine and inorganic anti-bacterial minerals have functions of anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and the like, can eliminate effectively odor or reduce substantially stink, and can be applied extensively on various fabrics, clothes and ornaments or other goods.