Abstract: Substrates, optionally coated with an undercoating, having grafted thereto one or more non-fouling materials are described herein. The non-fouling, polymeric material can be grafted to a variety of functionalized substrate materials, particularly polymeric substrates and/or polymeric undercoatings immobilized on a substrate. The compositions described herein are highly resistant protein absorption, particularly in complex media and retain a high degree of non-fouling activity over long periods of time. The compositions described herein may also demonstrate antimicrobial and/or anti-thrombogenic activity.

Abstract: The sterilizing and deodorizing agents target bacteria, odors, toxic substances, etc. and are made from silver as metal particles and titanium dioxide as ceramic particles by (1) thermal bonding or (2) pressure bonding or (3) thermal/pressure bonding and mixing the resultant with hydroxyapatite as an adsorptive material. The agent can be mixed with ink, bonding agents and paints and applied to a variety of substrates.

Abstract: Microencapsulated materials are added to compressed products. Microencapsulation permits a wide range of products to be incorporated into these compressed products while maintaining the dry, compressed nature of the products. In one aspect, methods are provided that comprise forming the article, that comprises paper or fabric, in a size of intended use; attaching a plurality of microencapsulated beads containing a material therein to the paper or fabric; and compressing the article to a compressed size that is smaller than the size of intended use. In another aspect, articles comprise a liquid-expandable paper or fabric, and a plurality of microencapsulated beads containing a material therein attached to the paper or fabric.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of at least one flavonoid having an uncharged flavan skeleton as synergist for enhancing the action of self-tanning substances, such as trioses and tetroses, in cosmetic and dermatological formulations and to corresponding novel compositions and to the preparation thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes the manufacture and use of soft surfaces such as fabrics bearing surface-grafted antimicrobial polymers.

Abstract: Disclosed are food packaging materials and processes that are useful for commercial products to extend the freshness and preserve the integrity and shelf-life of packaged foods. Said food packaging materials utilize a low bioburden, biodegradable and/or compostable shock absorbing/cushioning nonwoven structure and some form or forms of an antimicrobial and/or antifungal agent consisting of silver or silver-based species that destroy microbes which would otherwise spoil the food. The shelf-life extension process involves silver-based antimicrobial agents that function to mitigate the spread of food spoilage pathogens when they come in contact with the said food packaging materials. Fluid absorbing or superabsorbent, capabilities may be incorporated in the structure to control excess fluids.

Abstract: An odor-inhibiting fiber having a cellulosic fiber and an odor-inhibiting formulation. The odor-inhibiting formulation may contain an odor-inhibiting agent, such as a biocide, an enzyme, a urease inhibitor. The odor-inhibiting formulation also may contain a liquid carrier such as a hydrophobic or hydrophilic organic liquid, or a mixture of a hydrophobic and hydrophilic organic liquid. The cellulosic fiber is impregnated with the odor-inhibiting formulation to produce fiber having odor-inhibiting characteristics. The resultant odor-inhibiting fiber is useful in making absorbent articles with odor-inhibiting characteristics. The fiber of the embodiments prevents odor by inhibiting bacteria growth and ammonia production, especially when used in an absorbent article such as a diaper or adult incontinence device.

Abstract: A fibrous assembly is provided for performing site-specific chemistry. In general the present invention provides a fibrous assembly comprising a first fiber that sequesters a first reactive component; and a second fiber that sequesters a second reactive component, wherein at least the first or second fiber releases its reactive component when the fiber is in the presence of a releasing agent, and wherein when the at least first or second fiber releases its reactive component, the first and second reactive components react with each other to form a reaction product. Related methods of manufacture and use are also provided.

Abstract: Wound care devices having a topically applied silver-based antimicrobial finish are provided. The finish comprises at least one silver ion-containing compound and at least one binder compound. The finish may be applied to a target substrate, such as a fiber, fabric, film, foam, hydrogel, or hydrocolloid to provide a single layer antimicrobial wound care device. Alternatively, a silver-containing layer may be combined with one or more additional layers of target substrate to provide a composite antimicrobial wound care device. The device may also contain an odor-absorbing component capable of reducing or eliminating odors that are inherently associated with infectious wounds. Also provided is a method for making the wound care device and a composition of matter comprising the silver-based antimicrobial finish.

Abstract: Conventional tannic acid and polyphenol anti-allergen agents are known as anti-allergen agents capable of deactivating allergens such as mites and pollen, but these agents have inferior heat resistance and pose problems with coloration, discoloration and elution. The purpose of the present invention is to provide an anti-allergen agent that has excellent heat resistance, shows no coloration, and has excellent water resistance and workability. It was discovered that using an inorganic substance having a high acid site concentration with acid site concentration being defined as the number of acid sites having a pKa of 4.8 or less, it is possible to realize an anti-allergen that manifests strong anti-allergen effects, has excellent heat resistance and water resistance, shows little coloration, and has excellent workability.

Abstract: A nonwoven material suitable for use as a wet wipe substrate is disclosed. The nonwoven material comprises thermoplastic fibers and is provided with a pattern of embossments that join at least a portion of the thermoplastic fibers. When the material is treated with a cleaning lotion to provide a wet wipe, the wet wipe has a wet CD modulus that is greater than about 25 N/m and less than about 80 N/m.

Abstract: A system for treating a vascular condition includes a stent including hydroxyapatite fibers interwoven to define a stent lumen. Another aspect of the invention is a method of manufacturing a stent by forming hydroxyapatite fibers and biodegradable polymeric fibers, and interweaving the fibers to form a stent wall. The hydroxyapatite fibers can be formed by a sol-gel process, followed by spinning of the gel to form the hydroxyapatite fibers.

Abstract: Polyethyleneimine and polyalkylene biguanide ligand functionalized substrates, methods of making ligand functionalized substrates, and methods of using functionalized substrates are disclosed.

Abstract: A composition comprises a polyvinylchloride homopolymer, a biodegradable plasticizer and either a swelling agent or a carbohydrate coupled to the polyvinylchloride homopolymer or a combination thereof. The composition may further comprise a blowing agent. A coated fabric comprises a textile substrate and a biodegradable coating at least partially coating the textile substrate, wherein the biodegradable coating degrades at least 60% after 28 days under the ASTM D584 standard. A method of making a biodegradable coating comprises providing a polymer and blending a biodegradable plasticizer with the polymer to form a blend. A method of making a coated textile comprises providing a textile and a composition comprising a polymer, a biodegradable plasticizer, and at least one other component; applying the composition to the textile; and curing the composition, thereby making a coated textile.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a flooring underlayment membrane, and associated methods of manufacturing and installing such a membrane, comprising upper and lower nonwoven fiber layers. In one embodiment, the flooring underlayment membrane constructed as disclosed herein may comprise a first nonwoven fiber material, and a second nonwoven fiber material and at least one layer of extrudable thermoplastic resin disposed between and bonding the first and second nonwoven fiber materials.

Abstract: A method of producing a fabric with antimicrobial properties that includes liquefying bamboo to produce a slurry, adding an antimicrobial element to the slurry, adding a non-bamboo fiber to the slurry to create a mixture and extruding the mixture to produce a fiber. The antimicrobial fabric may include a composition of 69% bamboo, 30% cotton and 1% silver.

Abstract: Embodiments herein provide a nanoparticle, such as a metal nanoparticle, coupled to a linker molecule to form a nanoparticle-linker construct. In an embodiment, a nanoparticle-linker construct may be further bound to a substrate to take advantage of one or more properties of the nanoparticle. In an embodiment, a functionalized nanoparticle (a nanoparticle having a reactive functionality) may be bound to a linker to form a functionalized nanoparticle-linker construct which may in-turn be bound to a substrate.

Abstract: The disclosure features a fabric comprising polymer fibers and an antimicrobial system. The antimicrobial system comprises a sequestering agent and an agent binding the sequestering agent on surfaces of at least some of the polymer fibers. In some implementations, at least some of the sequestering agent remains on polymer fiber-surfaces after 50 cycles of laundering.

Abstract: An allergen deactivator including a compound of the following Formula 1: wherein R represents a straight or branched chain alkyl group of C1 to C30, and X represents H, Na, K, Mg or Ca. Also disclosed is a spray, a filter, a fiber, a fabric, a nonwoven article, a substrate, and a detergent using the allergen deactivator including the compound of Formula 1.

Abstract: A composite comprising a stem cell; a biodegradable layer, which can provide an environment for the stem cell to grow and to differentiate, and; a N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm), which can polymerize with the biodegradable layer and possess the temperature-responsive character for easy stripping. The present invention further provides a method for treating a patient with a skin defect, consisting of (a) providing said patient with a composite consisting of a N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) layer polymerized with a biodegradable layer containing gelatin and a layer of polypropylene (PP) non-woven, wherein a bone marrow derived mononuclear cell with CD45 negative and glycophorin A negative is cultivating on the biodegradable layer; (b) covering said composite on the skin defect of the patient; and (c) treating the composite with water below 25° C. to strip off the layer of polypropylene (PP) non-woven.

Abstract: A composite article comprises a fluid transport layer having first and second surfaces and a hydrophobic layer applied to the first surface of the fluid transport layer. When the composite article is used as a wound dressing, the first surface of the fluid transport layer provides a skin-facing surface. The hydrophobic layer comprises a plurality of discontinuities, and at least a portion of the discontinuities have a dimension sufficient to permit the passage of fluid through the hydrophobic layer and into the fluid transport layer.

Abstract: A composite article comprises a fluid transport layer, a fluid retentive layer, and, optionally, a moisture vapor permeable film. The first surface of the fluid transport layer provides a fluid contacting surface. The fluid retentive layer is positioned so that the first surface layer of the fluid retentive layer is adjacent to the second surface of the fluid transport layer. The moisture vapor permeable film is positioned so that it is adjacent to the second surface of the fluid retentive layer. The composite article is suitable for use as a wound dressing.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a system, comprising bacteriophages and particles comprising active agents, in which a first additional peptide is fused to proteins of the bacteriophage, the first additional peptide adheres to the surface of the particle and furthermore a second additional peptide is fused to proteins of the bacteriophage. The second additional peptide can adhere on substrate surfaces. The present invention furthermore concerns the use of the system for delayed release of active agents and also a method for production of the system. The present invention furthermore concerns a method for the selection of phage species from a combinatorial phage population.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to wound care devices which are capable of one-way, directional flow of fluids and contaminants away from the wound site to the opposite side of the wound care device, which functions as a fluid reservoir. This fluid transport mechanism generally aids in reducing wound maceration by removing excess fluid, and potentially even bacteria, and is carried out without loss of physical integrity of the wound care device itself. In addition to providing a uni-directional fluid transport mechanism, the wound care device may contain a topically applied silver-based antimicrobial finish which provides certain levels of antimicrobial agent to the wound in order to clear infection from the wound site and control bacterial growth in the wound care dressing. Exemplary topical antimicrobial finishes include silver ion-releasing compounds.

Abstract: A method of treating, reducing, or inhibiting biofilm formation by bacteria, the method comprising: contacting an article with a composition comprising an effective amount of a D-amino acid, said composition being essentially free of the corresponding L-amino acid, thereby treating, reducing or inhibiting formation of the biofilm, wherein the D-amino acid is selected from the group consisting of D-alanine, D-cysteine, D-aspartic acid, D-glutamic acid, D-histidine, D-isoleucine, D-lysine, D-leucine, D-asparagine, D-proline, D-glutamine, D-arginine, D-serine, D-threonine, D-valine, D-tryptophan, D-tyrosine, and a combination thereof.

Abstract: An antimicrobial composite which comprises a first, liquid-permeable layer which is substantially completely bonded to a second liquid-absorbing layer. The first layer comprises a coating of at least one antimicrobial metal as such on the side which is bonded to the second layer. Substantially no antimicrobial metal in elemental form is present on exterior surfaces of the composite.

Abstract: Polymer compositions, methods of making polymer compositions, structures having the polymer composition covalently bonded to the surface of the structure, methods of attaching the polymer to the surface of the structure, methods of decreasing the amount of microorganisms formed on a structure, and the like, are disclosed.

Abstract: Nonwoven fibrous webs including a multiplicity of randomly oriented discrete fibers and a multiplicity of chemically active particulates secured to the web, and methods of making and using same. In some embodiments, more than 0% and less than 10% wt. of the nonwoven fibrous web is made of multi-component fibers having at least a first region exhibiting a first melting temperature and a second region exhibiting a second melting temperature greater than the first melting temperature. In other embodiments, the discrete fibers include a first population of monocomponent thermoplastic fibers having a first melting temperature, and a second population of monocomponent fibers having a second melting temperature greater than the first melting temperature. In certain embodiments, at least some of the particulates are bonded to the fibers. In other embodiments, at least some of the particulates are secured within interstices of the fibrous web, without substantial bonding to the fibers.

Abstract: Provided is an allergen reduction-processing agent capable of giving an allergen reducing effect to a fibrous product while restraining whitening, and chalk marks. As chemical agents having an allergen-restraining effect, a zirconium based compound and a sulfonyl group-containing aromatic compound are used. An aqueous dispersion containing these components is used as an allergen reduction-processing agent for processing a fibrous product. The ratio by weight of the zirconium based compound to the aromatic compound is preferably 1 to 6:0.05 to 1.5.

Abstract: A personal skin cleansing wipe comprising a flexible substantially dry matrix formed from synthetic, woven, non-woven or knitted fibers impregnated with a substantially anhydrous antimicrobial, antiseptic, antifungal solution in an amount wherein the matrix retains its substantially dry characteristics and the treatment solution includes an amount of PVP-iodine as active in solution in glycol and or glycerin. The treatment solution, in addition to an effective amount of PVP-iodine as active, contains surfactants, preferably Tego® Betaine CK D, and optionally a compatible fragrance and/or moisturizer. The wipe is activated with water just prior to use.

Abstract: A self-decontaminating fabric is manufactured from fibers such as Tencel having high surface energy and low surface roughness. Novel scouring methods eliminate substantially all contaminants from the fibers, and a novel coating process applies an anti-pathogen coating such as a halogen compound to the fabric so as to provide rapid deactivation of pathogens on contact. Novel charging methods activate or reactivate the coating, typically by exposure to chlorine. The coating is substantially free of gap regions where pathogens can survive. The high surface energy of the fibers allows a high coating concentration and provides close contact between attached pathogens and the coating. The low surface roughness reduces the pickup of pathogens by the fibers. Multi-layer embodiments include an outer layer configured for maximum anti-pathogen coating concentration, and an inner layer configured for a reduced coating concentration that is compatible with skin contact.

Abstract: Substrates, optionally coated with an undercoating, having grafted thereto one or more non-fouling materials are described herein. The non-fouling, polymeric material can be grafted to a variety of functionalized substrate materials, particularly polymeric substrates and/or polymeric undercoatings immobilized on a substrate. The compositions described herein are highly resistant protein absorption, particularly in complex media and retain a high degree of non-fouling activity over long periods of time. The compositions described herein may also demonstrate antimicrobial and/or anti-thrombogenic activity. The non-fouling material can be grafted to a functionalized substrate, or optionally from an undercoating on the substrate, preferably without significantly affecting the mechanical and/or physical properties of the substrate material.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel antimicrobial compositions. In one embodiment, the antimicrobial composition comprises an antimicrobial effective amount of a mixture comprising (a) two or more fatty acids, each of which is natural or naturally derived, and (b) at least one of (i) a natural or naturally derived product, (ii) an alcoholic solvent, or (iii) an organic acid or a salt thereof. The present invention also provides a product comprising a preservative effective amount of the aforementioned mixture.

Abstract: A laminated insecticide dispenser where a central layer contains an insecticide that migrates through the outer layer to the surface of the dispenser. The outer layer also comprises a UV protector which migrates to the surface in order to minimize the UV damage induced on the insecticide.

Abstract: The present invention describes a novel antibacterial treatment on textile materials using polymeric core-shell particles dispersing in water. These particles are prepared from a surfactant-free emulsion polymerization according to the method of U.S. Pat. No. 6,573,313 and have average particle sizes in the range of 100 to 1000 nm in diameter. When applied to a textile article, the particles form a uniform coating, which prevents the growth of bacteria and microbes. The treatment does not affect the fabric mechanical properties, hand feeling and appearance. Antibacterial activity on cotton is maintained even after 50 times of home laundering.

Abstract: A method for obtaining non-water-soluble powders comprising antimicrobial activity and having quaternary ammonium salts adhered thereto. The invention also includes the powders thus obtained and the use thereof as antibacterial agents. The invention enables the production of non-soluble organic or inorganic powders having a particle size of 5 to 500 ?m, having a quaternary ammonium salt adhered to the surface thereof and fixed on the surface. When deposited on textile materials, the powders enable bacterial and viral decontamination, by means of filtration, of polluted water or aqueous environments. Textile materials impregnated with powders according to the invention can be used in the production of breathing masks, protective garments or other items, in particular in a hospital environment. The antibacterial properties of the powders are at least twice as high as the antibacterial properties of the same quaternary ammonium salt used in isolation.

Abstract: A fabric for bedding which includes a woven fabric having warp yarns and filling yarns woven to provide a smooth fabric surface. One of the warp or filling yarns being at least 40% by weight of the fabric of continuous filament nylon, and the other of the warp or filling yarns being from about 0% to 60% by weight of the fabric of continuous filament polyester or nylon having non-round filament cross sections. An antimicrobial substance is topically applied or inherently available in the fabric.

Abstract: A fiber-coated marine material has antifouling properties, without necessarily containing bioactive agents. At least a part of the marine material is covered by piles of fibers having a thickness of at least 50 ?m and a fiber length of at least 3 mm. The thickness-to-length ratio of the fibers is at least 0.010, and the piles of fibers have a density lower than 40 fibers/mm2. The fiber coating can be directly applied onto the marine material, such as ropes and construction parts, or can be present on sheets which can be applied on the marine equipment.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric treated to provide pleat retention, static control, stain-resistance, and antimicrobial efficacy for a window shade application. The stain-resistant finish does not significantly interfere with the subsequent printing, as well as the pleating and gluing of the nonwoven fabric into a window shade. A test method to determine the degree of stain resistance to common household products is also described.

Abstract: [Problem to be Solved] A sheet made of a fabric or paper coated with a substance which has a strong function to adsorb, remove and make harmless microbes such as bacteria and viruses is to be configured so as to be usable as a filter, a mask or the like capable of removing the microbes such as the bacteria and viruses. [Solving Means] A sheet made of a fabric which uses a fibrous material, for example, polyester in which a sulfenate group or a carboxylate group has been introduced, and has a surface coated, for example, with anatase type titanium oxide makes microbes such as bacteria and viruses harmless by adsorbing these microbes and has sufficient air permeability, therefore being usable as a filter, a mask or the like.

Abstract: Provided is an antimicrobial raw material having excellent antibacterial and corrosion-resistance properties, which can be directly formed as a film even on a plastic substrate with low heat-resistance or a substrate whereof the color or properties are likely to change due to heat, and this can be achieved at relatively low cost. The antimicrobial raw material is a laminated structure which comprises a substrate layer and a copper-tin alloy layer disposed on the substrate layer, and which has a thickness ranging from 5 nm to 200 nm. The substrate layer is made of resin, natural fiber, or paper, the resin having the deflection temperature under load being 115° C. or lower when measured in accordance with ASTM-D648-56 under a load of 1820 kPa. The copper-tin alloy layer contains over 60 at % but no more than 90 at % of copper and 10 at % or more but less than 40 at % of tin.

Abstract: Disclosed are multicomponent fibers derived from a blend of a sulfopolyester with a water non-dispersible polymer wherein the as-spun denier is less than about 6 and wherein the water dispersible sulfopolyester exhibits a melt viscosity of less than 12,000 poise measured at 240° C. at a strain rate of 1 rad/sec, and wherein the sulfopolyester comprising less than about 25 mole % of residues of at least one sulfomonomer, based on the total moles of diacid or diol residues. The multicomponent fiber is capable of being drawn at a relatively high fiber speed, particularly at least about 2000 m/min, and may be used to produce microdenier fibers. Fibrous articles may be produced from the multicomponent fibers and microdenier fibers. Also disclosed is a process for multicomponent fibers, nonwoven fabrics, and microdenier webs.

Abstract: A composition for inhibiting the growth of microorganisms on non-cellulosic fibers having a moisture regain of ?5%, comprising; i) 1 to 50 wt % of at least a self-crosslinkable resin; ii) 0.25 to 20 wt % of at least a catalyst; iii) 0.1 to 4 wt % of at least an antimicrobial active agent, reactive with the resin; iv) 98.65 to 26 wt % of water; wherein i)+ii)+iii)+iv)=100%.

Abstract: A light-activated antimicrobial article is disclosed, consisting essentially of an acridine dye covalently bonded without a linking group to a nylon material. The article may be made using electron beam processing. The article in combination with light absorbed by the acridine dye may be used to inhibit the growth of microorganisms. A photosensitive nylon material in which the acridine dye is disposed on the nylon material may also be used. Medical kits that include a light source and an article having the acridine dye are disclosed.

Abstract: Composite fabrics comprise a nonwoven web, preferably a fully calendared nonwoven web of fusible fibers, and a monolithic breathable polymer layer on at least one surface of the web and have excellent breathability, good abrasion resistance, and offer protection against both blood and viral agents.

Abstract: An odor-inhibiting fiber having a cellulosic fiber and an odor-inhibiting formulation. The odor-inhibiting formulation may contain an odor-inhibiting agent, such as a biocide, an enzyme, a urease inhibitor. The odor-inhibiting formulation also may contain a liquid carrier such as a hydrophobic or hydrophilic organic liquid, or a mixture of a hydrophobic and hydrophilic organic liquid. The cellulosic fiber is impregnated with the odor-inhibiting formulation to produce fiber having odor-inhibiting characteristics. The resultant odor-inhibiting fiber is useful in making absorbent articles with odor-inhibiting characteristics. The fiber of the embodiments prevents odor by inhibiting bacteria growth and ammonia production, especially when used in an absorbent article such as a diaper or adult incontinence device.

Abstract: Nanosilver for use as a biocide in coated fibrous substrate facers and other construction and/or building substrates, for protection against bacteria (particularly cyanobacteria), fungi, molds, algae and other bio-organisms known to deface and/or adversely affect such building materials. Facers referred to are commonly used in the construction industry as exposed surfaces for insulation and sheathing boards.

Abstract: The invention relates to a planar or shaped textile material comprising or constituted of fibers, at least part of the fibers being coated with a hydrolytically condensed inorganic/organic hybrid material having single-walled or multi-walled carbon nanotubes which are embedded therein, optionally covalently bound thereto. The carbon nanotubes are preferably functionalized, especially with carboxylic acid groups or sulfanilic acid groups. The textile material is suitable for producing protective clothing, barrier materials or the like. The invention further relates to the use of the above-defined hybrid material as a coating material which imparts stain-resistance and/or antimicrobial properties to the coated substrate.

Abstract: A method for production of a reactive polyurethane emulsion for use in impregnating and coating a textile fabric includes reacting polyols alone or in combination with at least one of diols and triols with a substoichiometric amount of diisocyanates so as to form medium-viscosity, OH-terminated prepolymers. The prepolymers are mixed with an external emulsifier. At least one of a diisocyanate, a triisocyanate and a polyisocyanate are added so as to bring about a crosslinking of the prepolymers.

Abstract: A cover material for an absorbent article including a fibrous nonwoven substrate, the substrate having a tortuousity value in the range of about 0.8 to about 3.0, and a particulate skin care material including a particulate material having a particle size in the range of about 1 micron to about 75 microns.