Modified surfaces resistant to bacterial colonization
US6017334A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 3, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jan 25, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 3, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61L29/085
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention involves a surface having a coating consisting essentially of a polymer that is soluble in or hydrolyzable by water. When the surface is immersed in an aqueous medium, the coating slowly dissipates such that biological fouling of the surface is prevented or inhibited. Substances adhering to the surface of the slowly dissipating polymer are removed as the polymer dissipates. This dissipation may result from slow hydrolysis of the polymer, particularly if the polymer is a polyester or polyanhydride. Preferred polyesters include polylactide and polyglycolide. Polymers soluble in water include polyvinyl alcohol and polyethylene glycol. Such solubility must be sufficiently slow such that the surfaces may be coated and the water-soluble polymer remains for a long period of time and is slowly dissipated into solution. Such dissipation from the surface removes adherent substances. The adherent substances may be bacteria, fungi, biomolecules or multicellular organisms. The surfaces treated include polyvinylchloride, other plastics, elastomers, metals or ceramics.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.