Polyelectrolyte complex for imparting antimicrobial properties to a substrate
US8545862B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 2, 2010 |
| Grant date | Oct 1, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 2, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/31797
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Anionic polyelectrolytes are used as binding agents to reduce the solubility of cationic antimicrobial polyelectrolytes. Ionic attraction between the anionic stabilizing polyelectrolytes and the antimicrobial cationic polyelectrolytes results in formation of a polyelectrolyte complex (PEC). A treatment liquid comprising a stable colloid, suspension, dispersion, solution, coacervate, or emulsion of the PEC in an aqueous carrier is used to treat an article, thus coating, infiltrating, or infusing the PEC onto or into the article. Subsequent drying results in an antimicrobial article wherein the PEC is bound to the article and is significantly less prone, relative to either of the component polyelectrolytes, to being washed, leached, leaked, extracted, or migrated from the antimicrobial article during use, or when exposed to aqueous fluids or solvents. The antimicrobial article can be further treated with ethylene oxide which enhances its antimicrobial efficacy, its biocompatibility, and its utility in wound dressings, medical devices, clothing, etc.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.