Description:
Inorganic hypohalide salts are excellent disinfecting agents with proven efficacy against a broad range of microorganisms and an outstanding safety record. However, the salts can be difficult to handle, store, and apply. USD’s technology provides an improved stability and storage of inorganic hypohalide salts, and also provides a method that can be used for the absorption and stabilization of these antibacterial salts onto other materials.
The polymeric system invented at USD includes materials that can absorb and stabilize hypochlorite salts (such as sodium hypochlorite and calcium hypochlorite) and/or hypobromide salts (such as sodium hypobromide and calcium hypobromide).
Materials can be dipped into or sprayed with solutions or powders of the hypochlorite salts, such as sodium hypochlorite and calcium hypochlorite, and/or hypobromide salts, such as sodium hypobromide and calcium hypobromide. Subsequently, the materials are coated with an inert polymeric matrix to form a polymeric system for carrying, stabilizing, and delivering the inorganic hypochlorite and/or hypobromide salts.
In either approach, the inorganic hypochlorite and hypobromide salts in the resultant polymer systems have the same antimicrobial/disinfecting potentials that they have in solution, powder, or tablet forms. Additionally, the shelf life in the new polymeric systems is substantially improved over that of other forms, being measurable in weeks, months, or even years. Moreover, the polymeric systems are much easier to handle, store, transport, and apply or use in many antimicrobial/disinfecting applications.
The antibacterial properties conferred to the materials of choice can be used to decrease infection rates within a number of different industries. Impregnating lab coats, scrubs, and sheets may reduce nosocomial infections. Treating hotel sheets and towels can increase consumer faith in the cleanliness of rented accommodations. Potential personal uses include antimicrobial socks, undershirts, and underwear. Treating athletic gear has the potential to greatly reduce “locker room smell.”
