Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
  • A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
  • A61L2/16—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using chemical substances
  • A61L2/18—Liquid substances or solutions comprising solids or dissolved gases
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
  • A61K33/00—Medicinal preparations containing inorganic active ingredients
  • A61K33/24—Heavy metals; Compounds thereof
  • A61K33/38—Silver; Compounds thereof
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
  • A01N—PRESERVATION OF BODIES OF HUMANS OR ANIMALS OR PLANTS OR PARTS THEREOF; BIOCIDES, e.g. AS DISINFECTANTS, AS PESTICIDES OR AS HERBICIDES; PEST REPELLANTS OR ATTRACTANTS; PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS
  • A01N59/00—Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators containing elements or inorganic compounds
  • A01N59/16—Heavy metals; Compounds thereof
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
  • A61L15/00—Chemical aspects of, or use of materials for, bandages, dressings or absorbent pads
  • A61L15/16—Bandages, dressings or absorbent pads for physiological fluids such as urine or blood, e.g. sanitary towels, tampons
  • A61L15/18—Bandages, dressings or absorbent pads for physiological fluids such as urine or blood, e.g. sanitary towels, tampons containing inorganic materials
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
  • A61L15/00—Chemical aspects of, or use of materials for, bandages, dressings or absorbent pads
  • A61L15/16—Bandages, dressings or absorbent pads for physiological fluids such as urine or blood, e.g. sanitary towels, tampons
  • A61L15/42—Use of materials characterised by their function or physical properties
  • A61L15/46—Deodorants or malodour counteractants, e.g. to inhibit the formation of ammonia or bacteria
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
  • A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
  • A61L2/02—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using physical phenomena
  • A61L2/08—Radiation
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
  • A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
  • A61L2/16—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using chemical substances
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
  • A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
  • A61L2/16—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using chemical substances
  • A61L2/23—Solid substances, e.g. granules, powders, blocks, tablets
  • A61L2/238—Metals or alloys, e.g. oligodynamic metals
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
  • A61P31/00—Antiinfectives, i.e. antibiotics, antiseptics, chemotherapeutics
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
  • A61L2300/00—Biologically active materials used in bandages, wound dressings, absorbent pads or medical devices
  • A61L2300/10—Biologically active materials used in bandages, wound dressings, absorbent pads or medical devices containing or releasing inorganic materials
  • A61L2300/102—Metals or metal compounds, e.g. salts such as bicarbonates, carbonates, oxides, zeolites, silicates
  • A61L2300/104—Silver, e.g. silver sulfadiazine
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
  • A61L2300/00—Biologically active materials used in bandages, wound dressings, absorbent pads or medical devices
  • A61L2300/40—Biologically active materials used in bandages, wound dressings, absorbent pads or medical devices characterised by a specific therapeutic activity or mode of action
  • A61L2300/404—Biocides, antimicrobial agents, antiseptic agents
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
  • A61L2300/00—Biologically active materials used in bandages, wound dressings, absorbent pads or medical devices
  • A61L2300/60—Biologically active materials used in bandages, wound dressings, absorbent pads or medical devices characterised by a special physical form
  • A61L2300/606—Coatings

Definitions

• Silver compounds are known to impart antimicrobial effects to a surface with minimal risk of developing bacterial resistance. Silver is delivered to the surface by sustained release of silver ions from the surface when in contact with moist environments, such as a wound bed.
• Silver compositions such as silver nitrate and silver sulfadiazine, are effective antimicrobials used in a variety of applications. However, they are typically not light stable, leave a stain on skin with which they come into contact, and in the case of silver nitrate, can be quickly depleted in an aqueous environment.
• Use of silver salts as antimicrobials have included the use of stabilizing agents to increase light stability such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,791,518 (Stokes et al.) (using a first solution of ammonia, silver nitrate and barium nitrate; and a second solution of sodium chloride and sodium sulfate); and in U.S. Pat. No. 6,669,981 (Parsons et al.) (a silver salt in water/organic solvent followed by one or more stabilizing agents (e.g., ammonium salts, thiosulphates, chlorides and/or peroxides)).
• stabilizing agents
• the present invention is directed to methods of making antimicrobial articles, particularly packaged antimicrobial articles, methods of whitening antimicrobial articles, and packaged antimicrobial articles.
• the present invention provides a method of making a packaged antimicrobial article.
• the method includes: preparing a composition comprising silver sulfate; coating the silver sulfate composition on a substrate; drying the coated substrate to form an antimicrobial article; placing the antimicrobial article in packaging material having a volatile organic content of no greater than 100 mg per square meter; and sealing the packaging material with the antimicrobial article therein.
• the present invention provides a method of whitening at least a portion of an antimicrobial article.
• the method includes: providing a packaged antimicrobial article having at least a portion colored other than white, wherein the article includes a substrate coated with a silver salt composition including at least a portion of the silver in the zero-valent state, and wherein the antimicrobial article is sealed within packaging material having a volatile organic content of greater than 100 milligrams per square meter (100 mg/m 2 ); and irradiating the packaged antimicrobial article to whiten at least a portion of the antimicrobial article.
• a packaged antimicrobial article includes: an antimicrobial article including a substrate coated with a silver sulfate composition; and packaging having the antimicrobial article sealed therein; wherein the packaging comprises material having a volatile organic content of no greater than 100 mg/m 2 .
• antimicrobial articles are color stable, particularly during and/or after irradiation.
• color stable means that the color of the dried silver sulfate composition coated on a substrate does not exhibit a significant change in color and/or color homogeneity to the human eye over time (preferably at least 4 hours, more preferably at least 8 hours, even more preferably at least 48 hours, and even more preferably at least 1 week) when compared to the same coated composition on a substrate that has not been exposed to light (e.g., fluorescent, natural, UV).
• light e.g., fluorescent, natural, UV
• color stable means that the color of the dried silver sulfate composition coated on a substrate does not exhibit a perceptible change to the human eye over time (preferably at least 4 hours, more preferably at least 8 hours, even more preferably at least 48 hours, and even more preferably at least 1 week) when compared to the same coated composition on a substrate that has not been exposed to light (e.g., fluorescent, natural, UV).
• light e.g., fluorescent, natural, UV
• Color change can be evaluated in a number of ways using a number of grading scales. For example, color change can be evaluated by visual ranking under fluorescent lighting. Samples are compared to color standards and given a rating based on that visual comparison. In this ranking scale, 0, 1, and 2 are classified as “whitish” including white to cream, 3 through 5 are classified as “yellowish” including light yellow to golden yellow, and 6 through 10 are classified as rust to dark brown. Color change is the difference in ratings obtained by subtracting the initial rating from the rating after treatment. Positive ratings represent a darkening in appearance and negative ratings represent a lightening in appearance. A color change on this scale of 1 or less is acceptable as long as the color is substantially homogeneous. If the color is non-homogeneous, even a color change of 0.5 is considered a “significant” and unacceptable change.
• Color change can also be measured using a calorimeter such as a Minolta Chroma Meter (CR-300, manufactured by Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc., Mahwah, N.J.) using tristimulus values.
• a calorimeter such as a Minolta Chroma Meter (CR-300, manufactured by Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc., Mahwah, N.J.) using tristimulus values.
• a color change on this scale in the “Y” value of 15% or less is acceptable as long as the color is homogeneous. If the color is non-homogeneous, even a color change of 5% in the “Y” value is considered a “significant” and unacceptable change.
• Color change can also be measured using a colorimeter according to ASTM D2244.
• the resulting CIELAB color difference (DE*) between the sample after exposure for the indicated period of time and the unexposed sample can be determined.
• DE* CIELAB color difference
• a DE*, or color change of about 2 units is just detectable by the naked eye whereas a DE* of 20 or greater represents a substantial or “significant” and unacceptable color change.
• antimicrobial articles are maintained in an environment of no more than 50% RH (i.e., a water activity of 0.5) at room temperature. In certain preferred embodiments of the present invention, antimicrobial articles are maintained in an environment of no more than 30% RH at room temperature.
• room temperature means an average room temperature, typically 23° C. +/ ⁇ 2° C.
• relative humidity the ratio of the quantity of water vapor present in the atmosphere to the quantity that would saturate the atmosphere at the given temperature.
• the present invention is directed to methods of making antimicrobial articles, particularly packaged antimicrobial articles, methods of whitening antimicrobial articles, and packaged antimicrobial articles.
• the antimicrobial articles are prepared using a composition including silver sulfate (e.g., an aqueous-based composition), coating the silver sulfate composition on a substrate, and drying the coated substrate to form an antimicrobial article.
• the antimicrobial article is placed in packaging material and the packaging material sealed with the antimicrobial article therein. Accordingly, the present invention provides a packaged antimicrobial article that includes an antimicrobial article that includes a substrate coated with a silver sulfate composition, and packaging having the antimicrobial article sealed therein.
• the packaging includes material having a volatile organic content of no greater than 100 milligrams per square meter (mg/m 2 ). In other embodiments, the volatile organic content is no greater than 50 mg per square meter.
• the “volatile organic content” is defined by the equation: (mass of packaging material before oven exposure—mass of packaging material after oven exposure)/surface area. This can be determined using ASTM D 2369-03 as described in the Examples Section.
• the packaging includes material having an oxygen permeability of less than 0.01 cubic centimeter per 645 square centimeters per 24 hours.
• oxygen permeability is defined as the volume of oxygen gas that diffuses through 645 square centimeters (100 square inches) of packaging film during 24 hours. This can be determined using ASTM D3985.
• the packaging includes material having a moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) is than 0.01 gram per 645 square centimeters per 24 hours.
• MVTR moisture vapor transmission rate
• the MVTR is the mass of water that diffuses through 645 square centimeters (100 square inches) of packaging film during 24 hours. This can be determined using ASTM F1249.
• Packaging materials having such properties include TPC-0765B/TPC-0760B construction (Tolas Health Care; Feasterville, Pa.) and Techni-Pouch package (Technipaq, Inc., Crystal Lake, Ill.) with a PET/Aluminum Foil/LLDPE material construction.
• an antimicrobial article is made by dissolving silver sulfate in an aqueous-based composition, coating the composition on a substrate, and drying the coated substrate.
• the substrate coated with silver sulfate remains stable to light (e.g., visible, UV) and heat without the addition of traditional stabilizing agents such as ammonia, ammonium salts (e.g., ammonium acetate, ammonium sulfate, and ammonium carbonate), thiosulfates, water insoluble salts of metals (e.g., halides such as chlorides), peroxides, magnesium trisilicate, and/or polymers.
• traditional stabilizing agents such as ammonia, ammonium salts (e.g., ammonium acetate, ammonium sulfate, and ammonium carbonate), thiosulfates, water insoluble salts of metals (e.g., halides such as chlorides), peroxides, magnesium trisilicate, and/or
• any component that would function as a stabilizing agent is present in amounts less than 100 parts per million (ppm), more preferably less than 50 ppm, most preferably less than 20 ppm, based on the total weight of the silver sulfate composition.
• any component that would function as a stabilizing agent is present in amounts less than 1000 ppm, more preferably less than 500 ppm, most preferably less than 100 ppm, based on the total weight of the antimicrobial article comprising a dried silver sulfate composition coated on a substrate.
• the resultant solution containing the silver sulfate solution can be coated on a substrate, preferably an absorbent substrate, although nonabsorbent substrates can also be used.
• the coated substrate is dried to drive off the volatile components, such as water and organic solvents (e.g., methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, acetone, or other organic solvents that are miscible with water). Drying can be accomplished at room temperature or by heating the coated substrate. Heat will speed the drying process.
• the coated substrate is dried at temperatures below 190° C., more preferably below 170° C., even more preferably below 140° C., to minimize reduction of the silver compounds, and also prevent the oxidation of a cellulosic material, when used as a substrate.
• tensile strength of an oxidizable substrate is maximized when the silver sulfate composition on the substrate is dried at a low temperature, preferably less that 140° C., more preferable at less than 100° C., and most preferably at less than 70° C.
• the coated composition typically contains silver sulfate in a major amount.
• Low levels of silver metal i.e., zero-valent silver
• the choice of starting materials and drying temperatures results in a coating that leaves no residue with essentially only the silver sulfate remaining on the substrate, and all other components of the silver solution removed from the substrate upon drying.
• the silver sulfate solution When applied, the silver sulfate solution penetrates and impregnates the interior of the substrate. For example, when gauze is used, the silver solution impregnates between the fibers of the gauze.
• the concentration of silver sulfate on the substrate is a function of the amount of silver sulfate in solution, the total amount of solution applied onto a unit area of the substrate, and the drying temperature.
• the silver sulfate concentration on the substrate is typically less than 30 mg/cm 2 , and in certain embodiments less than 5 mg/cm 2 .
• the silver sulfate concentration on the substrate ranges from 0.001 mg/cm 2 to 5 mg/cm 2 , and in certain embodiments from 0.001 mg/cm 2 to 1 mg/cm 2 .
• the substrate can be a woven or nonwoven material (e.g., a gauze) made of natural or synthetic compounds.
• the substrate can be a porous or nonporous film. It can be a knitted fabric, a foam, or a hydrocolloid, for example.
• the substrate is a silver nitrate oxidizable substrate.
• the substrate includes a cellulosic material.
• cellulosic materials include polysaccharides or modified polysaccharides, regenerated cellulose (such as rayon), paper, cotton, those materials available under the tradename TENCEL, carboxymethyl cellulose, and the like.
• Non-absorbent substrates may also be used including, but not limited to, nylon, polyester, polyethylene, and polypropylene.
• the substrate includes polyacrylonitrile, polyvinylidene difluoride, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyoxymethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, styrene-ethylenebutylene-styrene elastomer, styrene-butylene-styrene elastomer, styrene-isoprene-styrene elastomer, and combinations thereof.
• Other substrate materials are disclosed herein below. Various combinations of materials may be included within the substrate.
• the substrate includes a material selected from the group consisting of a cellulosic material, nylon, polyester fiber, and combinations thereof.
• the substrate includes a cellulosic material.
• the cellulosic substrate includes cotton.
• the method provides a silver sulfate solution for coating on a substrate without using an acid.
• the presence of acid can hydrolyze the cellulosic material. This aspect of the process allows the coating to be applied without weakening the cellulosic substrate.
• the coating solution has a pH of at least 4, more preferably at least 5.
• the coating solution has a pH of no greater than 9.
• Elevated temperatures can also accelerate the oxidation of cellulose by a silver salt, resulting in such affects as lowering the tensile strength and changing the color of the silver sulfate composition on the substrate.
• the color change on a cellulosic material, such as cotton, is likely due to the reduction of silver salt to silver metal with an accompanying oxidation of the cellulose substrate.
• the oxidized cotton has lower tensile strength.
• the article will change color in proportion to the drying temperature and the time in the drying device, such as an oven.
• the drying device such as an oven.
• no color change is observed when the substrate coated with the silver sulfate composition is dried below approximately 100° C. for 15 minutes.
• the cotton substrate darkens in proportion to the oven temperature and turns yellow then brown then dark brown.
• polyester If a synthetic substrate such as polyester, which is not easily oxidized, is coated with silver sulfate coating solution and dried, the polyester will remain white even when dried at temperature above 100° C.
• polyester or other substrate material such as polyester, nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylidene difluoride, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyoxymethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, styrene-ethylenebutylene-styrene elastomer, styrene-butylene-styrene elastomer, or styrene-isoprene-styrene elastomer, is irradiated after being coated with silver sulfate coating solution and dried, the material does not typically change color.
• the silver compositions, once coated, are preferably color stable (i.e., stable to light as defined herein).
• the compositions are also stable to at least one of the following: heat and/or moisture.
• the coated silver sulfate composition is color stable.
• the initial color that the silver sulfate solution develops after drying at a particular temperature will remain without appreciable change over time (e.g., preferably at least 4 hours, more preferably at least 8 hours, even more preferably at least 48 hours, and even more preferably at least 1 week ) either with or without exposure to light.
• coated silver sulfate will change color.
• irradiating an antimicrobial article after the article is placed in packaging and the packaging material is sealed will cause a color change.
• the radiation typically includes gamma radiation and/or electron beam radiation.
• Such radiation is typically used to sterilize the antimicrobial articles.
• typical radiation levels include that which is necessary to assure a Sterility Assurance Level of 10 ⁇ 6 , based on the AAMI Method of Sterility Assurance.
• Low VOC packaging can be particularly useful when the color of the article is changed from the initial color (e.g., whitish) to a yellowish color, or some color other than a whitish color.
• Heat can cause a color change to a state that is more stable to irradiation than the initial color.
• a silver sulfate composition that is dried to a whitish state will darken when irradiated in packaging regardless of the volatile organic content; however, when it is heated to a temperature that causes the color to change to yellowish, this state is generally more stable to irradiation and will typically not change color when irradiated in a low VOC package (i.e., one with no greater than 100 gm/M 2 VOC), particularly when low humidity conditions are used to package the article, although it will in a high VOC package (unless large amounts of substrate material are used relative to the amount of packaging material).
• a low VOC package i.e., one with no greater than 100 gm/M 2 VOC
• the present invention provides a method of making a packaged antimicrobial article that includes drying the coated substrate at a temperature that causes the silver sulfate composition to develop a yellowish color (typically due to the formation of silver in the zero valence state during drying), which is color stable during and/or after irradiation (typically, after irradiation, and preferably during and after irradiation).
• Whitish articles are not necessarily as color stable as yellowish articles under similar conditions; however, whitish articles can be color stable in low VOC packaging with activated carbon in the packaging, particularly after e-beam or gamma irradiation.
• the present invention provides a method of making a packaged antimicrobial article that includes: preparing a composition including silver sulfate; coating the silver sulfate composition on a substrate; drying the coated substrate occurs at a temperature that causes the silver sulfate composition to develop a whitish color; placing the antimicrobial article in packaging material having a volatile organic content of no greater than 100 mg per square meter; and sealing the packaging material with the antimicrobial article therein; wherein activated carbon is present in the packaging, and further wherein the antimicrobial article is color stable during and after irradiation.
• the present invention provides a color stable packaged antimicrobial article (and a method of making) that includes: an antimicrobial article including a substrate coated with a silver sulfate composition; and packaging having the antimicrobial article sealed therein; wherein the packaging includes material having a volatile organic content of greater than 100 mg per square meter; and wherein the ratio of antimicrobial article substrate to packaging material is greater than 2 mg substrate per interior square centimeter packaging material.
• the dried coated substrate includes silver in the zero-valent state, has a yellowish color, and preferably is color stable after irradiation.
• the color stability of the coated silver sulfate composition provides several advantages.
• the color stability provides an indication to the end user that the product is of consistent high quality. Further, the color stability indicates that the form of silver on the substrate has not appreciably changed which indicates that its performance (i.e., silver release, antimicrobial activity) is essentially constant over time in the package (e.g., preferably, at least 1 month, more preferably at least 2 months, even more preferably at least 6 months, and even more preferably at least 1 year).
• the use of packaging as described herein is desirable when antimicrobial articles of the present invention are irradiated and such color stability is desirable.
• compositions are useful in medical articles, particularly wound dressings and wound packing materials, although a wide variety of other products can be coated with the silver sulfate compositions.
• Stability of the silver sulfate coated substrate is prolonged and/or increased when the relative humidity (RH) at room temperature (particularly during the packaging process) is maintained at 50% or lower; more preferably at 30% or lower; and most preferably at 20% or lower.
• Relative humidity can be reduced to 30%, and preferably to 20%, or lower, for the silver sulfate coated substrate by a number of methods including: 1) placing the coated substrate in an environment that has a relative humidity of 30% or lower, and preferably 20% or lower, and then packaging the product in the same environment; 2) drying the mesh in an oven, then immediately packaging the mesh; and 3) addition of a desiccant within the package.
• the article should be packaged in a package with a low moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) such as a Techni-Pouch package (Technipaq, Inc., Crystal Lake, Ill.) with a PET/Aluminum Foil/LLDPE material construction.
• MVTR moisture vapor transmission rate
• Techni-Pouch package Technipaq, Inc., Crystal Lake, Ill.
• PET/Aluminum Foil/LLDPE material construction Low relative humidity increases the thermal stability of silver sulfate treated cotton.
• the present invention also provides a method of whitening at least a portion of an antimicrobial article. For example, if an antimicrobial article has at least a portion colored other than whitish, wherein the article includes a substrate coated with a silver salt composition including at least a portion of the silver in the zero-valent state, irradiating can whiten the colored portion.
• Silver compounds including silver sulfate, provide sustained release of silver ions over time based in part on their limited solubility and inherent dissociation equilibrium constants.
• the silver sulfate composition may have other silver salts, including those that are not color stable, in varying amounts, as long as the composition when coated on the substrate remains color stable.
• other silver compounds that may be coated on a substrate in addition to the silver sulfate include silver oxide, silver acetate, silver nitrate, silver citrate, silver chloride, silver lactate, silver phosphate, silver stearate, silver thiocyanate, silver carbonate, silver saccharinate, silver anthranilate and combinations thereof.
• Silver metal may also be present on the substrate.
• the amount of silver compounds other than silver sulfate is less than 20 wt %, more preferably less than 10 wt %, based on the total weight percentage (wt %) of the silver components in the silver sulfate composition coated on the substrate.
• the silver sulfate coated substrate remains stable when it contains silver sulfate in combination with other silver salts with limited color stability.
• the amount of silver sulfate is at least 60 wt %, more preferably at least 75 wt %, and most preferably at least 90 wt %, based on the total weight percentage (wt %) of the silver components in the silver sulfate composition coated on the substrate.
• Articles can be prepared using the silver solution described herein according to a variety of coating methods.
• the process used typically allows the yams, filaments, or film such as perforated or microporous film, to be coated, while leaving most of the apertures unobstructed by the composition.
• the amount of solution employed will vary over a wide range.
• the silver sulfate coating solution can be prepared by mixing silver sulfate and distilled water.
• the silver sulfate coating solution can have a range of concentrations up to a water solubility of about 0.6% at room temperature.
• higher concentrations of silver sulfate can be obtained by dissolving silver sulfate in hot water.
• sulfate in other forms may be added, such as sodium sulfate.
• the process can be accomplished as a continuous process, or it can be done in a single step or with a single coating solution.
• the process to apply the coating does not require elevated temperatures, and can be applied at temperatures less than 70° C.
• the coating solution can be maintained below a pH of 9, and preferably less than 7, to minimize adverse effects to the substrate.
• the coating solution can be maintained at a pH above 4.
• a substrate can be passed through a bath of the silver composition.
• the substrate covered with the silver sulfate composition is then dried, for example in an oven at a temperature sufficient to evaporate constituents of the solution.
• the temperature is preferably less than 190° C., more preferably less than 170° C., and most preferably less than 140° C.
• the silver sulfate solution can also be coated onto a carrier web or a backing (described below) using a known coating technique such as gravure coating, curtain coating, die coating, knife coating, roll coating, or spray coating.
• a preferred coating method is gravure coating.
• the silver compositions of the present invention can be used in a wide variety of products, although they are preferably used in medical articles.
• medical articles can be in the form of a wound dressing, wound packing material, or other material that is applied directly to or contacts a wound.
• Other potential products include clothing, bedding, masks, dust cloths, shoe inserts, diapers, and hospital materials such as blankets, surgical drapes and gowns.
• the silver compositions can be coated on various backings (i.e., a support substrate).
• the backing or support substrate can be porous or nonporous.
• the composition of the present invention can be coated on the support substrate or impregnated into it, for example.
• Suitable materials are preferably flexible, and may be fabric, non-woven or woven polymeric webs, polymer films, hydrocolloids, foam, metallic foils, paper, and/or combinations thereof. More specifically, cotton gauze is useful with the silver compositions of the present invention.
• a permeable e.g., with respect to moisture vapor
• the substrate may be a hydrocolloid, such as a hydrophilic polymer, or hydrophobic polymer matrix containing hydrophilic particles, as described in U.S. Pat. App. Pub. Nos. 2004/0180093 and 2005/0124724.
• the substrates are preferably porous to allow the passage of wound fluids, moisture vapor, and air.
• the substrates are substantially impervious to liquid, especially wound exudate.
• the substrates are capable of absorbing liquid, especially wound exudate.
• the substrate is an apertured liquid permeable substrate.
• Suitable porous substrates include knits, wovens (e.g., cheese cloth and gauze), nonwovens (including spun-bonded nonwovens, and BMF (blown micro fibers), extruded porous sheets, and perforated sheets.
• the apertures (i.e., openings) in the porous substrates are of sufficient size and sufficient number to facilitate high breathability.
• the porous substrates have at least 1 aperture per square centimeter.
• the porous substrates have no greater than 225 apertures per square centimeter.
• the apertures have an average opening size (i.e., the largest dimension of the opening) of at least 0.1 millimeter (mm).
• the apertures have an average opening size (i.e., the largest dimension of the opening) of no greater than 0.5 centimeter (cm).
• the porous substrates have a basis weight of at least 5 grams/meter 2 .
• the porous substrates have a basis weight of no greater than 1000 grams/meter 2 , and in some embodiments no greater than 200 grams/meter 2 .
• the porous substrates are preferably flexible yet resistant to tearing.
• the thickness of the porous substrates is at least 0.0125 millimeter (mm).
• the thickness of the porous substrates is no greater than 15 mm, and for certain embodiments no greater than 3 mm.
• Materials of the backing or support substrate include a wide variety of materials including paper, natural or synthetic fibers, threads and yarns made from materials such as cotton, rayon, wool, hemp, jute, nylon, polyesters, polyacetates, polyacrylics, alginates, ethylene-propylene-diene rubbers, natural rubber, polyesters, polyisobutylenes, polyolefins (e.g., polypropylene polyethylene, ethylene propylene copolymers, and ethylene butylene copolymers), polyurethanes (including polyurethane foams), vinyls including polyvinylchloride and ethylene-vinyl acetate, polyamides, polystyrenes, fiberglass, ceramic fibers, and/or combinations thereof.
• materials of the backing or support substrate include a wide variety of materials including paper, natural or synthetic fibers, threads and yarns made from materials such as cotton, rayon, wool, hemp, jute, nylon, polyesters, polyacetates, polyacrylics, alginates,
• the backing can also be provided with stretch-release properties.
• Stretch-release refers to the property of an adhesive article characterized in that, when the article is pulled from a surface, the article detaches from the surface without leaving significant visible residue.
• a film backing can be formed from a highly extensible and highly elastic composition that includes elastomeric and thermoplastic A-B-A block copolymers, having a low rubber modulus, a lengthwise elongation to break of at least 200%, and a 50% rubber modulus of not above 2,000 pounds/square inch (13.8 megapascals (MPa)).
• MPa pounds/square inch
• the backing can be highly extensible and substantially non-recoverable such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,516,581 (Kreckel et al,).
• the coated substrates of the present invention are nonadherent, although it should be understood that an adhesive (e.g., a pressure sensitive adhesive) could be added to an article coated with the solution.
• an adhesive e.g., a pressure sensitive adhesive
• the silver compositions of the present invention when coated on a substrate do not adhere significantly to wound tissue such that they do not cause pain and/or destruction of the wound tissue upon removal and display a 180° peel strength of less than 1 N/cm from steel, as described in U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2005/0123590.
• substrates coated with the silver composition can be covered on one or both sides by a permeable nonadherent outside layer to reduce adhesion and attachment to the wound.
• the nonadherent layer can be attached to the substrate, such as by coating or laminating.
• the coated substrate can be enclosed within a nonadherent layer, such as sleeve.
• the nonadherent layer can be made from nonadherent woven or nonwoven fabrics such as nylon or perflourinated-material coatings on cotton gauze.
• the nonadherent layer prevents attachment of materials from the enclosed silver coated substrate. At the same time, the nonadherent layer does not adversely affect the sustained release of silver from the coated substrate.
• the backing or support substrate can be composed of nonadherent material.
• a nonadherent hydrophilic polymer can be used as the backing or support material, or coated on a permeable porous substrate, as described in U.S. Pat. Pub. Nos. 2004/0180093, 2005/0123590, and 2005/0124724.
• the coated substrate can be covered with two protective films (for example, thin polyester films). These films optionally may include a nonstick treatment and can function to facilitate extraction from a package and in handling the article. If desired, the coated substrate can be cut into individual compresses, of sizes suitable for the use, packaged in sealed sachets, and sterilized.
• two protective films for example, thin polyester films. These films optionally may include a nonstick treatment and can function to facilitate extraction from a package and in handling the article.
• the coated substrate can be cut into individual compresses, of sizes suitable for the use, packaged in sealed sachets, and sterilized.
• Pressure sensitive adhesives used in medical articles can be used in articles of the present invention. That is, a pressure sensitive adhesive material could be applied to the article of this invention, for example, around the periphery, to adhere the article to the skin.
• Color change was evaluated by visual ranking under fluorescent lighting (Philips, F32T8/TL735, Universal/Hi-Vision, E4). Samples were compared to color standards and given a rating based on that visual comparison. Color change was the difference in ratings obtained by subtracting the initial rating from the rating after treatment. Positive ratings represent a darkening in appearance and negative ratings represent a lightening in appearance.
• Silver content of dressing was measured using EPA Procedure, EPA 6010B with ICP-AES detection.
• Silver ion release from dressing after 30 minutes immersion in distilled water was determined using an Ag ion selective electrode (Orion, available VWR International, Batavia, Ill.) Two 3.175 cm diameter discs were cut from the web, weighed, and placed in 98 milliliter (mL) of distilled water and 2 mL of 5M NaNO 3 was added to the amber bottle. The bottle was capped with a TEFLON lined lid and placed on a jar roller. After 30 minutes an ion selective electrode and double junction reference electrode were placed in the solution. The temperature was 21.2° C. The voltage across the electrodes was measured.
• a standard curve was determined by plotting log (silver ion concentration) versus millivolts (mV) for two standards, 1 microgram ( ⁇ g) Ag + /mL and 10 ⁇ g Ag + /mL and using this curve to determine sample silver ion release by converting mV to silver ion concentration.
• Anion content of the substrates was made using the following procedure. Extraction: The samples were weighed into 50 mL polypropylene centrifuge tubes, with 25 mL of 18 M ⁇ water pipetted. The samples were extracted for 24 hours at room temperature, at which time the cotton was removed. The sample was analyzed in triplicate with triplicate blanks using Ion Chromotography (IC).
• IC Ion Chromotography
• IC Solutions were transferred to 0.7 mL autosampler vials. Next, one 30 ⁇ L aliquot was injected from each autosampler vial into a DIONEX DX500 ion chromatograph using an AS3500 autosampler. The DIONEX chromatograph used a GP40 Gradient Pump and EG40 Eluent Generator to establish an eluent (gradient KOH 10-54 mM in 18M ⁇ water) flow rate of 1 mL per minute. A conductivity detector (ED40), self-regenerating suppressor and columns AS18 (analytical) and AG18 (guard) were used.
• ED40 conductivity detector
• Concentration of extractable anions in units of parts per million (ppm, ⁇ g/g) were determined using standard solutions to calibrate the system for fluoride, acetate, formate, chloride, sulfate, bromide nitrate and phosphate.
• a silver sulfate coating solution was made by mixing silver sulfate (Colonial Metals Inc., Elkton, Md.) and water to make a 0.1333 gram (g or gm) AgSO 4 per 100 grams water solution.
• Spunlaced 100% cotton web 50 g/m 2; 30.48 cm wide, manufactured by Spuntech Industries, Upper Tiberius, Israel
• the pump speed was 316 mL/min.
• the coated web was dried at 356° F. (180° C.).
• the oven length was 15.24 meters (m).
• the web speed was 3.048 m/min.
• the dried web was golden yellow. It was rolled up and placed in a heat sealable foil pouch.
• There was 4.7 mg total silver per gram dressing (Method: EPA 6010B using ICP-AES).
• Silver ion release was determined to be 4.2 milligrams (mg) Ag + /g dressing by the method defined.
• the packaged silver dressings were electron beam irradiated at 30 kGy or gamma irradiated at 38 kGy.
• the samples were stored at room temperature for 1 to 8 weeks before evaluating color change. Table 4 has the results of those evaluations. TABLE 4 Color change of Example 1.
• Example 2 dressing was made as in Example 1 except that the spunlaced 100% cotton web was manufactured by Unitika Ltd., Osaka, Japan; under the trade designation COTTOASE, 280 millimeters (mm) wide; grams per square meter (50 gm/m 2 ). This resulted in a dressing with 5.5 mg total silver per gram dressing (Method: EPA 6010B using ICP-AES) and a silver ion release of 3.6 mg Ag + /g dressing was measured by the method in the Test Protocols. The dried dressing was yellow in color.
• the packaged silver dressings were electron beam irradiated at 30 kGy or gamma irradiated at 38 kGy.
• the samples were stored at room temperature for 1 to 8 weeks before evaluating color change. Table 5 has the results of those evaluations. TABLE 5 Color change of Example 2.
• ACC activated carbon canister
• Silver sulfate coated on substrate was prepared as in Example 1 except that the web was a multicomponent web composed of TENCEL lyocell fiber/Type 254 CELBOND Bicomponent Fiber (PET/CoPET, 2.0 denier): 95/5.
• the TENCEL lyocell fiber was manufactured by Lenzing AG.
• the Type 254 CELBOND Bicomponent Fiber was manufactured by Trevira, Spartanburg, S.C.
• There was 4.0 mg total silver per gram dressing (Method: EPA 6010B using ICP-AES). The silver ion release was measured as 2.5 mg Ag + /g dressing by the test procedure described in the Test Protocol section.
• Example 4 dressings were not stable at 8 weeks in the P-1 packaging after electron beam or gamma irradiation at a water activity of 0.5 or at a water activity near 1.
• Example 4 dressings were stable at 50% RH or 100% RH in the To-1 packaging after electron beam.

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