Embodiments of the invention relates to an antimicrobial composition comprising an alkyl pyrazine compound or mixture of compounds selected from the group consisting of 2-isobutyl-3-methylpyrazine, 2-isobutyl-3-methoxypyrazine, 2-isopropylpyrazine, 2-isobutylpyrazine and mixtures of methylpyrazines having one, two and three isopropyl or isobutyl substituents. Further embodiments of the invention relate to uses of alkyl pyrazine compounds, in particular for controlling microbial growth.

A device comprising a housing having a handle end and a treatment end. The treatment end is configured to provide an antimicrobial treatment and a heat treatment. The treatment end comprises an applicator having an applicator surface for providing at least the heat treatment. The device includes a heat generation unit configured to heat the applicator surface in use, a source of antimicrobial agent, and a control unit operatively connected to at least the heat generation unit for controlling the heat generation unit. The device can be a hand-held device and used to apply topical treatment to a treatment area of a subject.

A device comprising a housing having a handle end and a treatment end. The treatment end is configured to provide an antimicrobial treatment and a heat treatment. The treatment end comprises an applicator having an applicator surface for providing at least the heat treatment. The device includes a heat generation unit configured to heat the applicator surface in use, a source of antimicrobial agent, and a control unit operatively connected to at least the heat generation unit for controlling the heat generation unit. The device can be a hand-held device and used to apply topical treatment to a treatment area of a subject.

An HVAC fluid conditioning system may utilize chlorine (or other chemical) rods to treat an HVAC fluid. The chemical rod preferably has a length longer than a width (or diameter) of the rod to prevent the rod from tipping within a receptacle of the HVAC fluid conditioning system. The chemical rod may have a substantially circular cross-section wherein the width is equal to the diameter of the cross-section. The rod may have a length longer than about three inches and a width or diameter of about one inch or less. The circular rod may be formed by placing a rod with a substantially rectangular (e.g., square) cross-section into a press and pressing the rectangular rod between two molds, each having a semicircular opening, to form a rod having a substantially circular cross-section. A releasing agent may be applied to the rod or mold to facilitate easy release.

A process for purifying a recombinant protein comprising the steps of: i) providing a solution comprising the recombinant protein; ii) adding an alkyl glycoside to the solution; and iii) purifying the recombinant protein. The addition of the alkyl glycoside provides improved clearance of process-related impurities. The purified recombinant protein of the invention has low levels of host cell DNA, host cell protein and viral contamination.

Confronted with the rapid evolution and dissemination of antibiotic resistance, there is an urgent need to develop alternative treatment strategies for drug-resistant S. aureus, especially for methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). We report a photonic approach to eradicate MRSA through blue-light photolysis of staphyloxanthin (STX), an anti-oxidative carotenoid acting as the constituent lipid of the functional membrane microdomains of S. aureus. Our transient absorption imaging study and mass spectrometry unveil the photolysis process of STX. After effective STX photolysis by pulsed laser, cell membranes are found severely disorganized and malfunctioned to defense antibiotics, as unveiled by membrane permeabilization, membrane fluidification, and detachment of membrane protein, PBP2a. Consequently, our photolysis approach sensitizes MRSA to reactive oxygen species attack and increases susceptibility and inhibits development of resistance to a broad spectrum of antibiotics including penicillins, quinolones, tetracyclines, aminoglyco sides, lipopeptides, and oxazolidinones. The synergistic therapy, without phototoxicity to the host, is effective in combating MRSA both in vitro and in vivo in a mice skin infection model. Collectively, this staphyloxanthin-targeted phototherapy concept paves a novel platform to use conventional antibiotics as well as reactive oxygen species to combat multidrug-resistant S. aureus infections.

The invention relates to a system and method to sanitize a fluid while it is moving through a distribution system. The invention provides significant improvements in efficacy and reductions in cost over previous approaches. At least one embodiment of the invention is applicable to commercial, industrial, military, government, public and private facilities that employ forced-air ventilation systems, especially those with comparatively dense human occupancy. The invention has particular utility in hospitals, health care facilities, manufacturing facilities, offices, apartments and dormitories, military housing, afford and schools, as well as on ships, commercial airliners and in public and private transportation. At least one embodiment of the invention may be used to deliver UV-C to a specific surgical site to sanitize the site to prevent future infection.

A reprocessing apparatus for washing and cleaning a load comprising a reprocessing chamber, a buffer tank, a buffer tank valve and recirculation valve, fluid distribution devices and plurality of pumps, at least one ultrasonic transducer and a drainage system characterised by said buffer tank is supplied with fresh water and process chemical where buffer tank holds fresh process fluid that is pumped to at least one fluid distribution device and directly into the load, the drainage system for discharging process fluids and recirculation loop for pumping said fluid back the reprocessing chamber, and a method of reprocessing a load in a reprocessing apparatus characterised by that fresh water is mixed with process chemicals externally to said chamber in the buffer tank and delivered to said chamber through fluid distribution devices and internal connecting lines while simultaneously washing the load internally and externally and discharging the fluid from the reprocessing chamber.

A wipe includes a cleansing composition disposed on a cloth. A package includes a sealed container that contains at least one wipe. The package can include one or more materials with a low moisture vapor transmission rate to attenuate evaporation of components of a wipe during storage of the package at elevated temperatures. A package can be made by disposing a container, or a material used to form a container, around at least one wipe and then sealing the container or the material with the wipe therein. A method of disinfecting skin can include opening a package, removing a wipe, and applying the wipe to skin.

Systems for sterilization of tissues, including acellular tissue matrices, comprising a package having a portion permeable to supercritical carbon dioxide and a portion impermeable to moisture are described. Methods of sterilizing acellular tissue matrices from soft tissues or demineralized bone are provided.