A functional material has a metal substrate and exhibits at least one of the following: an antimold action, an antimicrobial action, and an antiviral action. The functional material is provided with: a metal substrate produced by forming a zinc layer on the surface of an aluminum substrate; and a functional film that is a zinc phosphate film formed on the surface of the metal substrate. A micron-order unevenness is formed on the surface of the functional film, as a result of which the functional film has at least one of the following: an antimold action that prevents the proliferation of mold, an antimicrobial action that kills microorganisms, and an antiviral action that inactivates viruses. The functional material is produced by carrying out a zinc phosphate chemical conversion treatment on the surface of an aluminum substrate and forming on this surface a zinc phosphate film having micron-order unevenness.

The present invention relates to the field of reducing clothing malodor which is due to bacterial conversion of molecules which are present in sweat. The present invention discloses micro-encapsulated essential oils that reduces malodor on clothes in a durable way. The compounds of the present invention can thus be used in clothing sprays, clothing finishing agents, deodorants, washing powders, or in any method to reduce laundry malodor.

The present invention relates to the field of reducing clothing malodor which is due to bacterial conversion of molecules which are present in sweat. The present invention discloses micro-encapsulated essential oils that reduces malodor on clothes in a durable way. The compounds of the present invention can thus be used in clothing sprays, clothing finishing agents, deodorants, washing powders, or in any method to reduce laundry malodor.

An analyte biosensor is provided having an analyte biosensing layer and an ethylene oxide absorption layer. The ethylene oxide absorption layer is provided over the analyte biosensing layer. A method is also provided.

An analyte biosensor is provided having an analyte biosensing layer and an ethylene oxide absorption layer. The ethylene oxide absorption layer is provided over the analyte biosensing layer. A method is also provided.

An apparatus includes a substrate having a surface and a transparent photocatalyst coating secured on the surface of the substrate, wherein the transparent photocatalyst coating includes titanium oxide and a component selected from a fluorescent dye, ultra-fine glitter, indium tin oxide, aluminum zinc oxide, silver nitrate, and combinations thereof. The substrate is preferably selected from an appliance handle, doorknob, switch, keyboard, countertop, appliance handle, equipment button, touchscreen, handrail, light emitting device, and light cover. Such substrates are frequently touched by one or more users and may become contaminated. However, the transparent photocatalyst coating may be self-decontaminating.

An apparatus includes a substrate having a surface and a transparent photocatalyst coating secured on the surface of the substrate, wherein the transparent photocatalyst coating includes titanium oxide and a component selected from a fluorescent dye, ultra-fine glitter, indium tin oxide, aluminum zinc oxide, silver nitrate, and combinations thereof. The substrate is preferably selected from an appliance handle, doorknob, switch, keyboard, countertop, appliance handle, equipment button, touchscreen, handrail, light emitting device, and light cover. Such substrates are frequently touched by one or more users and may become contaminated. However, the transparent photocatalyst coating may be self-decontaminating.

A curable composition for production of coatings with an antimicrobial property contains at least one film-forming polymer, at least one up-conversion phosphor, optionally, at least one additive, and optionally, at least one curing agent. The phosphor is selected from the idealized general formula (I), A.sub.1-x-y-zB*.sub.yB.sub.2SiO.sub.4:Ln.sup.1.sub.x,Ln.sup.2.sub.z,, where x=0.0001-0.05, z=0 or z=0.0001 to 0.3, and y=x+z; A is selected from Mg, Ca, Sr, and Ba; B is selected from Li, Na, K, Rb, and Cs; B* is selected from Li, Na, and K; where B is the same as B* or B is not the same as B*, and B and B* are preferably not the same; Ln.sup.1 is selected from praseodymium (Pr), erbium (Er), and neodymium (Nd); and Ln.sup.2 is optionally selected from gadolinium (Gd).

Embodiments described herein relate to encasements for protection of central lines, arterial lines, and/or intravenous (IV) lines from contaminants, and methods of making and using the same. In some embodiments, an encasement device can include a flexible sleeve that fits over a central line and protects the central line from contaminants. The flexible sleeve has a first open end and a second open end. A first closing element secures the first open end to a medical dressing and a second closing element secures the second open end in a closed position at a location distal to the first closing element. In some embodiments, the central line can include an intravenous (IV) catheter, a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) and/or a hemodialysis line. In some embodiments, the device can include a flap coupled to the flexible sleeve.

A surgical staple comprising a substrate and one or more coatings which delay the bioabsorption of the substrate. The coating can be selected so as to affect the environment surrounding the staple once the staple is implanted in the patient. The effect on the environment can cause the bioabsorption to occur within a desired time frame.