A biocompatible composite material for controlled release is disclosed, comprising a biocompatible metal oxide structure with a loaded network of pores. The pore network of the biocompatible composite material is filled with a uniformly distributed biologically active micellizing amphiphilic molecule, the size of these pores ranging from about 0.5 to about 100 nanometers. The material is characterized in that when exposed to phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), the controlled release of the active amphiphilic molecule is predominantly diffusion-driven over time.

Disclosed herein are compositions useful for coating medical devices which have antimicrobial (anti-infective) qualities and which are simple to manufacture and cost-effective, and therefore suitable for global use, including in developing countries with economic constraints, and in a cost-conscious healthcare environment. In one embodiment, disclosed are formulations that include chlorhexidine (CHX), curcumin (CUR), for example, curcumin C3 complex, and a silver (Ag) salt. Other embodiments pertain to compositions that include CHX, Ag and a lubricating agent. The antimicrobial coatings made according to embodiments of the invention are easier to produce, have superior efficacy and devices coated with this composition show initial release of antimicrobials and prolonged prevention of bacterial adherence, compared to currently available alternatives, to significantly reduce device-related infection especially catheter associated urinary tract infection.

Compositions comprising a biguanide derivative like chlorhexidine are disclosed for use in methods of preventing bacterial growth in a wound or surgical site of a subject. The methods involve irrigating or coating the wound or surgical site with the solution and then closing or covering the wound or surgical site without washing the solution from the wound or surgical site with saline or water. Articles such a breast implants, tissue expander, titanium implants, tubes, surgical drains, and devices designed to ease the insertion or for sterile insertion of implants (e.g. funnels) that are coated with a biguanide derivative are also disclosed.

The present invention relates generally to methods of preparing antimicrobial elastomeric articles that include an elastomeric article having an antimicrobial coating provided thereon. The antimicrobial elastomeric articles exhibit enhanced ability to reduce or eliminate microbes that come in contact with the article. Certain aspects of the invention are further directed to methods of packaging the antimicrobial elastomeric articles, where the packaged antimicrobial articles exhibit antimicrobial effectiveness for an extended period of time as compared to unpackaged antimicrobial articles. Antimicrobial elastomeric articles and packaged antimicrobial elastomeric articles prepared in accordance with the methods of the present invention are also provided.

A debridement enzyme for necrotic tissue is described that is not dependent upon proteolytic enzymatic activity but instead utilizes the amylase family of enzymes. The amylases (-, -, -amylase) are noted for the cleavage of the -glycosidic bonds of polysaccharides, yielding lower molecular weight carbohydrate/sugar fragments. It has now been found that -amylase is effective in the debridement of devitalized tissue.

A full-surround contact antimicrobial dressing is disclosed. The dressing includes a transparent body that covers a skin insertion site through which a catheter assembly passes for disposal within the body of a patient. The transparency of the dressing body enables inspection of the skin insertion site. In one embodiment, therefore, an antimicrobial full-surround contact dressing for use with a medical device inserted into a skin surface of a patient via a skin insertion site is disclosed and comprises a transparent flat body, an antimicrobial adhesive substance disposed on a bottom surface of the body, and a slit defined in the body. The slit is configured to enable the body to be placed fully around a perimeter of the medical device on the skin surface at the skin insertion site such that the bottom surface of the body fully surrounds and contacts the skin insertion site.

Compositions containing chlorhexidine gluconate solubilized in hydrophobic vehicles are described. Resin systems containing such chlorhexidine gluconate compositions, including adhesives and articles incorporating such resin systems, including medical articles such as drapes are also described.

According to one embodiment, an absorbent article includes a moisture-impervious outer layer, an inner layer substantially co-extensive with the outer layer, and an absorbent layer interposed between the outer layer and the inner layer. The inner layer is treated with at least one antimicrobial booster. The absorbent layer is treated with at least one antimicrobial agent.

A valve including an antimicrobial agent can be used with needleless access connectors. The valve can have an insert that includes an antimicrobial coating thereon and/or the valve can have physical features, such as a series of tunnels or groves or a patterned surface, containing an antimicrobial formulation and/or the valve can be made of a material that includes an antimicrobial agent.

The subject invention provides materials methods for reducing infections in subjects. The materials methods utilize chlorhexidine, which has been found to be surprisingly non-toxic. The lack of toxicity facilitates the use of chlorhexidine in contexts that were not previously thought to be possible.