The present invention relates to methods and compositions for rendering a surface resistant to bio-film formation by a combination of an alkanediol and an antimicrobial agent (and, optionally, an organic hydroxy acid). The invention provides for compositions which may be used to render surfaces bio-film resistant, articles having bio-film resistant surfaces, and methods for their preparation. The present invention may be advantageously applied to medical articles as well as articles used in non-medical contexts, such as child care or food preparation.

Antimicrobial compositions for use in locking catheters and other devices are provided. In some embodiments, the composition includes at least one alcohol, at least one biocidal agent which is not an alcohol, and one or more poloxamers; in other embodiments, the composition comprises at least one poloxamer and at least one alcohol. The composition can provide long-lasting antimicrobial activity. Methods of using the composition are also provided.

Microparticles that include a charged polysaccharide (e.g., alginate) and an antimicrobial agent (e.g., chlorhexidine), along with related compositions and methods. The microparticles and related compositions can provide antimicrobial properties. Methods for manufacturing such microparticles, along with methods for applying the resulting microparticles to a substrate, such as a medical device or dressing, are also disclosed.

The invention relates to an antimicrobial barrier device and methods of manufacture. The antimicrobial barrier comprises one or more antimicrobial drugs that inhibit biofilm formation and bacterial and/or fungal growth. The antimicrobial barrier is suited for use with insertable devices (e.g., catheters) to reduce the incidence of infection at and around the insertion site.

A catheter configured to release nitric oxide and chlorhexidine providing anti-platelet and antimicrobial properties is manufactured by impregnating a thermoplastic polyurethane catheter extrusion with a nitric oxide releasing compound and with chlorhexidine. Thereafter, the impregnated catheter extrusion is coated with a polyurethane coating comprising chlorhexidine and/or a nitric oxide releasing compound. In the impregnating step, the catheter extrusion may be exposed to a solvent having the nitric oxide releasing compound and chlorhexidine dissolved therein. The solvent is removed from the catheter extrusion. In the coating step, the impregnated catheter extrusion may be dip coated in a polymer solution comprising polyurethane and chlorhexidine and/or a nitric oxide releasing compound in a suitable solvent. The nitric oxide releasing compound, impregnated and/or coated, may be selected from s-nitroso-n-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), s-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), and mixtures thereof. The chlorhexidine, impregnated and/or coated, may be selected from chlorhexidine diacetate, chlorhexidine base, chlorhexidine gluconate, and mixtures thereof.

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.

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.

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.

Provided herein are biocompatible hydrogel polymer matrices, which are prepared from biocompatible pre-formulations. The biocompatible pre-formulations comprise at least one nucleophilic compound, at least one electrophilic compound, and at least one cell. The biocompatible hydrogel polymer matrix is bioabsorbable and releases the cell at a target site, achieving a controlled delivery. The biocompatible hydrogel polymer matrix provides a solid support conducive for cell viability and functionality. The cells may grow on the hydrogel polymer surface of inside the hydrogel polymer matrix.

The present disclosure relates to a multilayer coatings that include a hydrophobic encasing layer and allow controlled release of a water soluble drug. The encasing layer encases water soluble, or hydrophilic, drugs with a flexible layer and comes in good intimate contact with the water soluble drug layer. Thus, the encasing layer conforms to the water soluble drug and can control the release of the drug. Advantageously, major cuts or fissures in the coating do not cause the water soluble drug to leak or burst out; rather, the encasing layer continues to provide modulated release of the drug. The present disclosure also includes methods of making the coating, methods of using the coating, and articles that include the coating.