Polymer compositions containing colloids of silver salts

Abstract

The present invention relates to antimicrobial compositions, methods for the production of these compositions, and use of these compositions with medical devices, such as catheters, and implants. The compositions of the present invention can advantageously provide varying release kinetics for the active ions in the compositions due to the different water solubilities of the ions, allowing antimicrobial release profiles to be tailored for a given application and providing for sustained antimicrobial activity over time. More particularly, the invention relates to polymer compositions containing colloids comprised of salts of one or more oligodynamic metal, such as silver.; The process described herein includes mixing a solution of one or more oligodynamic metal salts with a polymer solution or dispersion and precipitating a colloid of the salts by addition of other salts to the solution which react with some or all of the first metal salts. The compositions can be incorporated into articles or can be employed as a coating on articles such as medical devices.

Description

field of invention [0001] The present invention generally relates to polymer compositions and their use for the preparation or coating of articles such as medical devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to antimicrobial compositions comprising polymers and micromotion salts. Background of the invention [0002] Silver and silver salts have been used as antimicrobial agents for many years. An early medical use of silver was the application of an aqueous solution of silver nitrate to prevent eye infections in newborn infants. Silver salts, colloids, and complexes have also been used to prevent and control infection. For example, colloidal silver has been used topically for conjunctivitis, urethritis and vaginitis. [0003] Other metals such as gold, zinc, copper and cerium, alone or in combination with silver, have also been found to have antimicrobial properties. These and other metals exhibit antimicrobial properties even in minute amounts, a property k...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0009] There are several disadvantages in this approach

A disadvantage is that in order to provide effective antimicrobial activity on the surface of the device, a large amount of microscopic material is required

A second disadvantage is that it is difficult to prepare articles that release micromobilized species, since most device polymers absorb, if at all, little water that would facilitate the diffusion and release of micromobilized species, making the article Provides only limited antimicrobial effect

However, Fox relies on the dispersion of silver particles in the coating solution and will be susceptible to problems related to particle deposition and agglomeration