Light-activated antimicrobial and antiviral materials
AssigneeFiberMark, Inc.
InventorsJohn E. Wilson, Christopher Bull
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A substrate such as a woven or nonwoven fabric bound with a light-activated dye alone or in combination with additional conventional antimicrobial agents. The substrate is impregnated with a light-activated non-leachable dye having antimicrobial and/or antiviral characteristics which can be imparted to the substrate. The dye is bound by a cationic or anionic binder such as a water soluble polymer or carrageenan. Upon exposure to normal light, the dye generates singlet oxygen that kills microorganisms and viruses.
Claims12
A substrate selected from the group consisting of a nonwoven material and a woven material, said substrate comprising a binder and a light-activatable anionic or cationic dye capable of generating singlet oxygen in the presence of oxygen and upon exposure to light as an antimicrobial or antiviral agent, said anionic or cationic dye being bound to said substrate by said binder in an amount effective for rendering said substrate antimicrobial or antiviral upon exposure of said substrate to light, wherein said binder is carrageenan.
A substrate selected from the group consisting of paper, a nonwoven material, a woven material, and a polymeric film, said substrate comprising a binder and an anionic or cationic dye capable of generating singlet oxygen in the presence of oxygen and upon exposure to light as an antiviral agent, said anionic or cationic dye being bound to said substrate by said binder in an amount effective for rendering said substrate antiviral, said dye exhibiting antiviral properties upon activation by light, wherein said binder is carrageenan.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.