Devices and articles comprising up-converting sterilizing compositions and methods for using the same
AssigneePhase Shield LLC
InventorEirc F. Bernstein
Life of this patent
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Abstract
There is disclosed various devices and articles comprising phosphors for converting electromagnetic energy to radiation having a shorter wavelength, the composition comprising at least one phosphor capable of converting an initial electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength (A) to an electromagnetic radiation having a shorter wavelength (B) comprising UV radiation or radiation of a shorter wavelength. There is also a method of sterilizing such devices and articles by exposing it to UV radiation or radiation of a shorter wavelength for a time sufficient to deactivate or kill at least one microorganism and/or for a time sufficient to inhibit abnormal cell growth within the body, when the composition is in an implantable medical device.
Claims35
An article comprising a composition for converting electromagnetic radiation having wavelength (A) to electromagnetic radiation having a shorter wavelength (B), said composition comprising:
- at least one phosphor capable of converting an initial electromagnetic radiation having wavelength (A) to a different electromagnetic radiation having wavelength (B), said different electromagnetic radiation having wavelength (B) comprising UV, X-ray, or gamma radiation;
- and
- an organic or inorganic media containing said phosphor,
- said article comprising a consumer product, a children's toy, an animal toy, a medical device, medical product, a receptacle for fluids, a receptacle for holding drinking water, a bathroom fixture, a kitchen fixture, eating or cooking utensils, a cleaning product, an article of clothing, a building or construction article, sporting equipment, electronic equipment, or a polymeric film.
A method of sterilizing an article by exposing it to UV radiation or radiation of a shorter wavelength, said method comprising:
- exposing to long-wave ultraviolet, visible or infrared light, a composition comprising, in an organic or inorganic media, at least one phosphor capable of converting said visible or infrared light to UV radiation or radiation of a shorter wavelength,
- wherein said exposing is performed for a time sufficient to deactivate or kill at least one microorganism chosen from bacteria, virus, mold, protozoa, and yeast;
- and/or for a time sufficient to inhibit abnormal cell growth within the body, when said composition is in an implantable medical device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.