Process of activating anti-microbial materials
First Claim
1. A method of forming an anti-microbial material containing one or more anti-microbial metals, said method comprising:
- creating atomic disorder in a material containing one or more anti-microbial metals under conditions which limit diffusion for retaining atomic disorder therein to provide sustained release of atoms, ions, molecules or clusters of at least one of the metals into an alcohol or water based electrolyte at an enhanced rate relative to the material in its normal ordered crystalline state; and
irradiating the material with a low linear energy transfer form of radiation to release at least one anti-microbial metal at a concentration sufficient to provide a localized anti-microbial effect.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Anti-microbial coatings and powders and method of forming same on medical devices are provided. The coatings are formed by depositing an anti-microbial biocompatible metal by vapour deposition techniques to produce atomic disorder in the coating such that a sustained release of metal ions sufficient to produce an anti-microbial effect is achieved. Preferred deposition conditions to achieve atomic disorder include a lower than normal substrate temperature, and one or more of a higher than normal working gas pressure and a lower than normal angle of incidence of coating flux. Anti-microbial powders formed by mechanical working to produce atomic disorder are also provided. The anti-microbial effect of the coatings or powders may be further activated or enhanced by irradiating with a low linear energy transfer form of radiation such as gamma radiation.
228 Citations
16 Claims
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1. A method of forming an anti-microbial material containing one or more anti-microbial metals, said method comprising:
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creating atomic disorder in a material containing one or more anti-microbial metals under conditions which limit diffusion for retaining atomic disorder therein to provide sustained release of atoms, ions, molecules or clusters of at least one of the metals into an alcohol or water based electrolyte at an enhanced rate relative to the material in its normal ordered crystalline state; and irradiating the material with a low linear energy transfer form of radiation to release at least one anti-microbial metal at a concentration sufficient to provide a localized anti-microbial effect. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification