| abstract |
An antimicrobial agent includes a metal ion in a hydrophilic polymer binder or carrier. The metal ion is preferably a silver ion and the hydrophilic polymer preferably comprises a sulfonated polyurethane or sulfonated polystyrene. According to a method of the invention, the antimicrobial agent is dissolved in dimethyl acetamide DMA, applied to paper by spraying, squeegee or the like and dried in an oven to flash off the solvent. The antimicrobial agent can be applied to other products by spraying and/or dipping and then drying to flash off solvent. According to another embodiment of the invention, the antimicrobial agent includes a water soluble polymer, at least one organic acid (e.g., one or more carboxylic acids such as acetic acid, formic acid, citric acid, malefic acid, ascorbic acid, salicyclic acid), and oligodynamic metal ions which react with counter-ions of the polymer such that the metal ions are bound to corresponding counter-ions, and the polymer controls a sustained release of said metal ion. The agent may also include a non-organic acid. (preferably boric acid and/or dictylborate). The water soluble polymer is preferably a sulfonated polymer (e.g., a sulfonated polyurethane, a sulfonated polystyrene, or a mixture thereof). |