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New antimicrobial tech wins patents, claims lower cost than silver counterparts

A new antimicrobial technology that utilizes long-chain polymers has been granted 41 claims by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Quick-Med Technologies' NIMBUS antimicrobial products use a Poly-Electrolyte Complex (PEC) to stabilize the active antimicrobial agent that is a positively-charged (cationic) polymer, allowing it to bond to a range of substrates. The PEC will be protected through the patent, the application for which was entitled: "Polyelectrolyte Complex For Imparting Antimicrobial Properties To A Substrate."

PlasticsToday Staff

September 18, 2013

1 Min Read
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Quick-Med VP R&D William Toreki said the PEC method makes the antimicrobial component more adherent on a molecular level, thus enhancing its ability to attach to the surfaces of bandages and wound dressings, for example.

NIMBUS received de Novo FDA clearance in June 2009 and has already been commercialized in traditional wound-care applications. Additional applications under development include advanced wound dressings, medical adhesives, and catheters.

Quick-Med says that by destroying bacteria at the cellular level, NIMBUS can eliminate the risk of developing drug resistance, with proven efficacy against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE). NIMBUS reportedly creates a non-leaching, permanent bond with a multitude of substrates at a cost that is less than 10% that of silver-based antimicrobials.

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