Antimicrobial Constructs

Abstract

The invention is based on the recognition that known antimicrobial compounds, such as nisin or other lantibiotics, can be made to form a long lasting antimicrobial surface coating by linking the peptide with a block polymer, such as PLURONIC® F108 or an end group activated polymer (EGAP) in a manner to form a flexible tether and/or entrap the peptide. The entrapped peptide provides antimicrobial action by early release from entrapment while the tethered peptide provides longer lasting antimicrobial protection. Antimicrobial gels and foams may be prepared using the antimicrobial peptide containing block copolymers.

1 - 24 . (canceled) 
     
     
         25 . A block copolymer which has an antimicrobial component, wherein a quantity of the antimicrobial is covalently attached to the block copolymer and another quantity of the antimicrobial component is entrapped in the strands of the block copolymer.