Ex vivo antimicrobial devices and methods

摘要

A method and device for destroying and inhibiting exposure to microbes and infection includes a first element and a second element, and a power source. At least one of the elements includes antimicrobial metal, which, when energized by the power source, produces ions that are lethal to microbes. The device can be incorporated into virtually any useful object. During normal use of the object, electrical communication is established between the two elements, causing current supplied from the power source to flow through the antimicrobial metal. The two elements are configured and arranged to ensure that ions flowing from the antimicrobial metal flow through the region in which it is desired to kill microbes. The antimicrobial metal can be on the surface of the element, incorporated into the material making up the element, or provided in any other way that allows the antimicrobial effect to be achieved.

主权项

1. An antimicrobial device, comprising:
a device body having a first element including a plurality of first external surfaces and a second element including a plurality of second external surfaces, at least one of the first and second elements including an antimicrobial material, wherein the first and second external surfaces are adjacent to and directly facing one another in more than one location, wherein each of the adjacent first and second external surfaces are separated from one another by a space, and wherein the first element and second element remain free from contact with one another; one or more insulators configured to electrically decouple the first and second elements from each other, said one or more insulators being positioned in the spaces directly between each of the adjacent first and second external surfaces of the first and second elements; and an electrical power supply configured to apply electric potential across the first and second elements; wherein said first and second elements are configured to be electrically coupled together by an object that comes into contact with said device body causing electrical current to flow between said first and second elements and causing emission of antimicrobial ions from the antimicrobial material toward the object.