SELF-INDICATING WIPE FOR REMOVING BACTERIA FROM A SURFACE

摘要

A wipe that includes a bacteriostatic agent that contains cations having an affinity for the negatively charged cell walls of bacteria is provided. The affinity of the bacteriostatic agent for the bacteria allows the wipe to capture bacteria, thereby removing them from a surface and also inhibiting their spread to other surfaces that may contact the wipe. Of particular advantage, the bacteriostatic agent may help protect against the spread or infection of pathogens without the use of chemicals, such as antiseptics or antibiotics. Still further, the wipe of the present invention also contains a solvatochromatic indicator that undergoes a color change in the presence of a broad spectrum of bacteria. Thus, when the wipe captures bacteria, the indicator undergoes a color change that signals to the user that the wipe is functioning properly. The lack of a color change may likewise provide the user with the assurance that the area is generally free of bacteria and clean.