Abstract:
The present invention relates to methods and compositions which employ low concentrations of combinations of zinc salts and antimicrobial agents in coatings for medical articles. The coatings have an anti-irritant effect and inhibit transmission of infectious disease.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present invention is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/446,347, filed Jun. 2, 2006, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/327,677, filed Jan. 6, 2006. This application hereby claims priority to and incorporates, by reference, the disclosures of each of the above-listed applications in their entireties herein. 
     
    
     INTRODUCTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to methods and compositions which employ low concentrations of combinations of zinc salts and antimicrobial agents in coatings for articles such as medical articles. The coatings have an anti-irritant effect and inhibit transmission of infectious disease. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that hospital-acquired infections cost the U.S. healthcare system $4.5 billion a year, and that 80% of these infections are transmitted by direct touch. The emollient solvent octoxyglycerin (“Sensiva”) has been found to demonstrate antimicrobial activity, especially in the presence of quaternary ammonium compound and an additional antimicrobial agent, an activity utilized in hand sanitizer formulations (see U.S. Pat. No. 6,846,846). In addition to or as an alternative to antimicrobial topical formulations, gloves are used by health care practitioners and in other sectors, such as the food service industry, as a means of preventing spread of infection. However, many persons have or develop sensitivities to gloves, including allergic reactions to latex or dermatologic reactions to moisture retention. 
         [0004]    It has been recognized that zinc salts can inhibit irritation caused by a variety of agents. See for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,708,023, 5,965,610, 6,037,386, and 5,985,918. These patents teach the use of relatively high concentrations of zinc, which might be detrimental if taken internally. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The present invention relates to articles, especially medical articles, coated with combinations of two or more water-soluble zinc salts and one or more antimicrobial agent. Such coating may further comprise agents such as an emollient solvent, an essential oil or component thereof, and/or a silicone powder. Articles which may be coated according to the invention include, but are not limited to, gloves, male and female condoms, medical clothing, bandages, footwear, etc. The coating of the invention enhances the protective value of the article while inhibiting irritation of skin coming in contact with the article. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present invention relates, at least in part, to methods and compositions for coating articles, especially medical articles, which, in the case of barrier medical articles and medical articles which come in contact with the skin or mucous membranes, respectively, improve the effectiveness of the barriers in preventing the transmission of infectious disease and decrease skin and/or mucosal irritation caused by the article. 
         [0007]    In various embodiments, the present invention provides for the use of low concentrations of water soluble zinc salts and one or more antimicrobial agent, in coatings applied to articles that come in contact with the skin. Such articles include, but are not limited to, barrier articles such as gloves, condoms, and diaphragms, as well as articles such as eye protection devices, medical drapes, protective clothing, footwear, wound dressings, devices applied to stoma (e.g., colostomy bags, tracheostomy tubes and fittings), surgical masks, etc. Examples of non-medical articles that may be coated according to the invention include, but are not limited to, gloves or rubber fingers used in the food service industry, banking industry, or gardening, athletic wear including supports and gloves, etc. 
         [0008]    When discussing coatings according to the invention, percentages are in weight percent unless indicated otherwise. Further, such percentages refer to a coating solution used to coat the article, rather than the amount present after the coating solution has dried, unless indicated otherwise. 
         [0009]    The term “low concentration” means that the weight percent of a zinc salt (including the zinc ion and its binding partner) is less than 2 percent, for example between about 0.05 and 2 percent, or between about 0.1 and 2 percent, or between 0.1 and 0.5 percent, or between 0.5 and 1.5 percent, or between 0.2 and 0.5 percent, or between about 0.1 and 1 percent or between about 0.5 and 2 percent. Preferably, the water-soluble salts of zinc are present in the compositions (formulations and coatings) of the present invention in a total amount (weight of all water soluble zinc salts combined) of between about 0.1 and 0.5 percent, or less than 0.3 percent, or less than or equal to 0.2 percent. 
         [0010]    “Water soluble” zinc salts exhibit a molar solubility in water of at least 0.1 moles/liter and preferably at least 0.17 moles/liter, at 25 degrees Celsius. Water soluble zinc salts for use in these formulations include zinc acetate (molar solubility in water of 1.64 moles/l at 25 degrees Celsius), zinc butyrate (molar solubility in water of 0.4 moles/l), zinc gluconate (molar solubility in water of 0.28 moles/l), zinc glycerate (moderately water soluble), zinc glycolate (moderately water soluble), zinc formate (molar solubility in water of 0.33 moles/l at 20 degrees Celsius), zinc lactate (molar solubility in water of 0.17 moles/l), zinc picolinate (moderately water soluble), zinc propionate (molar solubility in water of 1.51 moles/l), zinc salicylate (low water solubility), zinc tartrate (moderately water soluble) and zinc undecylenate (moderately water soluble). In preferred non-limiting embodiments, the present invention provides for formulations for coating of articles comprising two or more water soluble zinc salts each having a molar solubility in water of about 0.17-1.64 moles/liter, wherein the total weight percent of all water soluble zinc salts is between about 0.1 and 0.5 percent or less than or equal to about 0.3 percent. 
         [0011]    A “water insoluble” zinc salt, as that term is used herein, refers to a compound having a water solubility of less than 0.1 moles/liter at 25 degrees Celsius. Non-limiting examples of water insoluble zinc salts include zinc oxide, zinc stearate, zinc citrate, zinc phosphate, zinc carbonate, and zinc borate. In specific, non-limiting embodiments, the water insoluble zinc salt is present in a concentration of between about 0.05 and 0.5 weight percent or between about 0.1 and 1 weight percent. 
         [0012]    In further specific, non-limiting embodiments, the total amount of all zinc salts, including water soluble and water insoluble salts, is between about 0.1 and 1.5 weight percent, or between about 0.1 and 1 weight percent. 
         [0013]    The terms “prevention” or “reduction” of irritation means a decrease in objective or subjective signs of irritation in tissues exposed to medical articles coated with formulations of the invention comprising low concentrations of two or more water-soluble, organic salts of zinc of at least 50%, and more preferably by greater than 90% relative to control tissues exposed to the barrier coated with the same formulations lacking zinc salts. Irritation in this context may be evidenced by redness or other changes in coloration, inflammation or swelling, hypersensitivity, the occurrence of burning, itching or other painful stimuli, chapping, wrinkling, rash, hives or other macroscopic or microscopic changes known to those of ordinary skill in the art to be associated with irritation. 
         [0014]    The formulations of the invention may be applied as coatings, in an article having more than one surface, so as to coat at least one surface (the entire surface or a portion thereof) of the article. As specific, non-limiting embodiments, a coating according to the invention may be applied to the inner surface of a glove or condom, or to the outer surface of a glove or condom, or to both inner and outer surfaces of a glove or condom. Different coatings may be applied to each surface. A coating may be applied over a portion of a surface, for example, but not by way of limitation, on the inner surface of one or more fingertip of a glove. 
         [0015]    Various embodiments of the invention may comprise an emollient, such as, but not limited to, PEG 20 almond glycerides, Probutyl DB-10, Glucam P-20, Glucam E-10, Glucam P-10, Glucam E-20, Glucam P-20 distearate, Procetyl-10 (Croda), Incroquat, glycerin, propylene glycol, cetyl acetate, and acetylated lanolin alcohol, cetyl ether, myristyril ether, hydroxylated milk glycerides, polyquaternium compounds, copolymers of dimethyl dialyl ammonium chloride and acrylic acid, dipropylene glycol methyl ethers, polypropylene glycol ethers and silicon polymers. Other suitable emollients may include hydrocarbon-based emollients such as petrolatum or mineral oil, fatty ester-based emollients, such as methyl, isopropyl and butyl esters of fatty acids such as isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl myristate, isopropyl isostearate, isostearyl isostearate, diisopropyl sebacate, and propylene dipelargonate, 2-ethylhexyl isononoate, 2-ethylhexyl stearate, C 12 -C 16  fatty alcohol lactates such as cetyl lactate and lauryl lactate, isopropyl lanolate, 2-ethylhexyl salicylate, cetyl myristate, oleyl myristate, oleyl stearate, oleyl oleate, hexyl laurate, and isohexyl laurate. Further emollients include lanolin, olive oil, cocoa butter, and shea butter. 
         [0016]    The present invention provides for the incorporation, into formulations and coatings, of one or more emollient solvent. Preferred emollient solvents of the invention include octoxyglycerin (Sensiva®), pentylene glycol, 1,2 hexanediol and caprylyl glycol, for example, and not by way of limitation, at a concentration of up to 5 percent or up to 3 percent, such as between 0.05 and 5 percent or between 0.1 and 3 percent. 
         [0017]    Various embodiments of the invention may comprise a stabilizing agent, such as, but not limited to, an antioxidant (which may be at a concentration of 0.2-1%), such as but not limited to vitamin C (ascorbic acid) or vitamin E (tocopherol). 
         [0018]    The stabilizing agents surprisingly appear to remove the turbidity of the formulations, resulting in a clear product that imparts a light feel to the surface to which it is applied. 
         [0019]    Various embodiments of the invention may comprise a thickening agent, such as but not limited to the following (at a preferred concentration of 0.6-2%): stearyl alcohol, cationic hydroxy ethyl cellulose (U Care JR30; Amerchol), hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl cellulose (Klucel), Polyox N-60K, chitosan pyrrolidone carboxylate (Kytamer), behenyl alcohol, zinc stearate, Crodamol STS (Croda) or an emulsifying wax, such as but not limited to, Incroquat and Polawax. Other thickening and/or gelling agents suitable for incorporation into the formulations or ointments described herein include, for example, an addition polymer of acrylic acid, a resin such as Carbopol® ETD™ 2020, guar gum, acacia, acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate copolymer, agar, algin, alginic acid, ammonium acrylate co-polymers, ammonium alginate, ammonium chloride, ammonium sulfate, amylopectin, attapulgite, bentonite, C9-15 alcohols, calcium acetate, calcium alginate, calcium carrageenan, calcium chloride, caprylic alcohol, carbomer 910, carbomer 934, carbomer 934P, carbomer 940, carbomer 941, carboxymethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl hydroxypropyl guar, carrageenan, cellulose, cellulose gum, cetearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, corn starch, crodomol, crothix, damar, dextrin, dibenzlidine sorbitol, ethylene dihydrogenated tallowamide, ethylene diolamide, ethylene distearamide, gelatin, guar gum, guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, hectorite, hyaluronic acid, hydrated silica, hydroxybutyl methylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxyethyl ethylcellulose, hydroxyethyl stearamide-MIPA, isocetyl alcohol, isostearyl alcohol, karaya gum, kelp, lauryl alcohol, locust bean gum, magnesium aluminum silicate, magnesium silicate, magnesium trisilicate, methoxy PEG-22/dodecyl glycol copolymer, methylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, montmorillonite, myristyl alcohol, oat flour, oleyl alcohol, palm kernel alcohol, pectin, PEG-2M, PEG-5M, polyacrylic acid, polyvinyl alcohol, potassium alginate, potassium aluminium polyacrylate, potassium carrageenan, potassium chloride, potassium sulfate, potato starch, propylene glycol, propylene glycol alginate, sodium acrylate/vinyl alcohol copolymer, sodium carboxymethyl dextran, sodium carrageenan, sodium cellulose sulfate, sodium chloride, sodium polymethacrylate, sodium silicoaluminate, sodium sulfate, stearalkonium bentonite, stearalkonium hectorite, stearyl alcohol, tallow alcohol, TEA-hydrochloride, tragacanth gum, tridecyl alcohol, tromethamine magnesium aluminum silicate, wheat flour, wheat starch, xanthan gum, abietyl alcohol, acrylinoleic acid, aluminum behenate, aluminum caprylate, aluminum dilinoleate, aluminum salts, such as distearate, and aluminum isostearates, beeswax, behenamide, butadiene/acrylonitrile copolymer, C29-70 acid, calcium behenate, calcium stearate, candelilla wax, carnauba, ceresin, cholesterol, cholesterol hydroxystearate, coconut alcohol, copal, diglyceryl stearate malate, dihydroabietyl alcohol, dimethyl lauramine oleate, dodecanoic acid/cetearyl alcohol/glycol copolymer, erucamide, ethylcellulose, glyceryl triacetyl hydroxystearate, glyceryl tri-acetyl ricinolate, glycol dibehenate, glycol di-octanoate, glycol distearate, hexanediol distearate, hydrogenated C6-14 olefin polymers, hydrogenated castor oil, hydrogenated cottonseed oil, hydrogenated lard, hydrogenated menhaden oil, hydrogenated palm kernel glycerides, hydrogenated palm kernel oil, hydrogenated palm oil, hydrogenated polyisobutene, hydrogenated soybean oil, hydrogenated tallow amide, hydrogenated tallow glyceride, hydrogenated vegetable glyceride, hydrogenated vegetable oil, Japan wax, jojoba wax, lanolin alcohol, shea butter, lauramide, methyl dehydroabietate, methyl hydrogenated rosinate, methyl rosinate, methylstyrene/vinyltoluene copolymer, microcrystalline wax, montan acid wax, montan wax, myristyleicosanol, myristyloctadecanol, octadecene/maleic anhyrdine copolymer, octyldodecyl stearoyl stearate, oleamide, oleostearine, ouricury wax, oxidized polyethylene, ozokerite, paraffin, pentaerythrityl hydrogenated rosinate, pentaerythrityl tetraoctanoate, pentaerythrityl rosinate, pentaerythrityl tetraabietate, pentaerythrityl tetrabehenate, pentaerythrityl tetraoleate, pentaerythrityl tetrastearate, ophthalmic anhydride/glycerin/glycidyl decanoate copolymer, ophthalmic/trimellitic/glycols copolymer, polybutene, polybutylene terephthalate, polydipentene, polyethylene, polyisobutene, polyisoprene, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl laurate, propylene glycol dicaprylate, propylene glycol dicocoate, propylene glycol diisononanoate, propylene glycol dilaurate, propylene glycol dipelargonate, propylene glycol distearate, propylene glycol diundecanoate, PVP/eiconsene copolymer, PVP/hexadecene copolymer, rice bran wax, stearlkonium bentonite, stearalkonium hectorite, stearamide, stearamide DEA-distearate, stearamide DIBA-stearate, stearamide MEA-stearate, stearone, stearyl erucamide, stearyl stearate, stearyl stearoyl stearate, synthetic beeswax, synthetic wax, trihydroxystearin, triisononanoin, triisostearin, tri-isostearyl trilinoleate, trilaurin, trilinoleic acid, trilinolein, trimyristin, triolein, tripalmitin, tristearin, zinc laurate, zinc myristate, zinc neodecanoate, zinc rosinate, and mixtures thereof. 
         [0020]    An embodiment of the invention may comprise phenoxyethanol (0.3-1.0%) as a solubilizing agent. 
         [0021]    Various embodiments of the invention may comprise a humectant, such as but not limited to glycerin, panthenol, Glucam P20, 1-2-propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, or 1,2,6-hexanetriol. The concentration of humectant may be between about 0.1 and 5 percent, or between about 0.1 and 0.5 percent. 
         [0022]    In non-limiting embodiments, coatings of the invention comprise one or more antimicrobial or preservative agent, preferably at a total concentration between 0.05 and 5 weight percent or between 0.05 and 2 weight percent or between 0.1 and 2 weight percent. Examples of preferred antimicrobial and/or preservative agents include, but are not limited to, chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG), benzalkonium chloride (BZK), or iodopropynylbutyl carbamate (IPBC; Germall plus). Further examples of antimicrobial agents include, but are not limited to, iodophors, iodine, benzoic acid, dihydroacetic acid, propionic acid, sorbic acid, methyl paraben, ethyl paraben, propyl paraben, butyl paraben, cetrimide, quaternary ammonium compounds, including but not limited to benzethonium chloride (BZT), dequalinium chloride, biguanides such as chlorhexidine (including free base and salts (see below)), PHMB (polyhexamethylene biguanide), chloroeresol, chlorxylenol, benzyl alcohol, bronopol, chlorbutanol, ethanol, phenoxyethanol, phenylethyl alcohol, 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol, thiomersal, clindamycin, erythromycin, benzoyl peroxide, mupirocin, bacitracin, polymyxin B, neomycin, triclosan, parachlorometaxylene, foscarnet, miconazole, fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. 
         [0023]    Specific, non-limiting embodiments of the invention contain essentially no quaternary ammonium compound, such as but not limited to benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride (BZT), and dequalinium chloride. 
         [0024]    Pharmaceutically acceptable chlorhexidine salts that may be used as antimicrobial agents according to the invention include, but are not limited to, chlorhexidine palmitate, chlorhexidine diphosphanilate, chlorhexidine digluconate, chlorhexidine diacetate, chlorhexidine dihydrochloride, chlorhexidine dichloride, chlorhexidine dihydroiodide, chlorhexidine diperchlorate, chlorhexidine dinitrate, chlorhexidine sulfate, chlorhexidine sulfite, chlorhexidine thiosulfate, chlorhexidine di-acid phosphate, chlorhexidine difluorophosphate, chlorhexidine diformate, chlorhexidine dipropionate, chlorhexidine di-iodobutyrate, chlorhexidine di-n-valerate, chlorhexidine dicaproate, chlorhexidine malonate, chlorhexidine succinate, chlorhexidine malate, chlorhexidine tartrate, chlorhexidine dimonoglycolate, chlorhexidine monodiglycolate, chlorhexidine dilactate, chlorhexidine di-α-hydroxyisobutyrate, chlorhexidine diglucoheptonate, chlorhexidine di-isothionate, chlorhexidine dibenzoate, chlorhexidine dicinnamate, chlorhexidine dimandelate, chlorhexidine di-isophthalate, chlorhexidine di-2-hydroxynapthoate, and chlorhexidine embonate. Chlorhexidine free base is a further example of an antimicrobial agent. 
         [0025]    These and further examples of antimicrobial agents useful in this invention can be found in such references as Goodman and Gilman&#39;s The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics (Goodman Gilman A, Rall T W, Nies A S, Taylor P, ed. (Pergamon Press; Elmsford, N.Y.: 1990)), the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
         [0026]    Various embodiments of the invention may comprise a neutralizing agent to neutralize carboxyl groups present in one or more other component, such as carboxyl groups in a thickening agent. Suitable neutralizing agents include diisopropylamine and triethanolamine. 
         [0027]    Various embodiments of the invention may comprise a surfactant. The surfactant may be an anionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, an ampholytic surfactant, or a nonionic surfactant. Examples of nonionic surfactants include polyethoxylates, fatty alcohols (e.g., ceteth-20 (a cetyl ether of polyethylene oxide having an average of about 20 ethylene oxide units) and other “BRIJ”® nonionic surfactants available from ICI Americas, Inc. (Wilmington, Del.)), cocamidopropyl betaine, alkyl phenols, fatty acid esters of sorbitol, sorbitan, or polyoxyethylene sorbitan. Suitable anionic surfactants include ammonium lauryl sulfate and lauryl ether sulfosuccinate. Preferred surfactants include lauroyl ethylenediamine triacetic acid sodium salt at a concentration between about 0.5-2.0%, Pluronic F87 at about 2.0%, Masil SF-19 (BASF) and incromide. Suitable concentrations of surfactant are between about 0.05% and 2%. Water used in the formulations described herein is preferably deionized water having a neutral pH. Alcohols that may be used according to the invention include but are not limited to ethanol and isopropyl alcohol. 
         [0028]    Non-limiting embodiments of the invention may comprise a silicone powder, such as, but not limited to, Dow Corning 9701 Cosmetic Powder. In specific non-limiting embodiments, the amount of such powder may be between about 0.1 and 5 percent, or between 0.2 and 1 percent. 
         [0029]    Various embodiments of the invention may comprise additional additives, including but not limited to a silicone fluid (such as dimethicone or cyclomethicone), a silicone emulsion, dyes, fragrances, pH adjusters, including basic pH adjusters such as ammonia, mono-, di- and tri-alkyl amines, mono-, di- and tri-alkanolamines, alkali metal and alkaline earth metal hydroxides (e.g., ammonia, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide, monoethanolamine, triethylamine, isopropylamine, diethanolamine and triethanolamine); acid pH adjusters such as mineral acids and polycarboxylic acids (e.g., hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, citric acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acid); vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin E and vitamin C; polyamino acids and salts, such as ethylenediamine tetraacidic acid (EDTA), preservatives such as Germall plus and DMDM hydantoin. 
         [0030]    Various embodiments of the invention may comprise an essential oil (“EO”), which is a volatile oil obtained from a plant or an animal source that comprises one or more active agent (also referred to herein as an Isolated Component or “IC”) which may be, for example but not by way of limitation, a monoterpene or sesquiterpene hydrocarbon, alcohol, ester, ether, aldehyde, ketone, or oxide. Examples of these EOs include, but are not limited to, almond oil, ylang-ylang oil, neroli oil, sandalwood oil, frankincense oil, peppermint oil, lavender oil, jasmine absolute, geranium oil bourbon, spearmint oil, clove oil, lemongrass oil, cedarwood oil, balsam oils, and tangerine oil. Alternatively, the present invention provides for the use of active agents found in essential oils (ICs) such as, but not limited to, 1-citronellol, α-amylcinnamaldehyde, lyral, geraniol, farnesol, hydroxycitronellal, isoeugenol, eugenol, eucalyptus oil and eucalyptol, lemon oil, linalool, and citral. Apart from their effects as fragrances or flavorants, such compounds also may be useful in the instant invention as antimicrobial agents. The concentrations of EO or IC may be between about 0.3 and 1 percent or between about 0.1 and 0.5 percent or between 0.5 and 2 percent (all weight percent values). 
         [0031]    Ambient temperature is defined herein between 20 and 35° C. Room temperature is defined herein between 20 and 25° C. 
         [0032]    The invention provides for methods of using the foregoing compositions to prevent irritation to an epithelial tissue (e.g. a mucosal tissue or the skin) comprising applying an effective amount of the composition to the surface or coating an article which is intended to come into contact with the skin or a mucosal tissue. Examples of irritants against which protection may be afforded include, but are not limited to, those induced by physical, chemical, mechanical or biological irritants. Specific examples of the foregoing irritants include, but are not limited to, means for hair removal (e.g. depilatories, waxing and razors), hair relaxants (e.g. sodium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, thioglycolates), antiperspirants (e.g. aluminum chlorhydrate and other aluminium salts), dermatological treatments (e.g. alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), especially glycolic and trichloroacetic acids), keratoyltic skin-irritating conditions (e.g. psoriasis, dandruff, etc.), infectious skin irritants (e.g. bacteria and fungi), and agents applied for therapeutic purposes. The epithelial surface to be protected from irritation may be dermal or mucosal, including vaginal, anorectal, oral or nasal. 
         [0033]    Examples of infectious agents against which protection may be afforded include, but are not limited to, infectious agents associated with sexually transmitted diseases, including Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV),  Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoea, Trichomonas vaginalis , and  Candida albicans , as well as infectious agents that may be encountered in a health care setting, including but not limited to  Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Enterococcus , and  Neisseria meningitidis , HIV, varicella virus and Hepatitis viruses (e.g., A, B, and C). 
         [0034]    In certain alternative non-limiting embodiments, the formulations and/or coatings of the invention lack an antimicrobial agent selected from the group consisting of iodophors, iodine, benzoic acid, dihydroacetic acid, propionic acid, sorbic acid, methyl paraben, ethyl paraben, propyl paraben, butyl paraben, cetrimide, quaternary ammonium compounds, including but not limited to benzalkonium chloride, dequalinium chloride, biguanides such as chlorhexidine (including free base and salts (see below)), chloroeresol, chlorxylenol, benzyl alcohol, bronopol, chlorbutanol, ethanol, phenoxyethanol, phenylethyl alcohol, 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol, thiomersal, clindamycin, erythromycin, benzoyl peroxide, mupirocin, bacitracin, polymyxin B, neomycin, triclosan, parachlorometaxylene, foscarnet, miconazole, fluconazole, itriconazole, ketoconazole, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. 
         [0035]    In still further embodiments, the present invention provides for a zinc slurry that may be applied to a latex article (such as a condom or glove) to reduce or prevent irritation. The zinc slurry may comprise, for example but not by way of limitation, at least two water-soluble zinc salts (as set forth above) at a concentration of between 0.5-2%, optionally one or more water-insoluble zinc salts (as set forth above) at a concentration of 0.1-1 percent, and panthenol at a concentration of 0.1-4%. Such a slurry may be mixed with a liquid, such as a silicone fluid, in a ratio of between 1:5 to 1:10, and then applied to the surface of the article which will be in contact with the skin. In a specific embodiment nonlimiting embodiment, the present invention provides for an emulsion which may be used to coat the interior surface of a glove, such as a latex glove. 
         [0036]    In one particular set of non-limiting embodiments, the present invention provides for a coating for application to or as applied on an article, comprising two water soluble zinc salts, each at a concentration of between 0.1 and 1 weight percent, a derivative of pantothenic acid, such as panthenol, at a concentration of between about 0.05 and 0.5 weight percent, and an antimicrobial agent as set forth above (e.g., a biguanide such as chlorhexidine), at a concentration of between about 1 and 5 weight percent. Coating solutions may further comprise a silicone emulsion at a concentration between about 70 and 95 weight percent. In certain non-limiting embodiments, said coating further comprises a third water soluble zinc salt at a concentration of between 0.1 and 1 weight percent. In certain non-limiting embodiments, in such coatings, which optionally comprise a third water soluble zinc salt, the combined amounts of all water soluble zinc salts is between about 0.1 and 2 weight percent. In certain non-limiting embodiments, such coatings comprise a silicone powder, as set forth above, at a concentration of between about 0.2 and 1 percent. 
         [0037]    In particular non-limiting embodiments, the present invention provides for a coating formulation comprising: 
         [0038]    (i) chlorhexidine gluconate at a concentration of between about 2 and 4 weight percent; 
         [0039]    (ii) panthenol at a concentration of between about 0.3 and 1 weight percent; 
         [0040]    (iii) zinc acetate at a concentration of between about 0.1 and 0.5 weight percent; 
         [0041]    (iv) zinc lactate at a concentration of between about 0.5 and 1.5 percent; 
         [0042]    (v) a quaternary ammonium compound at a concentration of between about 0.05 and 0.2 weight percent; and 
         [0043]    (vi) a silicone emulsion at a concentration of between about 1 and 5 weight percent; 
         [0000]    wherein the formulation does not comprise a water insoluble zinc salt, optionally further comprising between about 0.5 and 2 weight percent farnesol, between about 0.5 and 3 weight percent octoxyglycerin, and/or between about 0.1 and 0.5 weight percent silicone powder. 
         [0044]    In other non-limiting embodiments, the present invention provides for a coating formulation comprising: 
         [0045]    (i) chlorhexidine gluconate at a concentration of between about 2 and 4 weight percent; 
         [0046]    (ii) panthenol at a concentration of between about 0.3 and 1 weight percent; 
         [0047]    (iii) zinc acetate at a concentration of between about 0.1 and 0.5 weight percent; 
         [0048]    (iv) zinc lactate at a concentration of between about 0.5 and 1.5 percent; 
         [0049]    (v) zinc oxide at a concentration of between about 0.1 and 1.0 weight percent; and 
         [0050]    (vi) a silicone emulsion at a concentration of between about 1 and 5 weight percent; 
         [0000]    wherein the formulation does not comprise a quaternary ammonium compound, optionally further comprising between about 0.5 and 2 weight percent farnesol, between about 0.5 and 3 weight percent octoxyglycerin, and/or between about 0.1 and 0.5 weight percent silicone powder. 
         [0051]    In yet further non-limiting embodiments, the present invention provides for a coating formulation comprising: 
         [0052]    (i) chlorhexidine gluconate at a concentration of between about 2 and 4 weight percent; 
         [0053]    (ii) panthenol at a concentration of between about 0.3 and 1 weight percent; 
         [0054]    (iii) zinc acetate at a concentration of between about 0.1 and 0.5 weight percent; 
         [0055]    (iv) zinc lactate at a concentration of between about 0.5 and 1.5 percent; 
         [0056]    (v) a quaternary ammonium compound at a concentration of between about 0.05 and 0.2 weight percent; 
         [0057]    (vi) a silicone emulsion at a concentration of between about 1 and 5 weight percent; 
         [0058]    (vii) between about 0.5 and 2 weight percent farnesol; 
         [0059]    (viii) between about 0.5 and 3 weight percent octoxyglycerin; and 
         [0060]    (ix) between about 0.1 and 0.5 weight percent silicone powder. 
         [0061]    In non-limiting embodiments, the present invention provides for an article, especially a medical article, prepared by a method which comprises coating a surface of an uncoated article with a coating formulation as set forth above. Coating such articles would render them less irritating if contacted with skin or mucous membranes, and would render them more effective in inhibiting transmission of infectious disease. 
         [0062]    Table 1 sets forth concentration ranges of components which may be comprised in non-limiting examples of formulations of the invention. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Constituent 
                 Chemical Name 
                   
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 Chiorhexidine  
                 Soluble or Insoluable  
                 0.05%-10.0% 
               
               
                 Gluconate 
                 Biguanide Salt or  
                   
               
               
                 20% Sol. 
                 free Base 
                   
               
               
                 Water 
                   
                 QS to 100%  
               
               
                   
                   
                 if needed 
               
               
                 D Panthanol 
                 D and/or L Panthanol 
                   0%-3.0% 
               
               
                 Zinc Acetate, 100% 
                   
                   0%-2.0% 
               
               
                 Zinc Lactate, 100% 
                   
                   0%-5.0% 
               
               
                 Ucare JR30M, 100% 
                 Polyquaternium 10 
                   0%-2.0% 
               
               
                 Benzethonium  
                 Quaternary Alkylaryl-  
                   0%-3.5% 
               
               
                 Chloride 100% 
                 Dimethylammonium 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Chloride Compound 
                   
               
               
                 Zinc Gluconate, 100% 
                   
                 0.01%-5.0% 
               
               
                 Phenoxyethanol, 100% 
                   
                   0%-3.0% 
               
               
                 Teric N-100, 20% 
                 Ethoxylated nonyl phenol  
                   0%-10.0% 
               
               
                   
                 with ED from 3-150 
                   
               
               
                 Detex A50, 50% 
                   
                   0%-3.0% 
               
               
                 Silicone 
                   
                   
               
               
                 Dow Corning 939, 35% 
                 Amenofunctional Siloxane 
                   0%-7.0% 
               
               
                 Farnesol, 100% 
                 Sesquiterpenoid 
                   0%-5.0% 
               
               
                 1,2-Octanediol, 98+% 
                 Aliphatic and/or Aromatic  
                   0%-10.0% 
               
               
                   
                 and/or Cyclic glycol wit of  
                   
               
               
                   
                 with out double bonds and  
                   
               
               
                   
                 with carbon from 2-20 
                   
               
               
                 Hydrolite 5 
                 Aliphatic and/or Aromatic  
                   0%-10.0% 
               
               
                   
                 and/or Cyclic glycol wit of  
                   
               
               
                   
                 with out double bonds and  
                   
               
               
                   
                 with carbon from 2-20 
                   
               
               
                 Sensiva 
                 Octoxyglycerin 
                   0%-5.0% 
               
               
                 Silicone - 9701 
                 Amorphous fumed silica 
                   0%-3.0% 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0063]    Table 2 sets forth concentration ranges of components which may be comprised in non-limiting examples of formulations of the invention, which do not comprise insoluble zinc salts: 
         [0000]                                TABLE 2                       CONSTITUENT   % wt/wt (Range)                           Phase 1               Chlorhexidine Gluconate   2-4           Water ? Deionized   40-60           D-L Panthenol   0.3-1.0           Zinc Acetate   0.1-0.5           Zinc Lactate   0.5-1.5           Ucare JR-30M   0.1-0.3           Benzethonium Chloride     0-0.2           Zinc Gluconate   0.2-0.5           Phenoxyethanol   0.5-1.0           Phase 2               Water - Deionized   20-30           Silicone - Dow Corning    1.0-5.0           939 Emulsion               Farnesol   0.5-2.0           1,2-Octanediol   1.0-4.0           Sensiva SC-50   0.5-3.0                        
According to non-limiting methods of the invention, the coating formulation is prepared by first preparing two solutions (Phase 1 and Phase 2, above), which are then mixed together.
 
         [0064]    Table 3 sets forth concentration ranges of components which may be comprised in non-limiting examples of formulations of the invention, which optionally comprise insoluble zinc salts: 
         [0000]                                TABLE 3                       CONSTITUENT   % wt/wt (Range)                           Phase 1               Chlorhexidine Gluconate   2-4           Water - Deionized   40-60           D-L Panthenol   0.3-1.0           Zinc Acetate   0.1-0.5           Zinc Lactate   0.5-1.5           Ucare JR-30M   0.1-0.3           Benzethonium Chloride     0-0.2           Zinc Gluconate   0.2-0.5           Zinc Oxide     0-1.0           Phenoxyethanol   0.5-1.0           Phase 2               Water - Deionized   20-30           Silicone - Dow Corning    1.0-5.0           939 Emulsion               Farnesol   0.5-2.0           1,2-Octanediol   1.0-4.0           Sensiva SC-50   0.5-3.0                        
According to non-limiting methods of the invention, the coating formulation is prepared by first preparing two solutions (Phase 1 and Phase 2, above), which are then mixed together.
 
         [0065]    One specific, non-limiting embodiment of the invention is the formulation set forth below in Table 4: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 4 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 CONSTITUENT 
                 % wt/wt 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Phase 1 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Chlorhexidine Gluconate 
                 3.00 
               
               
                   
                 Water - Deionized 
                 53.90 
               
               
                   
                 D&#39; Panthenol 
                 0.36 
               
               
                   
                 Zinc Acetate 
                 0.30 
               
               
                   
                 Zinc Lactate 
                 1.00 
               
               
                   
                 Ucare JR-30M 
                 0.10 
               
               
                   
                 Benzethonium Chloride 
                 0.20 
               
               
                   
                 Zinc Gluconate 
                 0.30 
               
               
                   
                 Phenoxy ethanol 
                 0.55 
               
               
                   
                 SUBTOTAL: 
                 59.71 
               
               
                   
                 Phase 2 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Water - Deionized 
                 27.36 
               
               
                   
                 Teric N-100 
                 1.90 
               
               
                   
                 Cetrimonium Chloride 
                 0.03 
               
               
                   
                 Silicone - Dow Corning  
                 2.50 
               
               
                   
                 939 Emulsion 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Farnesol 
                 1.00 
               
               
                   
                 1,2-Octanediol 
                 3.25 
               
               
                   
                 Pentylene Glycol 
                 3.00 
               
               
                   
                 Sensiya SC-50 
                 1.00 
               
               
                   
                 Silicone - Dow Corning  
                 0.25 
               
               
                   
                 9701 Cosmetic 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Powder 
                   
               
               
                   
                 SUBTOTAL: 
                 40.29 
               
               
                   
                 TOTAL: 
                 100.00 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0066]    Various publications are cited herein, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.