Patent Publication Number: US-2021161129-A1

Title: Pathogen eliminating article and methods of manufacturing and using the same

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation application and claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15/824,367 filed Nov. 28, 2017, which is a non-provisional of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/426,760 filed Nov. 28, 2016, for “PATHOGEN ELIMINATING ARTICLE AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING AND USING THE SAME”, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure is directed generally to methods and apparatus related to antimicrobial products for use in neutralizing harmful pathogens and, more particularly, to methods and apparatus that include an antimicrobial alloy core encased in a protective shielding that neutralizes the pathogens without physical contact. 
     Currently, there exists a large variety of strains of antibiotic resistant virulent microbes. Such microbes are known to cause a variety of diseases. Microbes like methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus strain ATCC 6538, which, if left untreated, can lead to sickness and even death. This problem is especially prevalent in locations (hospitals, hotels, public schools, elderly homes, etc.) where infectious microbes can easily be spread among its inhabitants. There is a need to frequently disinfect surfaces that people may come into contact with. Additionally, microbes such as E. Coli and Salmonella are known to be found in food manufacturing and preparation facilities where the possibility exists for the microbes to be located on surfaces that contact food items before they are packaged or prepared for human consumption. Such locations and facilities require frequent cleaning using antimicrobial agents to disinfect surfaces that may harbor infectious microbes. 
     At least some known antimicrobial agents include chemical antimicrobial agents, e.g., disinfectants. However, at least some chemical antimicrobial agents may be harmful to both the environment and the person coming into contact with them. Also, at least some chemical antimicrobial agents lose their antimicrobial effectiveness within a relatively short time period as the microbes become resistant to the agent. 
     Another known antimicrobial agent includes an antimicrobial metallic alloy used to disinfect a surface having harmful microbes. Such alloys use a natural oligodynamic effect to reduce or eliminate the microbes that directly contact the surface of the alloy. However, at least some known antimicrobial metallic alloys are formed from materials that oxidize relatively easily, especially when exposed to external elements such as the open air or chemical antimicrobial agents that may be used to further eliminate the microbes. Additionally, the materials that make up many known antimicrobial metallic alloys are relatively soft and may be susceptible to marring, fragmentation, and other damage during use. Such qualities are undesirable, especially in food preparation products because of the risk of contamination, which may lead to illness. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary antimicrobial article; 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the antimicrobial article shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a food storage container at least partially formed from the antimicrobial article shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a flow diagram of a method of disinfecting a surface using the antimicrobial article. 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of another antimicrobial article. 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of yet another antimicrobial article. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the antimicrobial article shown in  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of any of the antimicrobial articles shown in  FIGS. 2, 5, and 6 . 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of another food storage container including any of the antimicrobial articles shown in  FIGS. 2, 5, and 6 . 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of yet another food storage container including any of the antimicrobial articles shown in  FIGS. 2, 5, and 6 . 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of a lid of the container shown in  FIG. 10  illustrating an exemplary compartment. 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of the lid of the container shown in  FIG. 10  illustrating another compartment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Described herein is an antimicrobial article including an antimicrobial metallic alloy core and a non-antimicrobial shield coupled to the antimicrobial core. The antimicrobial core includes an antimicrobial alloy containing a minimum of 2% of at least one of copper/copper alloys/copper oxides, silver/silver alloys/silver oxides, gold/gold alloys/gold oxides, or molybdenum/molybdenum alloys/molybdenum oxides. The antimicrobial article may include any antimicrobial alloy, such as, for example, antimicrobial copper/copper alloys, identified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The non-antimicrobial shield is fabricated from a non-antimicrobial material, such as, but not limited to stainless steel and serves as a protective layer to the antimicrobial core providing strength, physical and chemical durability, and stainless qualities. As described herein, the antimicrobial article provides an antimicrobial property due to a “spectrum of efficacy” produced by the protected antimicrobial alloy core that kills potentially harmful pathogens located within a certain range of the antimicrobial alloy core. As such, the “spectrum of efficacy ” of the antimicrobial article enables the antimicrobial alloy core to disinfect the surface of the shield opposite the antimicrobial core without contacting the bacterium located thereon and within a relatively short period of time. 
     Additionally, as used herein, the term “pathogens” is meant to describe any harmful virus, bacteria, or fungus that may cause disease. For example, a pathogen may be any of methicillin-resistant  Staphylococcus aureus  strain ATCC 6538, and the like. More specifically, pathogens commonly found in healthcare environments include  Acinetobacter baumannii, Bacteroides fragilis, Burkholderia cepacia, Clostridium difficile, Clostridium sordellii,  Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae,  Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli,  Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Influenza,  Klebsiella pneumonia,  Methicillin-resistant  Staphylococcus aureus, Morganella morganii, Mycobacterium abscessus, Norovirus, Psuedomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Mycobacterium tuberculosis,  Vancomyin-resistant  Staphylococcus aureus,  and Vancomycin-resistant  Enterococci.    
     Furthermore, pathogens commonly found in food production that are eliminated by the “spectrum of efficacy” include  Bacillus cereus,  Botulism,  Campylobacter, Clostridium perfringens, Listeria, Salmonella, Shigella, Vibrio vulnificus  and  Vibrio parahaemolyticus.  Many known pathogens eliminated by the “spectrum of efficacy” may be found in many different environments. 
     The terms “including”, “comprising” and variations thereof, as used in this disclosure, mean “including, but not limited to”, unless expressly specified otherwise. 
     The terms “a”, “an”, and “the”, as used in this disclosure, means “one or more”, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “about” or “approximately” refer to within +1-10%, when referring to a percentage. 
     Although process steps, method steps, or the like, may be described in a sequential order, such processes and methods may be configured to work in alternate orders. In other words, any sequence or order of steps that may be described does not necessarily indicate a requirement that the steps be performed in that order. The steps of the processes or methods described herein may be performed in any order that facilitates operation of the method. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of an exemplary antimicrobial article  100  is illustrated. Antimicrobial article  100  includes any product used in, for example, healthcare, extended care, residential or commercial facilities, public or private facilities, public or private vehicles, food manufacturing and preparation locations, medical and other health care devices, refrigeration units, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) equipment, agriculture (to prevent greening disease and other similar plant pathogens), or anywhere else where pathogens may be transferred through contact of or exposure to a surface. 
     .  FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of another antimicrobial article  100  illustrating an antimicrobial core  102  encased within non-antimicrobial shield  104  to prevent exposure of antimicrobial core  102 , as described in further detail below. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, antimicrobial article  100  includes antimicrobial core  102  coupled to a surface of non-antimicrobial shield  104  such that antimicrobial core  102  kills any pathogens located on a surface of non-antimicrobial shield  104  opposite antimicrobial core  102  without directly contacting the pathogens. More specifically antimicrobial core  102  includes a first surface  106  and a second surface  108 , and non-antimicrobial shield  104  includes a first layer  110  having a third surface  112  and a fourth surface  114  and a second layer  116  having a fifth surface  118  and a sixth surface  120 . 
     Antimicrobial core  102  is coupled to first layer  110  of non-antimicrobial shield  104  such that first surface  106  is coupled in a face-to-face relationship with fourth surface  114 . In such a configuration, the spectrum of efficacy antimicrobial property of antimicrobial core  102  penetrates non-antimicrobial shield  104  and disinfects third surface  112  without directly contacting the pathogen located on third surface  112  within a time period of approximately 2-3 hours. In the exemplary embodiment, antimicrobial core  102  effectively kills pathogens within approximately 2-3 hours of the pathogens being located proximate antimicrobial core  102 . Article  100  may be located in any location that is likely to come within an estimated effective range of a “spectrum of efficacy” of antimicrobial core  102 . In the exemplary embodiment, experimentation has demonstrated that the “spectrum of efficacy” of antimicrobial core  102  exhibits up to 70% effectiveness against pathogen microbes at a distance of up to 25.0 centimeters (9.84 inches). Furthermore, the effectiveness against pathogen microbes has been shown to be independent of both shielding material and thickness. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, article  100  includes second layer  116  coupled to antimicrobial core  102  such that second surface  108  is coupled in a face-to-face relationship with fifth surface  114 . In such a configuration, the “spectrum of efficacy” disinfects both third and sixth surfaces  112  and  120  within the same time period. As such, in the exemplary embodiment, article  100  includes only three layers of material, with antimicrobial core  102  positioned between layers of non-antimicrobial shield  104 , and no additional layers of material are provided in article  100  such that non-antimicrobial shield  104  completely encases antimicrobial core  102 . As such, antimicrobial core  102  is prevented from any exposure to the atmosphere or external elements. More specifically, antimicrobial core  102  is coupled in a face-to-face relationship with non-antimicrobial shield  104  such that no air gap exists between surfaces  106  and  114  or between surfaces  108  and  118 . Generally, non-antimicrobial shield  104  serves as a protective layer between antimicrobial core  102  and the external environment. In the exemplary embodiment, antimicrobial core  102  and non-antimicrobial shield  104  are coupled via any known welding process. Alternatively, antimicrobial core  102  and non-antimicrobial shield  104  are coupled via any manner, such as adhesive bonding. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, non-antimicrobial shield  104  is fabricated from a metal or metallic alloy of stainless steel, titanium, nickel, aluminum, sheet metal, tin, or any combination thereof. Preferably, non-antimicrobial shield  104  is fabricated from a commercially available stainless steel alloy such as, but not limited to one of 304, 304L, 316, and 316L alloys. Alternatively, non-antimicrobial shield  104  is fabricated from at least one of a hard plastic material, an elastomeric material, and a ceramic material. Generally, non-antimicrobial shield  104  is fabricated from any material that facilitates protecting antimicrobial core  102  from external environmental effects such as impacts, chopping, cutting, chemical wipes, and the like. As such, non-antimicrobial shield  104  prevents any outside substance from contacting antimicrobial core  102 . In the exemplary embodiment, non-antimicrobial shield  104  is more than 10% of a total material by weight and/or by volume of antimicrobial article  100 . More specifically, non-antimicrobial shield  104  makes up between approximately 10% by weight and/or by volume to approximately 99% by weight and/or by volume of a total material of antimicrobial article  100 . Even more specifically, non-antimicrobial shield  104  makes up between approximately 10% by weight and/or by volume to approximately 50% of a total material by weight and/or by volume of antimicrobial article  100 . Alternatively, non-antimicrobial shield  104  consists of any percentage of material for article  100 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, antimicrobial core  102  is fabricated from an antimicrobial alloy including at least one transition metal. As used herein, “transition metal” is used to describe an element whose atom has a partially filled d sub-shell, or which can give rise to cations with an incomplete d sub-shell. More specifically, “transition metal” is used to describe any element in the d-block of the periodic table, which includes groups 3 to 12 on the periodic table. Particularly, antimicrobial core  102  is fabricated from an antimicrobial alloy including any combination of copper, copper alloys, copper oxides, silver, silver alloys, silver oxides, gold, gold alloys, gold oxides, and molybdenum, molybdenum alloys, molybdenum oxides. 
     More specifically, antimicrobial core  102  includes an antimicrobial active component and a non-antimicrobial inactive component. The active component includes at least one of the above described antimicrobial materials. Specifically, the active component includes any combination of copper, copper alloys, copper oxides, silver, silver alloys, silver oxides, gold, gold alloys, gold oxides, and molybdenum, molybdenum alloys, molybdenum oxides. Additionally, the active component makes up at least 10% by weight and/or by volume of a total material of antimicrobial core  102 . More specifically, the active component makes up at least 2% by weight and/or by volume of a total material of antimicrobial core  102 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, the inactive component includes at least one of nickel, titanium, and zinc. Alternatively, the inactive component includes any non-antimicrobial metal. The inactive component makes up between approximately 1% by weight and/or by volume to approximately 98% by weight and/or by volume of a total material of antimicrobial core  102 . 
     Overall, in the exemplary embodiment, antimicrobial core  102  makes up between approximately 10% by weight and/or by volume to approximately 90% by weight and/or by volume of a total material of antimicrobial article  100 . For example, in the exemplary embodiment, antimicrobial core  102  includes an alloy of approximately 70% by weight and/or by volume of the active component, such as copper, and approximately 30% by weight and/or by volume of the inactive component, such as nickel. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a food storage container  300  at least partially formed from antimicrobial article  100  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). In the exemplary embodiment, container  300  includes a front wall  302 , a rear wall  304 , a first sidewall  306 , a second sidewall  308 , a bottom wall  310 , and a cover  312 . Walls  302 - 312  together define a cavity  314  within container  300  in which food is meant to be stored. In the exemplary embodiment, container  300  includes removable cover  312 . Alternatively, container  300  is a five-sided container not having a cover. Generally, container  300  is any structure in which food may be placed for storage and preservation. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, each of walls  302 - 312  is formed from antimicrobial article  100  such that any food placed within cavity  314  is surrounded by antimicrobial article  100 . Alternatively, fewer than all of walls  302 - 312   312  are formed from antimicrobial article  100 . For example, in one embodiment, only bottom wall  310  is formed from antimicrobial article  100 . In such a configuration, any other walls of container  300  are formed from any material. Generally, at least one of walls  302 - 312  is formed from antimicrobial article. 
     In operation, food meant for consumption, or any other perishable item, is placed within container  300  having at least one of walls  302 - 312  formed from antimicrobial article  100 . The “spectrum of efficacy” of antimicrobial article  100 , as described above, effectively neutralizes a majority of the pathogens that cause the food items to begin to decay. As such, food items stored in container  300  decay at a much slower rate than when not exposed to the “spectrum of efficacy” of antimicrobial article  100 , and food items with a relatively short shelf life, such as fruits, may be stored in container  300  in an edible state for a much longer period of time before consumption. 
       FIG. 4  is a flow diagram of a method  400  of disinfecting a surface using an antimicrobial article, such as antimicrobial article  100  (shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). Method  400  includes forming  402  an antimicrobial core material, such as antimicrobial core  102  (shown in  FIG. 2 ), and forming  404  at least one layer of a non-antimicrobial shielding material, such as non-antimicrobial shield  104  (shown in  FIG. 2 ), including a first surface and an opposite second surface, such as surfaces  112  and  114  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). Method  400  also includes coupling  406  the antimicrobial core to the first surface such that the antimicrobial core disinfects the second surface without contacting pathogens thereon. 
       FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of another antimicrobial article  500  illustrating an antimicrobial core  502  encased within non-antimicrobial shield  504  to prevent exposure of antimicrobial core  502  to the atmosphere or external elements. Similar to article  100 , antimicrobial article  500  includes antimicrobial core  502  coupled to a surface of non-antimicrobial shield  504  such that antimicrobial core  502  kills any pathogens located on a surface of non-antimicrobial shield  504  opposite antimicrobial core  502  without directly contacting the pathogens. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , core  502  is substantially similar to core  102  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) such that antimicrobial core  502  is also fabricated from an antimicrobial alloy including any combination of copper, copper alloys, copper oxides, silver, silver alloys, silver oxides, gold, gold alloys, gold oxides, and molybdenum, molybdenum alloys, molybdenum oxides. More specifically, antimicrobial core  502  includes an antimicrobial active component and a non-antimicrobial inactive component. As described herein, the active component includes at least one of copper, copper alloys, copper oxides, silver, silver alloys, silver oxides, gold, gold alloys, gold oxides, and molybdenum, molybdenum alloys, molybdenum oxides. Similarly, shield  504  is substantially similar to shield  104  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) such that non-antimicrobial shield  504  is fabricated from a metal or metallic alloy of stainless steel, titanium, nickel, aluminum, sheet metal, tin, or any combination thereof. Preferably, non-antimicrobial shield  504  is fabricated from a commercially available stainless steel alloy such as, but not limited to one of 304, 304L, 316, and 316L alloys. Alternatively, non-antimicrobial shield  504  is fabricated from at least one of a hard plastic material, an elastomeric material, and a ceramic material. Generally, non-antimicrobial shield  504  is fabricated from any material that facilitates protecting antimicrobial core  502  from external environmental effects such as impacts, chopping, cutting, chemical wipes, and the like. 
     Antimicrobial shield  504  includes a first portion  506 , a second portion  508 , and a seam  510  where first portion  506  is coupled to second portion  508 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , second portion  508  includes a plurality of sidewalls  512  that form a cavity  514  configured to receive antimicrobial core  502  therein. In the embodiment, sidewalls  512  are substantially flush with a top surface  516  of core  502 . Alternatively, sidewalls  512  terminate short of top surface  516  and second portion  508  of shield  504  includes sidewalls (not shown) that engage sidewalls  512  to form antimicrobial article  500 . 
     Second portion  508  of non-antimicrobial shield  504  includes a top surface  518  that focuses an antimicrobial effect  520  from core  502  into a predetermined location or area  522 . More specifically, top surface  518  of shield second portion  508  includes a single continuous curve such that antimicrobial effect  520  is focused on area  522 . Even more specifically, top surface  518  includes a center point  524  that is positioned lower that a plurality of raised edges  526  of second portion  508  such that top surface  518  is parabolic to focus antimicrobial effect  520  on area  522 . Such a configuration enables a user to concentrate the antimicrobial effects of article  500  onto area  522  for more thorough or faster disinfecting. 
       FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of yet another antimicrobial article  600  illustrating an antimicrobial core  602  encased within non-antimicrobial shield  604  to prevent exposure of antimicrobial core  602  to the atmosphere or external elements.  FIG. 7  is a perspective view of antimicrobial article  600  shown in  FIG. 6 . Similar to articles  100  and  500 , antimicrobial article  600  includes antimicrobial core  602  coupled to a surface of non-antimicrobial shield  604  such that antimicrobial core  602  kills any pathogens located on a surface of non-antimicrobial shield  604  opposite antimicrobial core  602  without directly contacting the pathogens. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , core  602  is substantially similar to core  102  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) such that antimicrobial core  602  is also fabricated from an antimicrobial alloy including any combination of copper, copper alloys, copper oxides, silver, silver alloys, silver oxides, gold, gold alloys, gold oxides, and molybdenum, molybdenum alloys, molybdenum oxides. More specifically, antimicrobial core  602  includes an antimicrobial active component and a non-antimicrobial inactive component. As described herein, the active component includes at least one of copper, gold, silver, and molybdenum. Similarly, shield  604  is substantially similar to shield  104  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) such that non-antimicrobial shield  604  is fabricated from a metal or metallic alloy of stainless steel, titanium, nickel, aluminum, sheet metal, tin, or any combination thereof. Preferably, non-antimicrobial shield  604  is fabricated from a commercially available stainless steel alloy such as, but not limited to one of 304, 304L, 316, and 316L alloys. Alternatively, non-antimicrobial shield  604  is fabricated from at least one of a hard plastic material, an elastomeric material, and a ceramic material. Generally, non-antimicrobial shield  604  is fabricated from any material that facilitates protecting antimicrobial core  602  from external environmental effects such as impacts, chopping, cutting, chemical wipes, and the like. 
     Antimicrobial shield  604  includes a first portion  606 , a second portion  608 , and a seam  610  where first portion  606  is coupled to second portion  608 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , second portion  608  includes a plurality of sidewalls  612  that form a cavity  614  configured to receive antimicrobial core  602  therein. In the embodiment, sidewalls  612  are substantially flush with a top surface  616  of core  602 . Alternatively, sidewalls  612  terminate short of top surface  616  and second portion  608  of shield  604  includes sidewalls (not shown) that engage sidewalls  612  to form antimicrobial article  600 . 
     Second portion  608  of non-antimicrobial shield  504  includes a top surface  618  that focuses antimicrobial effect  620  from core  602  into a plurality of predetermined locations or areas  622 . More specifically, top surface  618  of shield second portion  608  includes a plurality of dimples or depressions  624  that focus antimicrobial effect  620  from core  602  into predetermined locations or areas  622 . Such a configuration enables a user to concentrate the antimicrobial effects of article  600  onto areas  522  for more thorough or faster disinfecting. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , each depression  624  is similarly sized and is arranged in a plurality of rows that extend from a first side  626  of article  600  to an opposing second side  628 . In another embodiment, depressions  624  extend only a partial distance between sides  626  and  628 . Furthermore, in another embodiment, depressions  624  are different sizes such that antimicrobial effect  620  is focused at different heights above top surface  618 . Additionally, in one embodiment, depressions  624  are arranged a circular or a plurality of circles. Generally, any number of depressions  624  are arranged in any pattern to facilitate concentrating antimicrobial effect  620  from core  602  into any number of predetermined areas  622 . 
       FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of any of the antimicrobial articles  100 ,  500 , and  600  shown in  FIGS. 2, 5, and 6 . For simplicity, the antimicrobial article in  FIG. 9  will be described similarly as articles  500  and  600  and be referred to using reference numerals in the  700  series. As such, antimicrobial article  700  includes an antimicrobial core  702  encased within non-antimicrobial shield  704  to prevent exposure of antimicrobial core  702  to the atmosphere or external elements. Similar to articles  100 ,  500 , and  600 , antimicrobial article  700  includes antimicrobial core  702  coupled to non-antimicrobial shield  704  such that antimicrobial core  602  kills any pathogens located on a surface of non-antimicrobial shield  704  opposite antimicrobial core  702  without directly contacting the pathogens. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 8 , core  702  is substantially similar to cores  102 ,  502 , and  602  such that antimicrobial core  702  is also fabricated from an antimicrobial alloy including any combination of copper, copper alloys, copper oxides, silver, silver alloys, silver oxides, gold, gold alloys, gold oxides, and molybdenum, molybdenum alloys, molybdenum oxides. More specifically, antimicrobial core  702  includes an antimicrobial active component and a non-antimicrobial inactive component. As described herein, the active component includes at least one of copper, copper alloys, copper oxides, silver, silver alloys, silver oxides, gold, gold alloys, gold oxides, and molybdenum, molybdenum alloys, molybdenum oxides. Similarly, shield  704  is substantially similar to shield  104 ,  504 , and  604  such that non-antimicrobial shield  704  is fabricated from a metal or metallic alloy of stainless steel, titanium, nickel, aluminum, sheet metal, tin, or any combination thereof. Preferably, non-antimicrobial shield  704  is fabricated from a commercially available stainless steel alloy such as, but not limited to one of 304, 304L, 316, and 316L alloys. Alternatively, non-antimicrobial shield  704  is fabricated from at least one of a hard plastic material, an elastomeric material, and a ceramic material. Generally, non-antimicrobial shield  704  is fabricated from any material that facilitates protecting antimicrobial core  702  from external environmental effects such as impacts, chopping, cutting, chemical wipes, and the like. 
     In one embodiment, antimicrobial shield  704  includes a first portion  706 , a second portion  708 , and a seam  710  where first portion  706  is coupled to second portion  708 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , second portion  708  includes a plurality of sidewalls  712  that form a cavity  714  configured to receive antimicrobial core  702  therein. In the embodiment, sidewalls  712  are substantially flush with a top surface  716  of core  702 . Alternatively, sidewalls  712  terminate short of top surface  716  and second portion  708  of shield  704  includes sidewalls (not shown) that engage sidewalls  712  to form antimicrobial article  700 . 
     In such a configuration, antimicrobial article  700  is formed by welding first portion  706  of shield  704  to second portion  708  under high pressure. For example, a pressure within a range of approximately 50 kpsi to approximately 90 kpsi is applied to at least one of portions  706  and  708 . Such high pressure ensures that no air gaps are present between core  702  and shield  704 . As described below, the high pressure imparted on portions  706  and  706  results in an ionic transfer of antimicrobial particles  720  from core  702  into shield  704 . 
     Furthermore, in another embodiment, core  702  and shield  704  of antimicrobial article  700  is formed by additive manufacturing. As is known in the art, additive manufacturing includes forming pluralities of layers of material on top of one another to form a specific shape. Regarding core  702 , layers of the core materials described above are stacked to from core  702 . In one embodiment, the concentration of the active antimicrobial material in core varies within core  702 . In another embodiment, the concentration of the active antimicrobial material is consistent throughout core  702 . Regarding shield  704 , layers of any of the shielding materials described above are formed to build shield  704 . However, instead of forming shield  704  from only the non-antimicrobial materials described above, a predetermined number of antimicrobial particles  720  are included in shield  704  based on the location of the particles  720  with respect to core  702 . 
     In both the welded and additive manufacture embodiments described above, the amount of antimicrobial particles  720  in shield  704  increases with the proximity to core  702 . For example, the concentration of particles  720  changes in shield  704  from core top surface  716  to shield top surface  718 . More specifically, particles have a first concentration  722  at a first distance D 1  from top surface  716 , a second concentration  724  at a second distance D 2  from top surface  716 , and a third concentration  726  at a third distance D 3  from top surface  716 . Such a configuration of including a varying amount of antimicrobial material in shield  704  aids in eliminating pathogens from exterior surfaces of antimicrobial article  700 . 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of another storage container  800  including any of the antimicrobial articles  100 ,  500 , and  600  shown in  FIGS. 3, 6, and 7 . In one embodiment, container  800  includes a body portion  802  and a lid  804  removably coupled to body portion  802 . A seal  806  is coupled between body portion  802  and lid  804  to prevent ingress or egress of fluids or particles into container  800  when lid  804  is closed. Body portion  802  includes at least one sidewall  808  and a bottom wall  810  that, along with lid  804 , define a cavity  812  within container  800  in which food is meant to be stored. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 , sidewalls  808  are formed from at least one of a plastic and a glass material such that sidewalls  808  are transparent or translucent. In such configurations, sidewalls  808  are formed from a material that at least partially blocks UVB rays from penetrating sidewalls  808  and impinging in any food items within cavity  812 . Research has shown that UVB rays are able to sustain life in certain pathogens and so blocking these rays aid in neutralizing these pathogens and expanding the shelf life of the food item within container  800 . In other embodiments, sidewalls  808  are formed from any material that facilitate operation of container  800  as described herein and may be transparent, translucent, or opaque. 
     Furthermore, in one embodiment, bottom wall  810  of body portion  802  is formed from any of antimicrobial articles  100 ,  500 , and  600  shown in  FIGS. 2, 5, and 6 . Alternatively, bottom wall  810  is formed from the same material as sidewalls  808  and a plate of one of antimicrobial articles  100 ,  500 , or  600  is positioned on bottom wall  810 . As described herein, food meant for consumption, or any other item requiring sterile containment, is placed within container  800  having one of antimicrobial articles  100 ,  500 , or  600 . The “spectrum of efficacy” of antimicrobial articles  100 ,  500 , or  600 , as described above, effectively neutralizes a majority of the pathogens that cause the food items to begin to decay and other items to become non-sterile. As such, food items stored in container  800  decay at a much slower rate than when not exposed to the “spectrum of efficacy” of antimicrobial articles  100 ,  500 , or  600 , and food items with a relatively short shelf life, such as fruits, may be stored in container  300  in an edible state for a much longer period of time before consumption. With respect to other items, such as medical devices and instruments, the sterile environment within container  800  eliminates bacteria and pathogens that may be harmful to humans. 
     Additionally, lid  804  of container  800  includes an inlet valve  814  and an outlet valve  816  that each couple cavity  812  in flow communication with the environment outside container. As shown in  FIG. 9 , inlet valve  814  is coupled in flow communication with a source  818  of inert gas through a conduit  820 . Inlet valve  814  is configured to channel a flow of inert gas from source  818  in order to purge oxygen from within container  800 . More specifically, inlet valve  814  channels an inert gas such as, but not limited to nitrogen or carbon dioxide, into cavity  812  such that cavity  812  is purged of any oxygen. As the inert gas is channeled into cavity  812 , outlet valve  816  is activated to enable oxygen to escape container  800 . In the embodiment, outlet valve  816  is a one-way valve, such as but not limited to a check valve, which enables oxygen to flow out of cavity  812  without allowing air from outside container  800  back into cavity  812 . As such, the inert gas from source  818  is the only fluid within cavity  812 . 
     Many fungi and other harmful bacteria require oxygen to survive and replacing the oxygen from within cavity  812  with a non-breathable inert gas prevents growth of such organisms. Accordingly, the combination of UVB blocking sidewalls  808 , antimicrobial articles  100 ,  500 , and  600 , and the inert gas valve system combine to neutralize many, if not all, known harmful fungi, bacteria, and pathogens that may cause food spoilage. 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of yet another food storage container  900  including any of the antimicrobial articles  100 ,  500 , and  600  shown in  FIGS. 2, 5, and 6 .  FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of a lid of the container shown in  FIG. 10  illustrating an exemplary compartment. In one embodiment, container  900  includes a body portion  902  and a lid  904  removably coupled to body portion  902 . A seal  906  is coupled between body portion  902  and lid  904  to prevent ingress or egress of fluids or particles into container  900  when lid  904  is closed. Body portion  902  includes at least one sidewall  908  and a bottom wall  910  that, along with lid  904 , define a cavity  912  within container  900  in which food is meant to be stored. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 10 , sidewalls  908  are formed from at least one of a plastic and a glass material such that sidewalls  908  are transparent or translucent. In such configurations, sidewalls  908  are formed from a material that at least partially blocks UVB rays from penetrating sidewalls  908  and impinging in any food items within cavity  912 . Research has shown that UVB rays are able to sustain life in certain pathogens and so blocking these rays aid in neutralizing these pathogens and expanding the shelf life of the food item within container  900 . In other embodiments, sidewalls  908  are formed from any material that facilitate operation of container  900  as described herein and may be transparent, translucent, or opaque. 
     Furthermore, in one embodiment, bottom wall  910  of body portion  902  is formed from any of antimicrobial articles  100 ,  500 , and  600  shown in  FIGS. 2, 5, and 6 . Alternatively, bottom wall  910  is formed from the same material as sidewalls  908  and a plate of one of antimicrobial articles  100 ,  500 , or  600  is positioned on bottom wall  910 . As described herein, food meant for consumption, or any other perishable item, is placed within container  900  having one of antimicrobial articles  100 ,  500 , or  600 . The “spectrum of efficacy” of antimicrobial articles  100 ,  500 , or  600 , as described above, effectively neutralizes a majority of the pathogens that cause the food items to begin to decay. As such, food items stored in container  900  decay at a much slower rate than when not exposed to the “spectrum of efficacy” of antimicrobial articles  100 ,  500 , or  600 , and food items with a relatively short shelf life, such as fruits, may be stored in container  300  in an edible state for a much longer period of time before consumption. 
     Additionally, lid  904  of container  800  includes an outlet valve  914  that enables oxygen to escape container  900 . In the embodiment, outlet valve  914  is a one-way valve, such as but not limited to a check valve, which enables oxygen to flow out of cavity  912  without allowing air from outside container  900  back into cavity  912 . 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , lid  904  of container  900  also includes a flap or door  916  pivotally coupled to lid  904  at a hinge  918 . Lid  904  also includes a seal  920  coupled between lid  904  and door  916  to prevent ingress or egress of fluids or particles into cavity  912  when door  916  is closed. 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , lid  904  further includes a compartment  922  coupled to lid  904  such that compartment  922  extends into cavity  912 . Compartment  922  includes a plurality of walls  924  that combine to form a cavity  926 , which is accessible from outside container  900  when door  916  is open. Although shown and described as a portion of lid  904 , it is contemplated that compartment  922  and door  916  may be formed in either of sidewall  908  or bottom wall  910  rather than lid  904 . 
     Container  900  also includes a removable cartridge  928  positioned within compartment cavity  926 . In the exemplary embodiment, removable cartridge  928  is a single use disposable device that introduces an inert gas into cavities  926  and  912  that displaces oxygen within cavities  926  and  912 . In one embodiment, cartridge  928  includes a first portion  930  and a second portion  932  separated by a divider membrane  934 . Portions  930  and  932  contain different materials that, when combined, generate an inert gas, such as carbon dioxide. More specifically, first portion includes a dry material such as, but not limited to, at least one of yeast, bismuth, transitional metal powder, and baking soda. Further, second portion includes a wet or liquid material such as, but not limited to citric acid, water, and vinegar. 
     In operation, cartridge  928  is positioned inside compartment  922  and door  916  is closed. As door  916  is closed, a projection  936  on door  916  extends into cartridge  928  and punctures divider wall  934  to enable liquid material from second portion  932  to mix with dry material in first portion  930 . As described herein, when these material encounter each other, a chemical reaction occurs resulting in generation of an inert gas. The gas flows out of cartridge  928 , through a plurality of openings  938  in compartment wall  924 , and into cavity  912  of container  900 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 12 , the heaver-than-air inert gas will sink to the bottom of cavity  912  and push the oxygenated air up toward lid  904 . In an embodiment where compartment  922  and door  916  are positioned proximate bottom wall  910 , the inert gas forces the oxygen toward lid  904 . Outlet valve  916  is then activated to enable oxygen to escape container  900 , as described above. As such, the inert gas generated from cartridge  928  is the only fluid within cavity  912 . 
     Many fungi and other harmful bacteria require oxygen to survive and replacing the oxygen from within cavity  912  with a non-breathable inert gas prevents growth of such organisms. Accordingly, the combination of UVB blocking sidewalls  908 , antimicrobial articles  100 ,  500 , and  600 , and the inert gas generating cartridge combine to neutralize many, if not all, known harmful fungi, bacteria, and pathogens that may cause food spoilage. 
       FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of another container  1000  illustrating a lid  1004 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 12 , lid  1004  of container  1000  also includes a flap or door  1016  pivotally coupled to lid  1004  at a hinge  1018 . Lid  1004  also includes a seal  1020  coupled between lid  1004  and door  1016  to prevent ingress or egress of fluids or particles into cavity  1012  when door  1016  is closed. 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , lid  1004  further includes a compartment  1022  coupled to lid  1004  such that compartment  1022  extends into cavity  1012 . Compartment  1022  includes a plurality of walls  1024  that combine to form a cavity  1026 , which is accessible from outside container  1000  when door  1016  is open. Although shown and described as a portion of lid  1004 , it is contemplated that compartment and door  1016  may be formed in a sidewall of container  1000  rather than lid  1004 . 
     Container  1000  also includes an oxygen elimination component  1028  positioned within cavity  1026 . In one embodiment, component  1028  is a mass of dry ice that is insertable into cavity  1026  through door  1016 . As the dry ice sublimates, it produces gaseous carbon dioxide that flows through a plurality of openings  1030  in wall  1024  to displace the oxygen from within cavity. Similar to container  900  described above, container  1000  includes a one-way valve that enables oxygen to escape without allowing other gases or particles into container  1000 . 
     In another embodiment, component  1028  is a commercially available oxygen absorption packet that continuously absorbs oxygen for an extended period of time until the material within packet  1028  is saturated. As such, the amount and duration of oxygen absorption is based on the size of container  1000 . Furthermore, packet  1028  is not restricted to placement within compartment  1022 . More specifically, packet  1028  may be positioned on either of bottom walls  810  and  910  and used in combination with the inert gas purge system of container  800  or the cartridge system of container  900  to further remove oxygen from within cavities  812  and  912 . 
     Experimental Data 
     A prototype of the antimicrobial article described above utilizing an antimicrobial alloy core of at least 70% copper core, and cladded with stainless 316L alloy was tested by an independent testing laboratory using the pathogen staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, which may also be known as “MRSA”. The results showed the pathogen strain was reduced by 99% in approx. 100 minutes on the prototype antimicrobial article. The pathogen did not have direct contact with the copper alloy core, and yet was neutralized by the “spectrum of efficacy”. This is in contrast to the common convention in the industry that the “spectrum of efficacy” is effectively blocked by any shielding material placed between the antimicrobial alloy and the pathogen to protect the alloy. 
     In the experiment, three metal plate samples: 1) titanium, 2) stainless steel clad copper and nickel antimicrobial alloy, and 3) exposed copper and nickel antimicrobial alloy were exposed to staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 for a time period of 24 hours and measurements of the number of pathogen cells remaining were conducted at regular time periods. Table 1 below illustrates the results: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Time (hrs) 
                 Sample 1 
                 Sample 2 
                 Sample 3 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 T = 0 
                 &gt;1,200 
                 &gt;1,200 
                 &gt;1,200 
               
               
                   
                 T = 1 
                 &gt;1,200 
                 &gt;1,200 
                 &lt;0.25 
               
               
                   
                 T = 2 
                 &gt;1,200 
                 370 
                 &lt;0.25 
               
               
                   
                 T = 3 
                 920 
                 9.2 
                 &lt;0.25 
               
               
                   
                 T = 24 
                 &lt;0.25 
                 &lt;0.25 
                 &lt;0.25 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     As shown in Table 1, at relatively low population densities (&lt;4,000 cells), Sample 3, the exposed copper and nickel antimicrobial alloy, showed significant population reduction of staphylococcus aureus strain ATCC 6538. Specifically, Sample 3 showed a greater than 4000-fold reduction in the population at one hour. At two hours, Sample 2, the stainless steel clad copper and nickel antimicrobial alloy, also showed significant anti-pathogen activity reducing the number of staphylococcus aureus strain ATCC 6538 cells by more than three-fold. At three hours, the 10 μL droplets of pathogen-containing fluid were visibly evaporating and the titanium metal (Sample 1) was also showing a decrease in pathogen cells most likely due to dehydration. No evidence of MRSA was obtained at 24 hours from the beginning of the experiment. Although contained in covered dishes, no additional humidification of the chambers was performed. These tests were conducted at a constant 27° C. (80.6° F.). 
     In one embodiment, an article includes a first layer of a shielding material comprising a first surface and an opposite second surface, wherein the second surface comprises at least one depression. The article also includes a core material coupled to the first surface. The core material includes an antimicrobial property configured to eliminate pathogens located on the second surface, and the at least one depression is configured to focus the antimicrobial property at a predetermined location. 
     The at least one depression includes a single depression such that the second surface is parabolic between a first end and an opposing second end of the second surface. 
     Alternatively, the at least one depression includes a plurality of depressions positioned between a first end and an opposing second end of the second surface. 
     The at least one depression is configured to focus the antimicrobial property at a predetermined location above the second surface. 
     In another embodiment, an article includes a shielding material comprising a first surface exposed to an exterior environment, an opposing second surface, and a thickness defined therebetween. The article also includes a core material coupled to the first surface and including an antimicrobial property configured to eliminate pathogens located on the first surface. The shielding material comprises a concentration of particles of the core material between the first and second surfaces. 
     The concentration of the core material particles is based on a distance from the core material. 
     The shielding material comprises a first concentration at a first distance from the core material and a second concentration at a second distance from the core material, wherein the first distance is shorter than the second distance, and the first concentration is higher than the second concentration. 
     The core material and the shielding material are in a face-to-face relationship such that no air gaps are defined between the shielding material and the core material. 
     In yet another embodiment, a storage container includes a plurality of walls defining a cavity configured to receive an item for disinfection therein and a lid coupled to the plurality of walls and configured to seal the cavity. The storage container also includes an outlet valve coupled to the lid and configured to enable passage of a fluid from within the cavity to an exterior environment. The storage container further includes an antimicrobial article comprising a first layer of a non-antimicrobial shielding material comprising a first surface and an opposite second surface, and an antimicrobial core material coupled to the first surface. The antimicrobial core material is configured to eliminate pathogens located on the second surface and within the cavity. 
     The storage container further includes an inlet valve coupled to the lid and configured to channel a flow of an inert gas into the cavity. 
     The storage container also includes a door formed in one of the lid and one of the plurality of walls and also a compartment coupled to the lid or one of the walls. The compartment comprises a wall defining an interior and a plurality of openings defined in the wall such that the compartment interior and the container cavity are in flow communication with each other. 
     In such a configuration, the storage container includes a deoxygenation mechanism positioned within the compartment and configured to remove oxygen from the cavity. 
     In one embodiment, the deoxygenation mechanism comprises an oxygen absorption packet configured to absorb any oxygen within the cavity. 
     Alternatively, the deoxygenation mechanism comprises a cartridge configured to generate an inert gas to displace any oxygen within the cavity. 
     The cartridge includes a first portion, a second portion, and a divider positioned therebetween, and the door includes a projection configured to puncture the divider to enable mixing of a first substance within the first portion and a second substance within the second portion to generate the inert gas. 
     The above described antimicrobial article facilitates efficient methods of disinfecting a surface. Specifically, in contrast to many known antimicrobial articles, the antimicrobial article described herein includes an antimicrobial core coupled to a non-antimicrobial shield configured to protect the core from exposure to external elements. The antimicrobial core includes an antimicrobial property due to a “spectrum of efficacy” from an antimicrobial effect produced by the protected antimicrobial core that disinfects, within a relatively short period of time, a surface of the non-antimicrobial shield opposite the antimicrobial core without the core directly contacting the pathogens located on the shield surface. The antimicrobial core includes an alloy of at least 50% of any combination of antimicrobial copper/copper alloys, gold, silver, and molybdenum, with the remaining portion of the core including a non-antimicrobial alloy, such as nickel or zinc. The non-antimicrobial shield is fabricated from a non-antimicrobial material, such as, but not limited to stainless steel and serves as a protective layer to the antimicrobial core providing strength, physical and chemical durability, and stainless qualities. 
     By effectively eliminating harmful pathogens from a surface of a protective material coupled to the antimicrobial core without directly contacting the pathogens, the above described antimicrobial article exploits the benefits of the “spectrum of efficacy” provided by the antimicrobial core alloy, and yet still provides durability and chemical resistance qualities of stainless steel to shield the antimicrobial core. 
     Exemplary embodiments of methods, systems, and apparatus for using an antimicrobial article are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of articles and steps of the methods may be utilized independently and separately from other components and steps described herein. For example, the antimicrobial article may be used in combination with other application environments and in other procedures, and is not limited to practice with the systems or methods described herein. Rather, the exemplary antimicrobial article can be implemented and utilized in connection with many other applications, equipment, and systems that may benefit from the advantages described herein. 
     Although specific features of various embodiments of the disclosure may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the disclosure, any feature of a drawing may be referenced and claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing. 
     This written description uses examples to disclose various embodiments, which include the best mode, to enable any person skilled in the art to practice those embodiments, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.