Antimicrobial superabsorbent compositions
A composition has an enzyme that is able to convert a substrate to release hydrogen peroxide; a substrate for the enzyme; and a superabsorbent component, such as a superabsorbent polymer. The composition is in the form of a powder and may form a gel on contact with water.
1. A sterile composition comprising:
an enzyme that is able to convert a substrate to release hydrogen peroxide;
a substrate for the enzyme; and
a superabsorbent component,
wherein the composition is in the form of a powder, wherein the powder has a mean and/or modal particle diameter of 3000 μm or less, and wherein the composition does not contain any peroxidase.
2. A composition according to claim 1 , wherein the superabsorbent component has an absorption capacity of at least 10 g/g.
3. A composition according to claim 1 , wherein the absorption capacity is in respect of deionized water, distilled water, or a 0.9% (by weight) saline solution.
4. A composition according to claim 1 , wherein the superabsorbent component is a superabsorbent polymer.
5. A composition according to claim 4 , wherein:
a) the superabsorbent polymer is anionic; and/or
b) the superabsorbent polymer is cross-linked; and/or
c) the superabsorbent polymer is polyacrylate or polyacrylamide.
6. A composition according to claim 4 , wherein the superabsorbent polymer is selected from the group consisting of: a hydrolysed cellulose-polyacrylonitrile; a starch-polyacrylonitrile co-polymer; a cross-linked co-polymer of maleic anhydride; polyvinyl alcohol co-polymer; and cross-linked polyethylene oxide.
7. A composition according to claim 1 , wherein the powder has a mean and/or modal particle diameter of 100 μm to 2000 μm.
8. A composition according to claim 1 , wherein the enzyme is an oxidoreductase enzyme.
9. A composition according to claim 1 , wherein the substrate is a sugar.
10. A composition according to claim 1 , comprising a solute in the form of a sugar or sugar derivative having a solubility of at least 100 g/100 g water at 20° C. and 1 atm.
11. A composition according to claim 1 , wherein the composition:
a) Lacks catalase activity; and/or
b) Comprises a blood clotting agent; and/or
c) Does not contain zinc oxide; and/or
d) Comprises a coagulation factor.
12. A composition according to claim 1 , comprising a freeze-drying protective agent.
13. A wound dressing which comprises a dressing material and a composition according to claim 1 .
14. An airtight container comprising a composition according to claim 1 , the container comprising a one or a plurality of apertures for permitting dispensing of the composition, the one or plurality of apertures being sealed or covered prior to use.
15. A method for making a composition according to claim 1 , comprising contacting a superabsorbent component with an enzyme that is able to convert a substrate to release hydrogen peroxide and a substrate for the enzyme.
16. A method of preventing, treating, or ameliorating a microbial infection, which comprises administering a composition according to claim 1 , to a subject in need of such prevention, treatment or amelioration.
17. A method of treating a wound, which comprises administering a composition according to claim 1 to a wound site.