A first aspect of the present invention is directed to a surface treatment forelastomeric articles such as medical gloves, comprising a water-based coatingformulation and antimicrobial agent(s) embraced therein in an essentiallypowder-free composition coating. A second aspect of the present invention isdirected to a water-based coating formulation for elastomeric articles such asgloves comprising at least one non-volatile water-soluble antimicrobial agentin a controlled-release matrix comprising a blend of a hydrophilic polymer anda hydrophobic component. The controlled-release matrix/blend requirementsinclude: compatibility with the antimicrobial agent, formation of a reservoirof antimicrobial agent, coating film flexibility and lower water-solubilitythan the antimicrobial agent. A third aspect of the present invention isdirected to a method for treating medical gloves comprising dipping, spraying,tumbling or other means for applying to the glove surface a composition toprovide medical gloves with sustainable antimicrobial activity.
