The present invention is directed to polymeric coating formulations in which addition of an antimicrobial to a solution, containing solvent and polymer, significantly alters polymer entanglements. Benefits include alternative routes to, and customization of the polymer's degradation pathways. The dramatic entanglement changes also provide manufacturing advantages such as ease of stirring, pumping, and spraying. Furthermore, the coatings may have faster drying times, less shrinkage, more complete fill, and a more even coat for a given thickness. Methodology for production of coating formulations of the desired properties and their use to provide antimicrobial coatings is also described.
