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 &# 39 ; 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 .