A light-activated antimicrobial article is disclosed, consisting essentially of an acridine dye covalently bonded without a linking group to a nylon material. The article may be made using electron beam processing. The article in combination with light absorbed by the acridine dye may be used to inhibit the growth of microorganisms. A photosensitive nylon material in which the acridine dye is disposed on the nylon material may also be used. Medical kits that include a light source and an article having the acridine dye are disclosed.