MOF Sample Preservation: Breakthrough Biotech Innovation

Publication ID: 24-11856945_0007_PTD

Published: October 26, 2025

Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “MOF Sample Preservation: Breakthrough Biotech Innovation,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11856945_0007_PTD, Published October 26, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11856945_0007_PTD

This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,856,945.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent focused on preparing and preserving biological samples using MOFs. However, the technology's potential extends beyond biomedical research. The present invention addresses the need for innovative solutions in pharmaceuticals, food safety, environmental monitoring, vaccine distribution, and water quality control, where MOFs can provide superior preservation and detection capabilities.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The novelty of this invention lies in the application of MOFs to new industries and use cases, which was not contemplated in the original patent. The inventive step is the recognition of MOFs' potential to address specific challenges in pharmaceuticals, food safety, environmental monitoring, vaccine distribution, and water quality control, and the development of systems and methods to realize this potential.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments may include the use of different MOF structures, functionalization of MOFs with specific molecules, or integration of MOFs with other materials to enhance their properties. Variations may also include the development of portable, handheld devices for on-site detection or the creation of MOF-based sensors for real-time monitoring.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The invention has significant commercial potential in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, food safety, environmental monitoring, vaccine distribution, and water quality control. The market for MOF-based solutions in these areas is substantial, with potential applications in supply chain management, quality control, and public health monitoring.

CPC Classifications

Section	Class	Group
A	A01	A01N1/0231
G	G01	G01N1/4044

Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)

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Field of Art

Biomedical sample preservation and encapsulation technologies, focusing on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for biological and environmental applications, requiring expertise in materials science, chemistry, and biotechnology

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A researcher or engineer with advanced degrees in materials science or chemistry, familiar with MOF synthesis techniques, biomarker stabilization methods, and interdisciplinary applications of nanomaterials in preservation and sensing

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize the natural extension of the source patent's MOF encapsulation technology to diverse preservation and sensing applications. The fundamental MOF chemistry and encapsulation principles disclosed in US 11856945 provide a clear technical foundation for applying these methods to pharmaceutical, food safety, environmental monitoring, and vaccine preservation contexts. The variations represent predictable applications of a known technological approach to solve related preservation and detection challenges.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element

MOF encapsulation method for stabilizing biological samples using zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF) type MOFs

PTD Variation

Applying MOF encapsulation to preserve vaccines and pharmaceutical products at ambient temperature

Obviousness Reasoning

A PHOSITA would recognize that the core MOF stabilization mechanism is transferable across biological preservation contexts, representing a known technique for extending sample stability

Source Patent Element

Use of 2-methylimidazole and zinc acetate as MOF precursors for creating encapsulation structures

PTD Variation

Developing MOF-based sensors for detecting environmental pollutants and food spoilage biomarkers

Obviousness Reasoning

The fundamental MOF synthesis approach provides a predictable platform for creating sensor materials with embedded detection capabilities

Source Patent Element

Metal-organic framework encapsulation of biological samples to prevent molecular degradation

PTD Variation

Creating water quality monitoring systems using MOF-encapsulated biomarkers

Obviousness Reasoning

Extending the preservation technique to environmental monitoring represents an obvious application of the core technological principle using finite, identifiable solution approaches

35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US 11856945, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the variations disclosed herein to be obvious extensions of the prior art. The fundamental MOF encapsulation methodology provides a predictable technological framework that a skilled practitioner would readily apply across multiple preservation and sensing domains without requiring inventive insight beyond the existing scientific understanding.

Original Patent Information

Patent Number	US 11,856,945
Title	Methods and systems for preparing and preserving a biological sample
Assignee(s)	Washington University