Cryogenic Preservation of Perishable Goods and Biological Samples

Publication ID: 24-11857239_0007_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Cryogenic Preservation of Perishable Goods and Biological Samples,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857239_0007_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857239_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. 11,857,239.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

This inventive concept leverages the core technology of cryogenic needle with freeze zone regulation to preserve food freshness, agricultural produce, biological samples, and organs for transplantation, thereby reducing spoilage and maintaining viability.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent focused on cryogenic remodeling of tissues for cosmetic conditions. However, the limitations of this technology in addressing the preservation of perishable goods and biological samples are evident. The new inventive concept addresses this gap by applying the core technology to an entirely different industry, solving the problem of spoilage and loss of viability in these domains.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The new inventive concept comprises a cryogenic needle with a freeze zone regulator, which controls the temperature of the freeze zone to preserve the freshness and texture of food, the nutritional value and freshness of agricultural produce, and the integrity and viability of biological samples and organs for transplantation. The regulator ensures that the cooling zone is maintained within an allowable size tolerance, thereby preventing over-cooling or under-cooling. This is achieved through the precise control of the coolant supply system, which is regulated by a valve. The cryogenic needle can be advanced into the target material, and the freeze zone regulator adjusts the temperature to achieve the desired preservation outcome.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce a novel application of the cryogenic needle with freeze zone regulation, shifting the focus from cosmetic tissue remodeling to preservation of perishable goods and biological samples. This inventive step lies in the adaptation of the core technology to address a distinct problem domain, requiring a deep understanding of the underlying physics and material interactions.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments may include variations in the design of the cryogenic needle, such as using different materials or geometries, or integrating additional sensors to monitor the preservation process. Variations in the regulator's control algorithm or the coolant supply system may also be explored to optimize the preservation outcome. Furthermore, the inventive concept could be applied to other domains, such as pharmaceuticals or biotechnology, to preserve sensitive materials and biological samples.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The potential commercial applications of this inventive concept are vast, with opportunities in the food industry, agricultural sector, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals. The target market includes companies involved in food processing, agricultural production, biological sample storage, and organ transplantation. The innovative preservation technology has the potential to reduce food waste, improve agricultural yields, and enhance the availability of viable biological samples and organs for transplantation.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61B18/02
A A61 A61B2017/00473
A A61 A61B2018/00029
A A61 A61B2018/00041
A A61 A61B2018/00648
A A61 A61B2018/00714
A A61 A61B2018/00738
A A61 A61B2018/00744
A A61 A61B2018/00779
A A61 A61B2018/00791
A A61 A61B2018/00898
A A61 A61B2018/00994
A A61 A61B2018/0262
A A61 A61B2018/0293

Field of Art

Medical device engineering and cryogenic technologies, with expertise in thermal regulation systems, medical probe design, and precision cooling applications across biological and material preservation contexts

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or medical device technologist with advanced degrees, proficient in thermal engineering, probe design, and understanding of controlled cryogenic interactions with biological materials

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the fundamental cryogenic needle technology with freeze zone regulation disclosed in the source patent represents a versatile platform technology applicable across multiple domains. The core principles of precise temperature control, needle advancement, and zone regulation are directly transferable from cosmetic tissue treatment to preservation applications. The technical mechanisms for coolant flow, temperature monitoring, and zone size management remain substantially consistent across different target materials.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Needle probe with coolant supply system regulated by a valve for controlling cooling zone size
PTD Variation
Applying identical valve-regulated coolant system to preserve food, biological samples, and organs
Obviousness Reasoning
Known technique of adapting core thermal control mechanism to different material preservation contexts, representing predictable engineering extension
Source Patent Element
Method of monitoring temperature and power supplied to heater assembly
PTD Variation
Integrating similar monitoring techniques to track freeze zone parameters during food and biological sample preservation
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable application of existing temperature regulation principles to alternative preservation domains
Source Patent Element
Precise coolant flow regulation to maintain cooling zone within allowable size tolerance
PTD Variation
Implementing identical zone size control principles for preventing over-cooling or under-cooling of perishable goods
Obviousness Reasoning
Straightforward technical translation of existing thermal management strategy across material types
Source Patent Element
Needle probe with advanced thermal control capabilities
PTD Variation
Modifying needle geometry and sensor integration for tracking preservation outcomes in different materials
Obviousness Reasoning
Design choice representing standard engineering practice of adapting probe technologies to specific application requirements
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11857239, the present publication demonstrates that a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the disclosed cryogenic preservation techniques obvious through straightforward technical adaptation of existing thermal regulation methodologies. The variations represent predictable engineering extensions employing known temperature control mechanisms across materially different preservation contexts, thereby rendering potential claims of novelty invalid under standard obviousness analysis.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,239
TitleCryogenic needle with freeze zone regulation
Assignee(s)Pacira CryoTech, Inc.