Environmental Monitoring and Food Safety Systems using Recombinant Measles Virus
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A novel application of recombinant measles virus technology for detecting pollutants in various industries, including environmental monitoring, food safety, and construction materials.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed a recombinant measles virus expressing Zika virus proteins for vaccine development. However, the detection of pollutants in various industries remains a significant challenge. The new inventive concept addresses this limitation by leveraging the core technology to develop systems for monitoring environmental pollutants, detecting contaminants in food and agricultural products, and analyzing construction materials.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new inventive concept involves the design and development of recombinant measles viruses expressing modified Zika virus proteins capable of detecting pollutants in different industries. The modified proteins can be engineered to bind specifically to pollutants, allowing for their detection and quantification. The recombinant measles viruses can be used in various systems, including environmental monitoring systems, food safety testing devices, and construction material analysis tools. The viruses can be engineered to express different proteins, each tailored to detect specific pollutants or contaminants, thereby expanding the range of applications.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce a novel application of recombinant measles virus technology, shifting from vaccine development to pollutant detection in various industries. The inventive step lies in the recognition of the potential of the core technology to be adapted for environmental monitoring, food safety, and construction material analysis, and the development of modified Zika virus proteins for pollutant detection.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include the use of different viral vectors, such as adenovirus or lentivirus, to express the modified Zika virus proteins. Additionally, the system could be designed to detect multiple pollutants simultaneously, or to integrate with existing monitoring systems.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including environmental monitoring, food safety, and construction materials. The market for pollutant detection and monitoring is substantial, with an estimated value of over $10 billion annually. The technology could be licensed to companies operating in these industries, or developed into products and services offered by the patent holder.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61K39/12 |
| C | C07 | C07K14/005 |
| C | C12 | C12N7/00 |
| A | A61 | A61K2039/5254 |
| A | A61 | A61K2039/53 |
| C | C12 | C12N2760/18421 |
| C | C12 | C12N2760/18423 |
| C | C12 | C12N2770/24122 |
| C | C12 | C12N2770/24123 |
| C | C12 | C12N2770/24134 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Virology, molecular biology, and biotechnology with a focus on recombinant viral vector technologies, specifically involving genetic engineering of viral proteins for diagnostic and detection applications
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A skilled researcher with a PhD in virology or molecular biology, experienced in genetic engineering techniques, viral vector design, protein modification, and understanding of protein-based detection systems
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize the inherent adaptability of recombinant measles virus technology from the source patent, understanding that the core viral vector platform can be readily modified to express proteins for alternative detection purposes. The fundamental genetic engineering techniques disclosed in the source patent provide a clear roadmap for adapting the viral vector to detect pollutants by expressing modified Zika virus proteins. The predictable nature of protein engineering and viral vector technology would suggest that repurposing the recombinant virus for environmental monitoring is a straightforward and obvious extension of the original vaccine development approach.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,616 |
|---|---|
| Title | Recombinant measles virus expressing zika virus prM and E proteins |
| Assignee(s) | CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE (CNRS), Institut Pasteur |