Cationic Amphiphilic Polymers for Agricultural Applications
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
This inventive concept leverages the core technology of cationic amphiphilic polymers for co-delivery of hydrophobic agents and nucleic acids to address pressing issues in agricultural pest control, fungal disease treatment, weed management, and environmental stress protection.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed cationic amphiphilic polymers for co-delivery of hydrophobic agents and nucleic acids in biomedical applications. However, the agricultural industry faces significant challenges in delivering effective pest control, disease treatment, and stress protection solutions. Current methods often involve excessive chemical usage, leading to environmental concerns and resistance development. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by adapting the core technology for agricultural applications, providing a targeted, efficient, and environmentally friendly approach.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new inventive concept involves the application of cationic amphiphilic polymers for co-delivery of hydrophobic pesticides, antifungal agents, herbicides, and stress protectants with nucleic acids to target pest cells, fungal diseases, weeds, and environmental stressors in agricultural settings. This is achieved through various formulations, methods, compositions, and devices, as described in the newly generated claims. The cationic amphiphilic polymers facilitate the efficient co-delivery of these agents, enhancing their efficacy and reducing environmental impact.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept introduces a significant shift in the application of cationic amphiphilic polymers from biomedical to agricultural contexts, addressing unmet needs in pest control, disease treatment, and environmental stress protection. The inventive step lies in the adaptation of the core technology to these new use cases, which is non-obvious and novel compared to the original patent.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include varying the type and ratio of hydrophobic agents and nucleic acids, using different polymer architectures, or incorporating additional components to enhance delivery and efficacy. Variations may also involve adapting the formulations and methods for specific crop types, pest species, or environmental conditions.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The new inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the agricultural industry, with applications in pest control, disease treatment, weed management, and environmental stress protection. The target market includes agricultural companies, farmers, and researchers seeking more efficient, effective, and environmentally friendly solutions. The market size is substantial, with the global agricultural pest control market projected to reach USD 12.6 billion by 2025.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61K47/58 |
| A | A61 | A61K9/1075 |
| A | A61 | A61K31/65 |
| A | A61 | A61K47/549 |
| C | C12 | C12N15/113 |
| C | C12 | C12N2310/14 |
| C | C12 | C12N2310/351 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Polymer chemistry, drug/agent delivery systems, with expertise in cationic amphiphilic polymer design for co-delivery of hydrophobic agents and nucleic acids across biomedical and agricultural applications
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A polymer chemist or chemical engineer with advanced degree, familiar with polymer functionalization, delivery system design, and cross-domain technology adaptation, possessing knowledge of radical polymerization, pendant group modification, and carrier-based agent delivery strategies
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize the fundamental similarity between biomedical and agricultural delivery challenges, understanding that the core polymer technology's principles of co-delivery, hydrophobic agent encapsulation, and targeted nucleic acid transport are universally applicable across different domains. The source patent's fundamental polymer architecture provides a direct technological foundation for agricultural adaptation, with predictable modifications to target specific agricultural needs. The technical transfer involves straightforward substitution of payload (pesticides instead of therapeutic compounds) while maintaining the core polymer design principles.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,634 |
|---|---|
| Title | Cationic amphiphilic polymers for codelivery of hydrophobic agents and nucleic acids |
| Assignee(s) | UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH—OF THE COMMONWEALTH SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION |