Fluorescence-based Environmental and Food Safety Monitoring Systems
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept applies the core technology of enhanced fluorescence to novel applications in environmental and food safety monitoring, enabling more accurate and sensitive detection of pollutants, pathogens, and contaminants.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed compositions and methods for increasing fluorescent signals and reducing fluorescent quenching in biomolecules. However, the patent's focus was primarily on quantitation assays and cellular imaging. The new inventive concept addresses the limitation of not exploring the technology's potential in environmental and food safety monitoring, where accurate and sensitive detection is crucial.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new inventive concept involves the use of fluorescently labeled biomolecules, conjugated to spacers and fluorescent labels, to detect environmental pollutants, waterborne pathogens, foodborne toxins, agricultural contaminants, and diseases in animals. The spacer molecules reduce quenching and increase the fluorescent signal, enabling more accurate and sensitive detection. The inventive concept encompasses various systems, methods, and diagnostic kits for these applications.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel applications and use cases for the core technology, which are not obvious from the original patent. The inventive step lies in recognizing the potential of the technology in environmental and food safety monitoring and adapting it to address specific challenges in these fields.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include different types of spacer molecules, varying the number of spacer molecules conjugated to the biomolecule, or using different fluorescent labels. Variations may also involve adapting the technology for detecting other types of contaminants or pathogens.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the environmental and food safety monitoring industries, where accurate and sensitive detection is critical. The market for such systems, methods, and diagnostic kits is substantial, with potential applications in government agencies, research institutions, and private companies.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61K49/0015 |
| A | A61 | A61K47/10 |
| A | A61 | A61K47/18 |
| A | A61 | A61K49/0058 |
| G | G01 | G01N33/533 |
| G | G01 | G01N33/582 |
| G | G01 | G01N33/68 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Biotechnology and analytical chemistry, specifically fluorescence-based detection techniques involving biomolecule labeling, with expertise in molecular conjugation, fluorescent signal enhancement, and diagnostic/sensing technologies
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A researcher with advanced degree in biotechnology or chemistry, experienced in fluorescence techniques, biomolecule conjugation strategies, and diagnostic assay development, familiar with techniques for reducing fluorescent quenching and enhancing molecular detection
Obviousness Rationale
A person of ordinary skill would recognize that the core fluorescence enhancement technology disclosed in the source patent can be readily adapted to various detection applications by simply substituting target biomolecules and changing the specific detection context. The fundamental molecular engineering principles of spacer-mediated fluorescence reduction are directly transferable across different detection domains, making the PTD's environmental and food safety monitoring applications a predictable extension of the original patent's teachings.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,643 |
|---|---|
| Title | Compositions and methods for enhanced fluorescence |
| Assignee(s) | Life Technologies Corporation, Pierce Biotechnology, Inc. |