Phospholipid-Based Sensors for Industrial, Food, Water, Pharmaceutical, and Soil Quality Monitoring
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept leverages the core technology of the original patent to develop novel phospholipid-based sensors for detecting divalent metal cations in various industries, enabling real-time monitoring and quality control.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed improved methods for preparing phospholipid-based ultrasound contrast agents. However, the technology's potential extends beyond medical imaging applications. The inventive concept addresses the need for efficient, real-time monitoring of divalent metal cations in industrial processes, food quality, water purity, pharmaceutical formulations, and soil fertility.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The phospholipid-based sensors utilize the same principles of divalent metal cation susceptibility as the original patent. By adapting the phospholipid blend and formulation to specific industrial, food, water, pharmaceutical, and soil quality monitoring applications, the sensors can detect calcium and/or magnesium levels, providing real-time alerts to operators, quality control personnel, or farmers. The sensors can be integrated into existing monitoring systems or used as standalone devices.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce an entirely new field of application for the core technology, leveraging the unexpected finding of divalent metal cation susceptibility to develop novel sensors for quality monitoring in various industries. This inventive step expands the technology's scope beyond medical imaging, demonstrating a new, non-obvious use for the phospholipid-based formulations.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include modifying the phospholipid blend to enhance sensitivity or selectivity for specific divalent metal cations, incorporating additional detection mechanisms, or developing miniaturized or portable sensor devices. Variations may also include adapting the sensors for use in other industries, such as environmental monitoring or cosmetics.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The phospholipid-based sensors have significant commercial potential in various industries, including industrial process control, food safety, water treatment, pharmaceutical quality control, and agricultural soil monitoring. The market for these sensors is substantial, with potential customers including industrial manufacturers, food producers, water treatment facilities, pharmaceutical companies, and farmers.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61K49/223 |
| A | A61 | A61B8/481 |
| A | A61 | A61K49/226 |
| A | A61 | A61K49/227 |
| C | C07 | C07F9/09 |
| C | C07 | C07F9/106 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Biomedical engineering and analytical chemistry, focusing on phospholipid-based sensing technologies, with expertise in ultrasound contrast agents, molecular detection systems, and material science interfaces
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A researcher or engineer with advanced degree in biomedical engineering, chemistry, or related field, possessing knowledge of phospholipid formulations, sensor design, and interdisciplinary applications of molecular detection technologies
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize the inherent adaptability of the phospholipid-based technology from the source patent, understanding that the core principle of divalent metal cation sensitivity could be readily translated across multiple industrial and scientific domains. The fundamental mechanism of phospholipid interaction with metal ions provides a natural pathway for developing sensing technologies beyond medical imaging. The disclosed sensor applications represent predictable extensions of the original ultrasound contrast agent technology, leveraging the same underlying molecular principles.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,646 |
|---|---|
| Title | Methods for making ultrasound contrast agents |
| Assignee(s) | Lantheus Medical Imaging, Inc. |