Modified Clay-Based Antimicrobial Compositions for Industrial Applications
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept leverages the core technology of modified clay particles with antimicrobial compounds and nonionic triblock copolymers to address critical issues in industrial wastewater treatment, aquaculture, medical equipment disinfection, food processing, and medical implant biofilm prevention.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent primarily focused on personal care applications. However, the increasing need for effective antimicrobial solutions in various industrial sectors has created a significant gap in the market. The present inventive concept tackles this limitation by adapting the modified clay-based technology to address specific challenges in these new industries, such as wastewater contamination, algae growth, medical equipment disinfection, bacterial contamination, and biofilm formation.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept comprises an antimicrobial composition featuring modified clay particles with antimicrobial compounds and nonionic triblock copolymers. These components work synergistically to provide broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, improved stability, and enhanced efficacy. The modified clay particles' unique structure, comprising alternating tetrahedral and octahedral sheets, enables efficient attachment of antimicrobial compounds, ensuring targeted release and optimal performance. The nonionic triblock copolymer enhances the composition's solubility, stability, and bioavailability. The inventive concept's system, method, device, and process embodiments cater to diverse industrial applications, including wastewater treatment, aquaculture, medical equipment disinfection, food processing, and medical implant biofilm prevention.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel applications and use cases for the modified clay-based antimicrobial compositions, expanding their scope beyond personal care to tackle critical issues in industrial sectors. The inventive concept's novelty lies in its adaptation of the core technology to address specific challenges in these new industries, demonstrating a non-obvious and innovative step forward.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include varying the type and ratio of antimicrobial compounds, modifying the clay particle structure, or incorporating additional components to enhance the composition's performance. Variations could also involve adapting the composition for use in other industrial sectors, such as oil and gas, textile manufacturing, or agriculture.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industrial sectors, including wastewater treatment, aquaculture, medical equipment disinfection, food processing, and medical implant biofilm prevention. The target market includes companies operating in these industries, as well as government agencies and research institutions seeking innovative solutions to address pressing environmental and health concerns.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61K8/25 |
| A | A61 | A61K8/416 |
| A | A61 | A61K8/86 |
| A | A61 | A61Q11/00 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Antimicrobial composition technologies, specifically personal care and industrial applications involving modified clay particles with antimicrobial compounds and nonionic surfactants, requiring expertise in materials science, chemistry, and surface modification techniques
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A materials scientist or chemical engineer with advanced degree, specialized knowledge in clay particle modification, antimicrobial formulation, and experience developing surface-active compositions for industrial and medical applications
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that extending the source patent's antimicrobial clay composition to industrial applications represents a predictable variation using known techniques of surface modification and targeted antimicrobial delivery. The core technological principles of clay particle structure, antimicrobial compound attachment, and nonionic copolymer stabilization remain consistent across the disclosed applications. The variations demonstrate routine adaptation of a known technological platform to solve specific industrial challenges through straightforward engineering modifications.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,655 |
|---|---|
| Title | Antimicrobial compositions comprising modified clay and nonionic triblock copolymers |
| Assignee(s) | Conopco, Inc. |