Modified Clay-Based Antimicrobial Compositions for Diverse Industries
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept expands the application of modified clay-based antimicrobial compositions to various industries beyond personal care, including medical devices, food processing, water treatment, ship hulls, and wound dressings.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed antimicrobial compositions comprising modified clay and nonionic triblock copolymers for personal care applications. However, these compositions have the potential to address broader microbial growth issues in various industries. The inventive concept addresses the limitations of the original patent by exploring new applications and use cases for these compositions.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept involves the application of modified clay-based antimicrobial compositions to diverse industries, leveraging the unique properties of these compositions. In medical devices, the composition can be applied to reduce bacterial growth and prevent hospital-acquired infections. In food processing, the composition can be used to sanitize equipment and reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses. In water treatment, the composition can be employed to reduce bacterial growth and improve water quality. On ship hulls, the composition can prevent biofilm formation, reducing drag and improving fuel efficiency. In wound dressings, the composition can promote wound healing by reducing bacterial growth. The composition's components, including modified clay particles and nonionic triblock copolymers, work synergistically to provide a broad-spectrum antimicrobial effect.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The inventive concept's novelty lies in its application of modified clay-based antimicrobial compositions to entirely new industries, addressing specific microbial growth challenges in each field. The inventive step is the recognition of the composition's potential to solve problems beyond personal care, and the development of methods and systems to integrate these compositions into various industries.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include the use of different types of clay particles, varying ratios of clay to antimicrobial compounds, or the incorporation of additional antimicrobial agents. Variations could also include different methods of application, such as spraying or coating, or the development of new equipment designs to optimize the composition's effectiveness.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential across various industries, including medical devices, food processing, water treatment, ship hulls, and wound dressings. The market for antimicrobial solutions is growing rapidly, driven by increasing concerns about public health, food safety, and environmental sustainability. The inventive concept's ability to address microbial growth challenges in diverse industries positions it for widespread adoption and significant market share.
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 with a focus on personal care, medical devices, and surface treatment applications, involving materials science, polymer chemistry, and microbial control strategies
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A materials scientist or chemical engineer with expertise in clay modification, antimicrobial formulations, and surface treatment technologies, holding at least a Master's degree with 3-5 years of industrial research experience in developing functional materials
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the source patent's antimicrobial clay composition provides a fundamental technological platform that can be readily extended to diverse industrial applications by applying known surface treatment and antimicrobial principles. The core technological mechanism of modified clay particles with attached antimicrobial compounds remains consistent across different implementation contexts. The PTD's variations represent predictable engineering adaptations that leverage the source patent's core technological innovation.
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. |