Silk Protein Fragment Compositions for Diverse Industrial Applications
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
This inventive concept leverages the core technology of stable silk protein fragment compositions to expand into new industries and use cases, including 3D printing, implantable medical devices, biodegradable packaging, agricultural films, and personalized skincare products.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed stable silk protein fragment compositions for medical applications. However, the limitations of the original patent include the focus on medical uses, leaving unexplored opportunities for applying this technology to other industries. This inventive concept addresses the problem of limited industrial applicability by adapting the core technology to diverse new use cases.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new inventive concept involves applying the stable silk protein fragment compositions to various industrial applications. For instance, in 3D printing, the compositions enable the creation of customized prosthetic limbs with enhanced biocompatibility. In implantable medical devices, the compositions generate bioactive coatings to enhance tissue integration and reduce inflammation. The compositions can also be used as biodegradable packaging materials, agricultural films, and personalized skincare products, offering unique benefits in each field. The silk protein fragments' tunable molecular weight and polydispersity enable customization for specific applications.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel and non-obvious applications of the stable silk protein fragment compositions, expanding beyond the original medical focus. The inventive step lies in recognizing the potential for these compositions to solve problems in diverse industries and developing tailored solutions to address these needs.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of this inventive concept could include adapting the silk protein fragment compositions for use in textiles, cosmetics, or food packaging. Variations may involve modifying the composition's molecular weight, polydispersity, or solvent to suit specific industrial requirements.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
This inventive concept has significant commercial potential across multiple industries, including healthcare, agriculture, consumer goods, and manufacturing. The target market includes companies seeking sustainable, biocompatible, and customizable materials for their products, as well as consumers demanding environmentally friendly and effective solutions.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61K8/64 |
| A | A45 | A45D33/00 |
| A | A61 | A61K8/02 |
| A | A61 | A61K8/0216 |
| A | A61 | A61K8/042 |
| A | A61 | A61K8/19 |
| A | A61 | A61K8/27 |
| A | A61 | A61K8/29 |
| A | A61 | A61K8/365 |
| A | A61 | A61K8/4953 |
| A | A61 | A61K8/676 |
| A | A61 | A61K8/735 |
| A | A61 | A61K8/922 |
| A | A61 | A61K8/97 |
| A | A61 | A61K8/9789 |
| A | A61 | A61K8/9794 |
| A | A61 | A61K8/987 |
| A | A61 | A61K9/08 |
| A | A61 | A61K31/375 |
| A | A61 | A61K38/00 |
| A | A61 | A61K38/012 |
| A | A61 | A61K45/06 |
| A | A61 | A61K47/02 |
| A | A61 | A61K47/12 |
| A | A61 | A61K47/36 |
| A | A61 | A61Q17/04 |
| A | A61 | A61Q19/00 |
| A | A61 | A61Q19/007 |
| A | A61 | A61Q19/02 |
| A | A61 | A61Q19/08 |
| C | C07 | C07K1/12 |
| C | C07 | C07K14/43586 |
| A | A61 | A61K2800/591 |
| A | A61 | A61K2800/72 |
| A | A61 | A61K2800/74 |
| A | A61 | A61K2800/75 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Biomaterials and protein engineering, with expertise in silk protein processing, molecular weight manipulation, and advanced material applications across medical, industrial, and consumer product domains
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A skilled researcher with advanced degrees in materials science, bioengineering, or chemical engineering, possessing knowledge of protein extraction, modification techniques, and cross-industry material adaptations
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that silk protein fragments with controlled molecular weight ranges represent a versatile platform technology with predictable modifications across multiple application domains. The source patent establishes foundational processing techniques for silk protein fragments, which inherently suggest potential adaptations for diverse industrial uses. The disclosed variations represent logical extensions of the core silk protein fragment technology, utilizing known molecular engineering principles to target specific industrial requirements.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,663 |
|---|---|
| Title | Stable silk protein fragment compositions |
| Assignee(s) | EVOLVED BY NATURE, INC. |