Diversified Silk Protein Fragment Applications

Publication ID: 24-11857664_0002_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Diversified Silk Protein Fragment Applications,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857664_0002_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857664_0002_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,664.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

This inventive concept explores novel applications of stable silk protein fragment compositions in various industries, including sports equipment, sustainable textiles, water purification, edible cutlery, and 3D printing.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed stable silk protein fragment compositions for medical applications. However, the potential of these compositions extends beyond the medical field. This inventive concept addresses the limitation of the original patent by applying the core technology to entirely new industries and use cases, solving problems such as improved athletic performance, sustainable textile production, efficient water purification, eco-friendly cutlery, and biocompatible 3D printing.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept leverages the unique properties of silk protein fragment compositions, including their stability, durability, and biocompatibility, to create innovative solutions for various industries. For instance, incorporating these compositions into sports equipment enhances grip, durability, and shock absorption. In sustainable textile production, the compositions can be spun into fibers and woven into fabrics, providing a biodegradable and renewable material. The compositions can also be used as a filter medium for water purification, leveraging electrostatic attraction and size exclusion to remove impurities and contaminants. Additionally, the compositions can be molded into utensil shapes to create edible cutlery, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic cutlery. Furthermore, the compositions can be used as a biocompatible and biodegradable ink for 3D printing, enabling the creation of complex structures and shapes.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce novel applications of stable silk protein fragment compositions, which are not obvious from the original patent. The inventive step lies in the recognition of the compositions' potential in various industries and the development of innovative solutions to address specific problems in these fields.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include using silk protein fragment compositions in other industries, such as cosmetics, packaging, or construction materials. Variations of the compositions could be developed to optimize their performance in specific applications, such as modifying their molecular weight or crystalline structure.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including sports equipment, sustainable textiles, water purification, edible cutlery, and 3D printing. The target market includes companies and organizations seeking innovative, biocompatible, and sustainable solutions to address specific problems in their respective fields.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
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

Field of Art

Biomaterials and protein engineering, with expertise in silk protein composition, materials science, and interdisciplinary applications spanning medical, industrial, and consumer product domains

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A researcher or engineer with advanced degrees in materials science, bioengineering, or polymer chemistry, possessing knowledge of protein modification techniques, material characterization, and cross-industry material applications

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the unique properties of silk protein fragments disclosed in the source patent (US 11857664) inherently suggest diverse applications beyond medical uses. The compositions' stability, molecular weight control, and crystalline structure provide a versatile platform for material innovation across multiple industries. Given the patent's broad description of silk protein fragment potential, a skilled practitioner would naturally explore extending these materials into novel functional domains.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Silk fibroin protein fragments with controlled molecular weight (17-38 kDa)
PTD Variation
Using these fragments as 3D printing biocompatible ink for creating complex structures
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable extension of material properties, leveraging known biocompatibility and processability of controlled molecular weight protein fragments
Source Patent Element
Silk protein fragments with tunable crystalline/amorphous domain ratios
PTD Variation
Incorporating fragments into sports equipment for enhanced grip and shock absorption
Obviousness Reasoning
Obvious design choice utilizing inherent mechanical properties suggested by crystalline structure variations
Source Patent Element
Stable silk protein compositions substantially devoid of sericin
PTD Variation
Using fragments as water filtration medium through electrostatic attraction
Obviousness Reasoning
Known technique of applying protein-based materials for separation and purification processes
Source Patent Element
Silk protein fragments with biocompatible characteristics
PTD Variation
Creating edible cutlery as a sustainable alternative to plastic utensils
Obviousness Reasoning
Finite and predictable solution applying known material properties to address environmental sustainability challenges
Source Patent Element
Silk protein fragments capable of being spun or molded
PTD Variation
Developing sustainable textile production techniques
Obviousness Reasoning
Logical extension of material processability using standard textile engineering approaches
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857664, the present publication demonstrates that a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art would find the disclosed silk protein fragment applications obvious and predictable, thereby establishing prior art that anticipates and renders obvious potential patent claims covering similar material innovations across diverse technological domains.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,664
TitleStable silk protein fragment compositions
Assignee(s)EVOLVED BY NATURE, INC.