Diversified Silk Protein Fragment Applications
Legal Citation
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
| 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 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
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,664 |
|---|---|
| Title | Stable silk protein fragment compositions |
| Assignee(s) | EVOLVED BY NATURE, INC. |