Nanoporous Devices for Environmental and Industrial Applications
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept leverages the core technology of the original implantable cellular and biotherapeutic agent delivery canister to address various environmental and industrial challenges, such as wastewater treatment, atmospheric pollutant monitoring, fertilizer delivery, surface decontamination, and chemical threat detection.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent focused on implantable devices for therapeutic applications, but its limitations in terms of material compatibility, controlled agent release, and scalability hindered its adoption in other fields. The new inventive concept overcomes these limitations by adapting the nanoporous device technology to tackle pressing environmental and industrial issues.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept encompasses a range of nanoporous devices designed to encapsulate and deliver various agents, including microorganisms, biotherapeutic agents, fertilizers, and antimicrobial compounds. These devices feature a nanoscale through-porous structure, enabling controlled diffusion of agents and byproducts. The devices can be configured for specific applications, such as wastewater treatment, atmospheric pollutant monitoring, fertilizer delivery, surface decontamination, and chemical threat detection.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel applications and use cases for the nanoporous device technology, extending its scope beyond therapeutic applications. The inventive step lies in the adaptation of the original technology to address distinct environmental and industrial challenges, demonstrating a non-obvious and innovative approach to solving real-world problems.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include devices with varying pore sizes, materials, and geometries to accommodate different agents and applications. Variations may also involve integrating sensors, monitoring systems, or feedback mechanisms to optimize device performance and agent release.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including environmental remediation, industrial process optimization, agriculture, and biodefense. The target market includes companies, governments, and research institutions seeking innovative solutions for wastewater treatment, pollution monitoring, fertilizer delivery, surface decontamination, and chemical threat detection.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61K9/0024 |
| A | A61 | A61F2/022 |
| A | A61 | A61K31/337 |
| A | A61 | A61K31/397 |
| A | A61 | A61K31/436 |
| A | A61 | A61K31/65 |
| A | A61 | A61K31/7036 |
| A | A61 | A61K35/28 |
| A | A61 | A61K38/14 |
| A | A61 | A61K38/1866 |
| A | A61 | A61K38/22 |
| A | A61 | A61K39/395 |
| A | A61 | A61K47/02 |
| A | A61 | A61M39/0247 |
| A | A61 | A61M2039/027 |
| A | A61 | A61M2039/0261 |
| A | A61 | A61M2039/0276 |
| A | A61 | A61M2205/04 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Biomedical engineering and materials science, focusing on nanoporous devices for controlled agent delivery across medical, environmental, and industrial applications. Expertise requires advanced knowledge of materials engineering, nanotechnology, diffusion mechanisms, and biocompatible encapsulation techniques
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A skilled practitioner with advanced degrees in bioengineering, materials science, or chemical engineering, possessing expertise in nanoscale device design, understanding of controlled release mechanisms, and interdisciplinary problem-solving capabilities
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize the fundamental nanoporous device technology from US 11857670 as a versatile platform with inherent adaptability across multiple domains. The core technological principles of controlled agent encapsulation and diffusion through nanoscale porous structures are directly transferable between therapeutic, environmental, and industrial applications. The PTD demonstrates predictable extensions of the source patent's core technological concept by applying identical fundamental design principles to solve analogous technical challenges.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,670 |
|---|---|
| Title | Implantable cellular and biotherapeutic agent delivery canister |
| Assignee(s) | NanoVault Medical LLC |