Enhanced Anti-Microbial Coatings for Prosthetic Implants
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
This inventive concept introduces a novel graphene-based anti-microbial coating for prosthetic implants, offering improved antimicrobial properties, enhanced durability, and reduced risk of infection.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed an anti-microbial coating for objects such as prosthetic implants, but it had limitations in terms of coating durability, antimicrobial efficacy, and manufacturing complexity. The present inventive concept addresses these limitations by incorporating graphene-based materials and optimized plasma deposition techniques, resulting in a more efficient, safer, and effective coating solution.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced anti-microbial coating is formed by pre-treating the prosthetic implant surface with oxygen plasma to graft oxygen-based functional groups, followed by the deposition of a graphene-based coating using a hydrocarbon plasma step and oxygen plasma etching. This results in a coating with enhanced antimicrobial properties, improved durability, and reduced surface roughness. The coating can be further enhanced by treating the coated implant with ultraviolet light to activate the antimicrobial properties.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce the use of graphene-based materials, hydrocarbon plasma, and oxygen plasma etching to create a more effective and durable anti-microbial coating. The inventive step lies in the combination of these techniques to achieve a coating with improved antimicrobial properties, reduced surface roughness, and enhanced durability.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include the use of different graphene-based materials, such as reduced graphene oxide, or varying the plasma deposition conditions to optimize coating properties. Additionally, the coating technique could be adapted for use on other medical devices or surfaces requiring anti-microbial properties.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced anti-microbial coating has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly for prosthetic implants, surgical instruments, and other medical surfaces. The market for anti-microbial coatings is growing rapidly, driven by the need to reduce hospital-acquired infections and improve patient outcomes.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61L27/303 |
| A | A61 | A61L27/06 |
| A | A61 | A61L27/54 |
| A | A61 | A61L2300/404 |
| A | A61 | A61L2400/18 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical device surface engineering, specifically anti-microbial coating technologies for prosthetic implants, involving plasma deposition techniques and surface modification strategies
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A materials scientist or biomedical engineer with expertise in surface modification techniques, plasma processing, nanotechnology, and medical device coating technologies, holding at least a Master's degree with 3-5 years of specialized experience
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the graphene-based coating approach represents a predictable extension of the source patent's plasma surface modification method, leveraging known nanomaterial techniques to enhance the existing anti-microbial coating strategy. The fundamental plasma treatment process remains substantially similar, with graphene introduction representing a straightforward materials optimization. The technical modifications represent incremental improvements using well-established surface engineering principles.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,695 |
|---|---|
| Title | Anti-microbial coating for objects such as prosthetic implants |
| Assignee(s) | National University of Ireland, Galway |