Expanded Applications of Anti-Microbial Coatings
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
This inventive concept explores novel applications of anti-microbial coatings beyond prosthetic implants, addressing critical issues in water purification, food processing, wound care, hospital-acquired infections, and agricultural products.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed an anti-microbial coating for objects such as prosthetic implants. However, the growing need for effective solutions in various industries necessitates the exploration of new applications for this technology. The present inventive concept addresses the limitations of the original patent by applying the core technology to entirely different fields, providing innovative solutions to pressing problems.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new inventive concept involves the application of anti-microbial coatings produced using a hydrocarbon plasma step and oxygen plasma etching to various industries. In water purification, the coating reduces bacterial growth and improves purification efficiency. In food processing, the coating sanitizes equipment, reducing bacterial growth and improving food safety. In wound care, the coating promotes wound healing and reduces the risk of infection. In hospitals, the coating reduces hospital-acquired infections and improves patient safety. In agriculture, the coating reduces bacterial growth and improves crop yields.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept introduces novel applications of anti-microbial coatings, which are not obvious from the original patent. The use of hydrocarbon plasma step and oxygen plasma etching to produce the coating enables its application to various industries, providing a non-obvious solution to critical problems.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include variations in the plasma treatment process, such as using different gases or plasma sources. Additionally, the coating could be applied to other surfaces or materials, further expanding its potential applications.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including water treatment, food processing, wound care, healthcare, and agriculture. The market for anti-microbial coatings is expected to grow substantially, driven by the increasing demand for effective solutions to critical problems in these industries.
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, biomaterial coatings, plasma surface modification technologies with a focus on anti-microbial treatments for medical, industrial, and agricultural applications
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A skilled practitioner with expertise in surface engineering, plasma processing techniques, materials science, and biomedical/industrial coating technologies, holding at least a Master's degree or equivalent professional experience in materials modification and surface treatment
Obviousness Rationale
A person having ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the anti-microbial coating technology disclosed in the source patent represents a fundamental platform technology with inherent adaptability across multiple domains. The core plasma treatment methodology demonstrated in the original patent provides a readily transferable technique for surface modification that can be systematically applied to diverse substrates and industrial contexts. The PTD's variations represent predictable extensions of the fundamental plasma surface treatment approach, utilizing substantially identical core processing techniques with straightforward domain-specific adaptations.
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 |