Expanding Anti-Microbial Coatings to New Industries
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
This inventive concept explores the application of plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) anti-microbial coatings to diverse industries, including agriculture, food processing, healthcare, art preservation, and recreational water treatment, offering enhanced safety and hygiene.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent focused on anti-microbial coatings for prosthetic implants, but its core technology has broader implications. This inventive concept addresses the limitations of the original patent by expanding its scope to tackle microbial contamination and infection risks in various sectors.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new inventive concept involves adapting the PECVD anti-microbial coating technology to create systems and methods for sanitizing agricultural produce, reducing microbial contamination on food processing equipment, preventing hospital-acquired infections, preserving artwork, and sanitizing recreational water. Each application leverages the unique properties of the PECVD coating to provide a sterile environment, reducing the risk of microbial growth and contamination.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The novelty of this inventive concept lies in the unexpected application of PECVD anti-microbial coatings to entirely new industries, which was not contemplated in the original patent. The inventive step is the recognition of the broader potential of this technology and its adaptation to address distinct challenges in various fields.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of this inventive concept could include the development of portable PECVD coating systems for on-site sanitization, integration with IoT sensors for real-time monitoring, or the use of different materials and coatings to enhance the technology's versatility.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
This inventive concept has significant commercial potential across multiple industries, including agriculture, food processing, healthcare, art conservation, and recreational water treatment. The market demand for effective sanitization and infection control solutions is substantial, and this technology could provide a competitive edge in these sectors.
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 and industrial surface engineering, focusing on anti-microbial coating technologies, plasma surface modification, and chemical vapor deposition techniques. Requires expertise in materials science, surface chemistry, and microbial control strategies
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A professional with advanced degree in materials engineering, chemical engineering, or biomedical engineering, having practical experience in surface modification techniques, plasma processing, and understanding of microbial interaction with surfaces
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize the fundamental plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) anti-microbial coating technique disclosed in the source patent as a versatile technology with broad applicability across multiple industries. The core technical principles of surface modification and microbial control are directly transferable, making the PTD's expanded applications a predictable extension of the original patent's teachings. The systematic approach to surface treatment and coating remains consistent across different application domains, suggesting an obvious adaptation of the core technological concept.
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 |