Advanced Biomimetic Antimicrobial Coating System
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A next-generation antimicrobial coating system leveraging nanosecond-pulsed laser surface modification, graphene oxide deposition, and plasma etching for controlled surface roughness, exhibiting self-healing properties and enhanced antimicrobial efficacy.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent for anti-microbial coating for objects such as prosthetic implants, while effective, has limitations in terms of surface roughness control, biofilm formation, and long-term antimicrobial efficacy. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing advanced surface modification techniques, biomimetic nanostructures, and self-healing properties, enabling more efficient and sustainable antimicrobial coatings.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The advanced biomimetic antimicrobial coating system comprises a nanosecond-pulsed laser source for surface modification, a graphene oxide deposition module, and a plasma etching unit for controlled surface roughness. The system enables the creation of hierarchical nanostructures composed of graphene oxide frameworks and peptide-based antimicrobial agents, which exhibit self-healing properties and enhanced antimicrobial efficacy. The new claims introduce a paradigm shift in antimicrobial coating technology, moving beyond traditional methods to more ambitious and forward-thinking approaches.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel combinations of surface modification techniques, biomimetic nanostructures, and self-healing properties, which are not obvious from the original patent. The inventive step lies in the integration of these advanced technologies to create a more efficient, sustainable, and effective antimicrobial coating system.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include the use of different laser sources, graphene oxide deposition methods, or plasma etching techniques. Variations of the system could also incorporate additional components, such as micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) for controlled release of antimicrobial agents or self-harvested energy sources.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The advanced biomimetic antimicrobial coating system has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly for prosthetic implants, surgical instruments, and wound dressings. The system could also be applied to other industries, such as food processing, water treatment, and consumer products, where antimicrobial coatings are essential for preventing contamination and ensuring public health.
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
Biomaterials and surface modification technologies for medical implants, with expertise in plasma treatment, surface functionalization, and antimicrobial coating techniques
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A materials scientist or biomedical engineer with advanced degree, specialized knowledge in surface engineering, plasma processing, and antimicrobial coating technologies, familiar with nanotechnology and surface modification techniques
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's advanced coating system represents predictable variations on the source patent's fundamental plasma surface modification approach. The core principles of oxygen plasma treatment, surface functionalization, and antimicrobial coating are consistently applied, with the PTD introducing incremental technological improvements using known techniques in surface engineering. The systematic approach of surface modification, graphene oxide deposition, and plasma processing would be considered an obvious extension of existing antimicrobial coating methodologies.
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 |