Enhanced Anti-Adhesive Barrier Membrane for Biomedical Applications
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
An improved anti-adhesive barrier membrane utilizing a unique interpenetrating, crosslinked network with enhanced porosity, biocompatibility, and non-toxicity, selectively inhibiting fibroblast infiltration into surgical microenvironments.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent's anti-adhesive barrier membrane, comprising alginate and hyaluronic acid, demonstrated limitations in terms of physical strength, in vivo reposition flexibility, and handling. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing a unique interpenetrating, crosslinked network with improved porosity, enhancing the membrane's overall performance and usability.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced anti-adhesive barrier membrane consists of a unique interpenetrating, crosslinked network of hyaluronic acid and alginate, exhibiting improved physical strength, flexibility, and handling. This novel structure enables the membrane to selectively inhibit fibroblast infiltration into surgical microenvironments, reducing the risk of adhesions and promoting improved healing outcomes. The membrane's non-toxic, biodegradable, and biocompatible nature ensures its safety and efficacy in various biomedical applications.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept's unique interpenetrating, crosslinked network with enhanced porosity and selective fibroblast inhibition represents a significant improvement over the original patent's design, providing a non-obvious solution to the limitations of the prior art.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept may include varying the ratio of hyaluronic acid to alginate, incorporating additional biocompatible polymers, or modifying the crosslinking process to further enhance the membrane's properties. These variations could enable the development of customized membranes tailored to specific biomedical applications.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced anti-adhesive barrier membrane has significant commercial potential in various biomedical applications, including surgical implants, wound dressings, and tissue engineering. The target market includes medical device manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, and research institutions focused on developing innovative biomedical solutions.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61L31/041 |
| A | A61 | A61K31/192 |
| A | A61 | A61K31/195 |
| A | A61 | A61L31/145 |
| A | A61 | A61L31/148 |
| A | A61 | A61L31/16 |
| A | A61 | A61L2300/414 |
| A | A61 | A61L2300/43 |
| A | A61 | A61L2300/62 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Biomedical polymers and hydrogel barrier technologies, specifically focused on anti-adhesion membranes for surgical and nerve wrap applications. Requires expertise in biomaterials engineering, polymer chemistry, and medical device design with knowledge of polysaccharide interactions and biocompatible material fabrication
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or materials scientist with advanced degree (MS/PhD), specialized training in hydrogel design, experience with polysaccharide networks, understanding of tissue engineering principles, and familiarity with medical device development and regulatory requirements
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's interpenetrating crosslinked network represents a predictable variation of the source patent's hydrogel membrane design. The disclosed modifications involving enhanced porosity, selective fibroblast inhibition, and crosslinking techniques are logical extensions of existing knowledge in biopolymer membrane technologies. The core compositional elements of hyaluronic acid and alginate remain consistent, with the primary innovation being incremental improvements in network structure and performance characteristics.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,701 |
|---|---|
| Title | Anti-adhesive barrier membrane using alginate and hyaluronic acid for biomedical applications |
| Assignee(s) | Board of Regents, The University of Texas System |