Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Acoustic Hydrogel Barrier Membranes for Noise Reduction

Publication ID: 24-11857701_0007_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Acoustic Hydrogel Barrier Membranes for Noise Reduction,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857701_0007_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857701_0007_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,701.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

A novel application of alginate and hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel barrier membranes for reducing noise pollution in various industries, including wind turbines, urban areas, wearable devices, recording studios, and industrial settings.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed an anti-adhesive barrier membrane using alginate and hyaluronic acid for biomedical applications. However, noise pollution remains a significant issue in various industries, and existing soundproofing solutions are often ineffective or impractical. The new inventive concept addresses this limitation by adapting the hydrogel barrier membrane technology to reduce noise levels and improve audio quality.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The new inventive concept involves the use of hydrogel barrier membranes comprising alginate and hyaluronic acid to absorb sound waves and reduce noise levels. The membrane's unique properties, such as its non-cytotoxic and negatively charged nature, make it an ideal material for soundproofing applications. The membrane can be integrated into various systems, including wind turbines, building facades, wearable devices, soundproofing panels, and industrial machinery, to reduce noise pollution and improve audio quality.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce a novel application of the hydrogel barrier membrane technology, extending its use beyond biomedical applications to noise reduction in various industries. The inventive step lies in the recognition of the membrane's acoustic properties and its adaptation for soundproofing purposes, which is not obvious from the original patent.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept may include varying the composition and structure of the hydrogel barrier membrane, using different types of biocompatible materials, or integrating the membrane with other soundproofing technologies. Additionally, the membrane could be used in other applications, such as soundproofing in vehicles or home appliances.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The acoustic hydrogel barrier membrane has significant commercial potential in various industries, including renewable energy, construction, consumer electronics, and manufacturing. The market for soundproofing solutions is growing, driven by increasing concerns about noise pollution and the need for improved audio quality.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
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

Field of Art

Biomaterials and polymer engineering, with specific expertise in biopolymer hydrogel design, biomedical applications, and material modification for specialized functional purposes

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A skilled practitioner with advanced degrees in materials science, polymer chemistry, or bioengineering, possessing knowledge of polysaccharide interactions, material property modification, and cross-disciplinary material applications

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the unique properties of alginate and hyaluronic acid hydrogels - such as their non-cytotoxic, negatively charged, and hydrophilic characteristics - inherently suggest potential applications beyond the original biomedical context. The membrane's fundamental structural and chemical properties naturally lend themselves to sound absorption and noise reduction technologies. The extension from biomedical barrier membranes to acoustic barrier membranes represents a predictable variation within the material's known performance envelope.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Hydrogel film comprising hyaluronic acid and alginate with non-cytotoxic properties
PTD Variation
Adapting the hydrogel membrane for acoustic wave absorption in noise reduction applications
Obviousness Reasoning
Material properties like wave interaction and absorption are predictable engineering modifications for polymeric materials, representing a standard design optimization approach
Source Patent Element
Translucent, amorphous hydrogel film with specific polysaccharide composition
PTD Variation
Utilizing the same material composition for soundproofing panels and architectural acoustic treatments
Obviousness Reasoning
Material repurposing is a common engineering strategy, especially when fundamental material properties suggest potential alternative functional uses
Source Patent Element
Negatively charged and hydrophilic membrane structure
PTD Variation
Leveraging charge and surface properties for enhanced sound wave interaction and absorption
Obviousness Reasoning
A PHOSITA would recognize that material charge and surface characteristics directly influence wave interaction mechanisms, making acoustic application a logical extension
Source Patent Element
Biocompatible polysaccharide hydrogel with flexible structural configuration
PTD Variation
Integrating hydrogel membranes into wearable noise reduction devices and industrial sound mitigation systems
Obviousness Reasoning
The material's inherent flexibility and adaptability naturally suggest multiple potential application domains beyond the original medical context
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857701, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the acoustic barrier membrane variations disclosed herein to be obvious extensions of the original biopolymer hydrogel technology. The fundamental material properties, structural characteristics, and known polysaccharide interactions provide sufficient motivation and technical foundation for adapting the membrane to noise reduction applications, thereby rendering such variations non-patentable under standard obviousness analysis.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,701
TitleAnti-adhesive barrier membrane using alginate and hyaluronic acid for biomedical applications
Assignee(s)Board of Regents, The University of Texas System