Last updated: August 4, 2025
Introduction
China patent CN110251819, titled "A Method for Preparing a Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticle and Application thereof," represents a significant contribution within nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems. As the Chinese patent landscape evolves rapidly, especially in pharmaceutical nanotechnology, understanding the scope, claims, and contextual positioning of CN110251819 offers critical insights into its innovativeness and potential competitive environment. This article provides a comprehensive analysis for industry professionals and patent strategists, emphasizing scope delineation, claim structure, and the broader patent landscape.
Patent Overview
CN110251819 was filed by Shanghai Jiaotong University and granted in China. It pertains to a novel method for synthesizing superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) with applications primarily in drug delivery and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The patent covers both the preparation process and the clinical/diagnostic application of these nanoparticles, with a focus on improved monodispersity, biocompatibility, and magnetic properties.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of CN110251819 is primarily defined by its claims, which delineate the protected technological territory. Analyzing the scope involves assessing what the claims cover in terms of:
- Preparation Methodology
- Nanoparticle Composition and Properties
- Application in Medical Diagnosis and Treatment
The patent aims to cover a comprehensive process for fabricating superparamagnetic nanoparticles with specific characteristics and their use in biomedical applications.
Core Aspects of the Patent Scope
- Preparation Process: The patent claims a specific method involving chemical co-precipitation, surface modification, or a combination of both, optimized for size control, magnetic properties, and stability.
- Nanoparticle Characteristics: Claims specify particle size ranges (e.g., 10-20 nm), surface coatings (e.g., polymers or biomolecules), and magnetic properties (e.g., saturation magnetization).
- Application: Claims extend to the use of the nanoparticles in MRI contrast agents, targeted drug delivery, hyperthermia therapy, and other biomedical diagnostic/prophylactic uses.
Claim Structure and Defensive Scope
The claims are structured hierarchically, starting with broad independent claims that define the core invention—synthesis method and resulting nanoparticles—followed by dependent claims refining specific features, such as surface modifications, dosages, or application methods. This layered claim architecture provides flexibility for defending the patent against close variations and isolating core inventive features.
Claims Analysis
Independent Claims
The primary independent claim patent covers a method for preparing superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles involving:
- Precise reagent ratios and reaction conditions (pH, temperature, reaction time).
- Surface functionalization steps ensuring biocompatibility.
- Control over particle size within a specified nano-range.
This is a typical process claim, focusing on the technical steps of nanoparticle synthesis, thereby preventing competitors from using similar methods to produce comparable nanoparticles.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims specify elements such as:
- Specific surface coatings (e.g., polyethylene glycol, dextran).
- Magnetic saturation thresholds.
- Particle dispersibility and stability parameters.
- Application claims for utilizing nanoparticles in MRI or drug delivery.
The dependent claims extend protection over specific embodiments or optimized features, but do not significantly narrow the fundamental scope of the independent claims.
Scope Limitations
The scope is bounded primarily by the exact steps and nanoparticle parameters laid out. Variations outside the claim language—such as alternative synthesis techniques like thermal decomposition or different surface modifications—may not be infringements unless a claim drafting strategy explicitly covers these variants.
Patent Landscape and Comparative Analysis
Global Patent Environment
Research in nanomagnetic materials is highly active worldwide, with patents from the US, Europe, and Japan. Key competitors have patent families covering similar nanoparticles, emphasizing unique surface modifications or synthesis methods.
- US Patent Landscape: Several patents focus on surface modification techniques, such as PEGylation, for improved in vivo stability.
- European Patent Landscape: Emphasis on nanoparticle biocompatibility and size control for MRI applications.
- Global Filing Trend: A rising number of patent families prioritize targeted drug delivery and hyperthermia using magnetic nanoparticles.
Chinese Patent Environment
In China, the patent landscape is characterized by:
- Growing innovation in nanoparticle synthesis: Several patents focus on low-cost, scalable manufacturing processes, aligning with CN110251819’s emphasis on precise method parameters.
- Application-specific patents: Claims often extend into specific medical fields such as oncology, cardiovascular diagnosis, or infectious diseases.
- Patent families related to CN110251819: Priorities include surface functionalization methods, size control, and multifunctional applications, signaling an active ecosystem.
Potential Overlaps and Differentiators
Patent landscape analysis indicates overlapping claims in the preparation and application of magnetic nanoparticles. Critical differentiators for CN110251819 include:
- Specific synthesis conditions that achieve superior particle monodispersity.
- The combination of synthesis steps leading to enhanced biocompatibility and magnetic performance.
- Application claims tailored to Chinese medical markets and regulatory pathways.
Strategic Implications
- Freedom-to-Operate (FTO): Given the extensive global patenting activity, companies should perform detailed freedom-to-operate analyses, especially considering similar synthesis methods and applications.
- Design-around Strategies: To avoid infringement, exploring alternative synthesis routes or surface modifications outside the scope of these claims could be advantageous.
- Patentability and Defensive Positioning: The specific process parameters and composite applications give CN110251819 a defensible position in certain medical nanotechnology niches within China.
Conclusion
CN110251819 establishes a well-defined scope centered on a specific synthesis method and the resulting superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles' biomedical applications. Its claims are detailed enough to prevent copying of the core process but are also adaptable through dependent claims and potential design-around innovations. Strategically, this patent occupies a competitive position in China's burgeoning nanomedicine patent landscape, especially concerning targeted imaging and therapy.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s scope is primarily limited to a specific, well-defined synthesis method and nanoparticle characteristics with biomedical applications.
- Its layered claim structure provides robustness against infringement and opportunities for defensible positioning in the Chinese market.
- The broader patent landscape shows similar innovations globally, necessitating careful freedom-to-operate analyses.
- Differentiators include precise process parameters and application-specific claims, especially in clinical nanotechnology.
- To capitalize on this patent, companies should consider alternative synthesis pathways and surface modifications to avoid infringement while advancing nanomedicine development.
FAQs
1. How does CN110251819 compare with similar nanoparticles patents outside China?
It shares core themes with international patents focusing on synthesis and functionalization but distinguishes itself with specific process parameters tailored for Chinese regulatory and clinical environments.
2. Can the preparation method claims be easily bypassed?
Yes. Alternative synthesis processes such as thermal decomposition or hybrid methods not covered by the specific steps may circumvent this patent.
3. How does the patent protect its application in medical diagnostics?
Application claims link the nanoparticles to MRI contrast agents, enabling infringement enforcement if similar nanoparticles are used explicitly for such purposes within the scope.
4. What are the risks of patent infringement in China for companies using similar nanoparticles?
Companies must analyze their synthesis methods and surface modifications against CN110251819’s claims. Overlapping process parameters or application claims could lead to infringement.
5. What should innovators focus on to strengthen patent protection in this space?
Innovations that diversify synthesis parameters, surface functionalization strategies, or novel applications outside the scope of existing claims can provide robust patent protection in nanomedicine.
References
[1] Chinese Patent CN110251819. "A Method for Preparing a Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticle and Application thereof."
[2] Wang, H., et al. "Magnetic Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications." Nano Today, 2021.
[3] Zhang, Y., et al. "Advances in Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Magnetic Resonance Imaging." ACS Nano, 2022.
[4] Patent Landscape Report on Magnetically Responsive Nanoparticles, WIPO, 2022.
