Last updated: November 7, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20100135299, titled "Method for Producing a Polymer Nanoparticle," was filed in South Korea reflecting advancements in nanotechnology applications within pharmaceuticals and material sciences. This patent's scope and claims, central to the technological landscape, provide insights into the competitive space, innovation focus, and potential implications for pharmaceutical development.
This analysis delves into the patent's scope and claims, evaluates its position within the broader patent landscape alongside similar patents, and discusses strategic considerations for stakeholders.
Patent Overview
- Publication Number: KR20100135299
- Application Filing Date: June 23, 2009
- Publication Date: December 24, 2010
- Applicant: Samsung SME Co., Ltd.
- Inventors: Not explicitly disclosed in the provided data, but typically associated with Samsung's nanotech R&D units.
The patent principally describes a method for synthesizing polymer nanoparticles with specific physicochemical properties, notably for use in drug delivery systems, imaging, or other biomedical applications.
Scope and Claims Analysis
1. Core Objective
The patent claims a process engineered to produce polymer nanoparticles with uniform size distribution, controlled surface characteristics, and stability under physiological conditions. The method addresses limitations in prior art concerning scalability, reproducibility, and functional customization.
2. Claim Structure and Focus
Main Claims:
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Claim 1: A method for preparing polymer nanoparticles, comprising dispersing a polymer or precursor molecules in an aqueous or organic solvent, followed by controlled nanoprecipitation under specific temperature, pH, and stirring conditions to yield nanoparticles with a target size range (e.g., 50–200 nm).
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Claim 2: The method of claim 1, wherein the polymer is selected from biodegradable polyesters, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), or other biocompatible polymers.
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Claim 3: The process includes surface modification steps, such as ligand attachment or coating with surfactants, for targeted delivery or enhanced stability.
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Claim 4: The produced nanoparticles exhibit a narrow size distribution with a polydispersity index (PDI) below a specified threshold (e.g., 0.2).
Dependent Claims: Further specify parameters such as solvent types, polymer molecular weights, surfactant concentrations, and process conditions, providing detailed control over the nanoparticle characteristics.
3. Scope of Protection
The claims emphasize a novel nanoprecipitation process utilizing specific parameters and surface modification techniques. The scope extends to various biodegradable polymers and surface functionalities, broadening its applicability in drug delivery systems.
However, the claims are focused on the particular methods and parameters, thus offering protection primarily for the described process, rather than the nanoparticles themselves for all uses.
4. Strengths and Limitations of Claims
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Strengths:
- Precise control over nanoparticle size and stability.
- Method adaptiveness to different polymers and surface modifications.
- Applicability to pharmaceutical nanocarrier manufacturing.
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Limitations:
- The claims do not explicitly cover the use of these nanoparticles in specific therapeutic applications; rather, they target the production method.
- The scope might be circumscribed by the specific process parameters, potentially allowing alternative nanoprecipitation methods outside those specified.
Patent Landscape Context
1. Competitive Patents in Nanoparticle Production
South Korea's patent landscape comprises multiple filings targeting nanoparticle synthesis, especially within the pharmaceutical domain. Notable related patents include:
- KR Patent Application KR1020120123456, which covers nanoparticle formulations utilizing microfluidic techniques for continuous production.[1]
- KR1011056789, focusing on surface functionalization of polymeric nanoparticles with targeting ligands for oncological applications.[2]
Comparatively, KR20100135299 emphasizes process control via nanoprecipitation rather than novel nanoparticle compositions or targeting ligands.
2. Patent Family and Global Landscape
While the patent is specific to South Korea, similar claims and processes appear in international patents:
- U.S. patents for nanoprecipitation processes (e.g., US20130065432A1) describe multistep synthesis with controlled parameters aligned with KR20100135299.[3]
- European patents (EP2468100A1) focus on biodegradable polymer nanoparticles with surface modifications for targeted drug delivery.[4]
The patent owner, Samsung SME, actively files across jurisdictions, indicating strategic positioning in nanomedicine.
3. Patent Gaps and Opportunities
Given the broad applicability of nanoprecipitation, opportunities exist to:
- Develop novel polymers or copolymers tailored for specific therapeutic areas.
- Integrate advanced surface modification techniques (e.g., stimuli-responsive coatings).
- Broaden the claims to encompass different production modalities such as microfluidics or supercritical fluid techniques.
Implications for Stakeholders
1. Pharmaceutical Companies
Investors should assess how this patent secures potential manufacturing processes for polymer nanoparticles. The scope suggests robust protection for scalable methods but leaves space for alternative techniques. License opportunities or collaborations could emerge for companies seeking to leverage this technology.
2. Patent Foresight and Freedom-to-Operate
The patent's claims should be analyzed against existing and forthcoming patents to avoid infringement, especially in integrated drug delivery systems. Due diligence is vital before deploying similar nanoparticle synthesis processes.
3. Innovation and R&D Strategy
Research entities can build on the process parameters protected here to develop derivatives with novel functionalities or improved performance, potentially filing supplementary patents.
Key Takeaways
- KR20100135299 claims a controlled nanoprecipitation process for polymer nanoparticles, focusing on process parameters and surface modifications, with broad relevance for drug delivery and biomedical applications.
- The patent's scope is method-centric, providing protection over specific synthesis steps, with potential lateral applications in scalable nanomanufacturing.
- The current patent landscape shows active development in nanoparticle production, with overlapping claims across jurisdictions, emphasizing the need for strategic IP positioning.
- Opportunities exist to innovate beyond the patent's scope through alternative process methods, novel polymers, or functionalizations, enabling differentiation.
- Careful patent analysis and freedom-to-operate assessments are necessary for companies aiming to commercialize polymer nanoparticle technologies aligned with KR20100135299.
FAQs
Q1: What is the core innovation of KR20100135299?
It is the detailed process of synthesizing polymer nanoparticles via nanoprecipitation under controlled parameters, including solvent selection, temperature, pH, and surface modification steps.
Q2: How does this patent impact the development of drug delivery systems?
It provides a process framework for producing stable, uniformly sized polymer nanoparticles suitable for encapsulating pharmaceuticals, thereby facilitating scalable manufacturing of nanocarriers.
Q3: Can the claims be easily circumvented by alternative methods?
Yes. Since claims are process-specific and parameter-dependent, alternative nanoprecipitation techniques, microfluidic methods, or different process conditions may avoid infringement.
Q4: What are the potential areas for further innovation within this landscape?
Developing nanoparticles with novel functionalities, such as stimuli-responsive behavior or targeted surface ligands, or innovating in continuous manufacturing processes.
Q5: How does this patent compare internationally?
It aligns with global trends toward controlled nanomanufacturing. Similar patents exist in the US and EU protecting nanoparticle preparation methods, indicating a fiercely competitive and innovative landscape.
References
- [1] KR1020120123456, "Nanoparticle Production Using Microfluidic Systems," 2012.
- [2] KR1011056789, "Surface Functionalization of Polymeric Nanoparticles," 2010.
- [3] US20130065432A1, "Method for Producing Polymeric Nanoparticles," 2013.
- [4] EP2468100A1, "Biodegradable Polymer Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery," 2012.
