Last updated: August 4, 2025
Introduction
Taiwan Patent TW201922252, titled "Method for Producing a Nano-structured Material and Application Thereof," pertains to nanotechnology applications within the pharmaceutical and material sciences sectors. This patent delineates a novel process for manufacturing nano-structured materials with potential application in drug delivery systems, biomaterials, and other advanced medical functionalities. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the patent's scope, claims, and the underlying patent landscape to assist stakeholders in understanding its strategic position and potential influences on the pharmaceutical innovation ecosystem.
Patent Overview and Filing Details
- Patent Number: TW201922252
- Application Filing Date: August 28, 2019
- Publication Date: August 11, 2020
- Applicants: National Taiwan University, Institute of Microelectronics, and associated research entities
The patent emerges amidst a growing interest in nanotechnology-based drug delivery mechanisms and medical nanomaterials, aligning Taiwan's strategic emphasis on Biotech and Nanotech innovation.
Scope and Claims Analysis
Broad Overview
The patent primarily claims a process for synthesizing nano-structured materials with specific physicochemical characteristics conducive to biomedical applications. It emphasizes a method involving controlled chemical reactions, surface modifications, and particle size manipulations to achieve uniform nanostructures.
Claims Breakdown
The claims can be categorized into primary and dependent sets, with the core inventions encapsulated in Claim 1 and subsequent claims refining the process parameters, material compositions, and application methods.
Claim 1: Method for Producing Nano-Structured Material
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Scope: Describes a multi-step process involving:
- Dispersion of precursor materials in a suitable solvent.
- Application of specific reaction conditions (temperature, pH, reaction time).
- Use of surface functionalization agents to modify particle surfaces.
- Size control via centrifugation and filtration techniques.
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Implication: Encompasses a broadly applicable synthesis route for various nano-structured materials, including metallic, ceramic, or polymeric nanomaterials.
Dependent Claims: Specific Variations and Enhancements
Scope of Claims
The claims demonstrate a focus on:
- A versatile, reproducible process for nano-structure synthesis.
- The ability to manipulate particle size and surface properties.
- Potential applications in biomedical fields, especially targeted drug delivery, biosensors, and regenerative medicine.
The broad wording in Claim 1 suggests a relatively wide scope, potentially covering multiple nanomaterials produced via similar processes, provided they meet the specified criteria.
Patent Landscape Context
Key Players and Patent Families
The landscape surrounding nanotechnology-based drug delivery involves multiple patent families originating from major biotech and nanotech institutions globally, including:
- United States: Key filings from companies like NovaBio and Alnylam Pharmaceuticals.
- Europe: Patents from NanoXplore and BASF.
- Japan/Taiwan: Notable filings by academic institutions and research institutes focusing on nanomaterial synthesis.
TW201922252 fits into this landscape as a university-driven innovation aimed at foundational nanomaterial synthesis, with potential overlap with claims from prior art related to nanoparticle manufacturing, surface functionalization, and biomedical applications.
Prior Art and Compatibility
The process described bears resemblance to established nanomaterial fabrication techniques, including:
- Chemical reduction methods for metallic nanoparticles [1].
- Sol-gel processes for ceramic nanomaterials [2].
- Surface modification protocols utilizing PEG and similar agents for biocompatibility [3].
However, the specific combination and parameters claimed here might provide novel interstitiality, particularly in the context of precise size control and application-specific functionalization.
Potential Patentability and Freedom-to-Operate
Given the prior art, the novelty of TW201922252 hinges on:
- Specific process parameters and their combination.
- Application-driven modifications, particularly for drug delivery.
- The scope of surface functionalization techniques.
Stakeholders must assess whether their processes fall within or outside this patent’s claims, especially considering the broad language in Claim 1.
Legal Status and Enforcement
As of the analysis date, TW201922252 remains active with no known oppositions. Its enforceability likely depends on specific process implementations, given the permissible scope of the claims.
Implications for Pharmaceutical Development
This patent potentially constrains companies developing nanomaterials with similar features, especially those focusing on size-controlled, surface-functionalized nanostructures for biomedical use. Its broad claims could cover a substantial portion of nanomaterial synthesis processes, thereby influencing licensing strategies and R&D directions.
Strategic Recommendations
- For Innovators: Conduct detailed claim analysis and consider designing around the process parameters or focusing on alternative functionalization strategies not encompassed by this patent.
- For Patent Owners: Evaluate licensing opportunities and monitor other patents with overlapping claims to safeguard market position.
- For Researchers: Explore novel synthesis routes that differ fundamentally from the described methods, potentially establishing alternative patent pathways.
Key Takeaways
- Patent TW201922252 claims a versatile process for nanomaterial synthesis with applications in drug delivery.
- Its broad scope may impact various nanotechnology-based pharmaceutical developments, necessitating careful patent landscape analysis.
- The patent’s novelty rests on specific process parameters and functionalization techniques tailored for biomedical applications.
- Stakeholders should evaluate existing processes against its claims and consider alternative methodologies to avoid infringement.
- Continuous monitoring of related patents and potential licensing negotiations could be strategic for maximizing innovation freedom.
FAQs
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Does TW201922252 cover all nanomaterial synthesis methods?
No. While broad, its claims focus on specific process parameters and surface modifications, leaving room for alternative approaches outside its scope.
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Can this patent impact global nanotech drug delivery innovations?
Primarily within Taiwan, but if the claims are recognized internationally through filings or filings in other jurisdictions, it may influence global R&D and commercialization strategies.
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What are the main limitations of TW201922252's claims?
The claims are process-specific and may not cover other manufacturing technologies such as mechanical or physical methods of nanoparticle synthesis.
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Is licensing necessary to use similar nanomaterial synthesis processes in Taiwan?
If the process infringes on the claims, licensing or designing around the patent may be necessary to avoid legal issues.
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How does this patent influence future nanotech patent filings?
It highlights the importance of detailed claim drafting and comprehensive process disclosure, encouraging innovations that differ from existing patented methods.
References
[1] M. Kumar et al., "Chemical reduction methods for metallic nanoparticle synthesis," Nanomaterials, 2019.
[2] R. C. Brinker et al., "Sol-gel science: The physics and chemistry of sol-gel processing," 1990.
[3] D. M. D'Angelo et al., "Polyethylene glycol surface modification of nanoparticles," J. Nanobiotechnol., 2018.
