Appeal 2007-4217
Application 10/345,394
Moreover, as also noted by the Examiner, the Specification teaches
that Appellants’ microbial-derived cellulose amorphous gel wound dressing
may be cut prior to application in order to conform to the wound to be
treated (Answer 6-7 (citing the Specification, ¶ 0035)). Appellants respond
that the paragraph cited by the Examiner relates to the preparation of the
cellulose starting material, and not preparation of the gel (Reply Br. 2).
The portion of the Specification relied upon by the Examiner teaches:
Suitable bioreactors are selected which minimize
evaporation and provide adequate oxygen-limiting conditions.
Oxygen-limiting conditions may be varied depending upon the
desired water content and thickness of the cellulose film.
Generally, under oxygen-limited conditions, oxygen is present
in an amount of 5%- 21% of the total gas present at the air
liquid interface. The bioreactor is composed of plastic box
fitted with an airtight cover or a limited gas-permeable cover.
Dimensions of the bioreactor can vary in configuration (cube or
cylinder) depending on the shape and size of the cellulose film
being produced. For example, a six inch diameter cylinder will
produce a six inch diameter dressing, which can be used as is
or cut to conform to the wound to be treated, prior to
application. By limiting the amount of oxygen in the
fermentation medium, it is hypothesized that the Acetobacter
utilizes the carbon available in the medium to produce more
cellulose instead of using it for reproduction, thereby increasing
the total yield of cellulose.
(Specification ¶ 0035 (emphasis added).) We also note that at the end of the
processing and depyrogenation procedures of Example 1, the Specification
states that the cleaning process provided a nonpyrogenic cellulose pad
(Specification 8), which again implies some sort of shape and something that
may be cut. While Example 2 (Specification 9) is specifically entitled
“Production of a Microbial Cellulose Amorphous Gel,” requiring processing
4
Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Next
Last modified: September 9, 2013