Applied DNA Sciences Inc. is ready to extend its DNA-based traceability platform into cellulosic fibers.
The Stony Brook, N.Y.-based company said it has received a Notice of Allowance for its U.S. Patent Application, “Methods of Marking Cellulosic Products.” Applied DNA said the actual patent is expected to be issued in the next few months and will extend the patent protection it holds for its CertainT platform into cellulosic fibers and materials.
The company said it has related international patent applications pending in India, the European Union, China and Hong Kong. The new patent allows for claims covering methods of tagging cellulosic fibers or materials with a nucleic acid (DNA) tag during production and later authenticating the DNA-tagged cellulosic fibers or materials through detection techniques.
Cellulosic fibers and materials are man-made and are derived from plant-based resources. Notable cellulosic fibers and materials include rayon, viscose, lyocell and modal. Applied DNA noted that the demand for cellulosic fibers and materials is expanding, with a market size estimated to surpass $39 billion by 2024, growing at an annual rate of 9 percent.
“We are in commercial stage discussions with some of the world’s largest cellulosic fiber and materials manufacturers for the implementation of our proven CertainT platform,” Dr. James Hayward, president and CEO of Applied DNA, said. “The newly allowed patent is a significant milestone for the company as it enhances our intellectual property portfolio and provides potential exclusivity for our CertainT platform in the ever-growing cellulosic fiber and materials market.”
Because many man-made cellulosic materials are derived from trees, Hayward said, traceability to assure brand claims for responsible sourcing and sustainable claims is important. The CertainT solution assists fiber producers in ensuring the authenticity and traceability of their branded fibers.
The CertainT platform has three technology pillars–tag, test and track–that allow raw materials and products to be tagged with a unique molecular identifier. This identifier can then be tested for its presence as it travels throughout a global supply chain. All the data points associated to tagging and testing are tracked by uploading to a secure cloud database. The platform can be used across industries such as textiles, cannabis, military, leather, fertilizer, pharmaceuticals and personal care.