associated with technological development in bioelectronics. Several interesting nodes

stand out, such as determination, located in cluster 1, with 22 occurrences (O), 33

links (L), and a total link strength (TLS) of 637; its links connect with disease diagnostic,

genetic target, and microchip systems, among others. Another example is the biopo­

lymer node, in cluster 7, with the following results O:19/L:14/TLS:131; it is connected

with the following five nodes: 1. alloy; 2. heater; 3. drug patch; 4. polymer film; and 5.

bioelectronic patch device. Finally, another representative case is the stage node in

cluster 3, with the following attributes: O:24/L:25/TLS:648. It connects with the terms

medical device, energy storage, low-frequency signal, signal transmission, and bioelectronic

stimulator (see Figure 7.2).

Finally, to illustrate the types of inventions for which protection is being sought, we

present five examples of the most relevant patent applications. When considering these

applications, one of the first aspects that come to mind is that four belong to academic

institutions and the remainder application to individuals, which confirms the preponderant

role of educational institutions and that the United States is a target market for this tech­

nological field. These inventions, shown in Table 7.4, have to do with interface develop­

ment, and they approach elements related to systems, devices, circuits, and methods. They

are fundamental technologies for the field’s advancement, and they address the challenges

of bioelectronics. Undoubtedly, the development of more efficient interfaces, the minia­

turization of devices, and the construction of other cutting-edge elements will speed up the

potential solutions that basic science envisions in its current state.

TABLE 7.3 (Continued)

Main Technology Sectors According to the IPC Classification

No.

IPC classification

Description

Documents

8

B01L3/00

“Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g.

laboratory glassware (bottles B65D; apparatus for

enzymology or microbiology C12M 1/00); Droppers

(receptacles for volumetric purposes G01F).”

17

9

C12Q1/6837

“C12Q 1/00-Measuring or testing processes involving

enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganisms

(measuring or testing apparatus with condition

measuring or sensing means, e.g. colony counters,

C12M 1/34); Compositions therefor; Processes of

preparing such compositions. C12Q 1/6837-Using

probe arrays or probe chips (C12Q 1/6874 takes

precedence).”

17

10

C12N15/09

“C12N 15/00-Mutation or genetic engineering; DNA

or RNA concerning genetic engineering, vectors, e.g.

plasmids, or their isolation, preparation or

purification; Use of hosts therefor (mutants or

genetically engineered microorganisms C12N 1/00,

C12N 5/00, C12N 7/00; new plants A01H; plant

reproduction by tissue culture techniques A01H

4/00; new animals A01K 67/00; use of medicinal

preparations containing genetic material which is

inserted into cells of the living body to treat genetic

diseases, gene therapy A61K 48/00; peptides in

general C07K). C12N 15/09-Recombinant DNA-

technology.”

16

Source: Authors’ elaboration based on Lens [ 49] and WIPO [ 52].

Scientific and Technological Trajectory

117