Discover Patent Landscape of Two-photon Polymerization Technology for the Production of 3D Nano-structure Using Claim-based Approach.

Nanotechnology, like 3D printing, is one of the richest fields in research and progress in the past few years. Two Photon Polymerization (TPP) technology allows the 3D printing of nanoscale objects, so the nanoscale additive manufacturing has been no longer the thing in the future. This research investigates related US patent documents through the claim-based approach. By virtue of systematic analysis of the claims of patent documents, we can explicitly define technical features of patent document and the accurate patent classification, monitor the direction of enterprises' patent application portfolio and effectively grasp the trend of technological development of important manufacturers related to this technology. Also, we can thoroughly understand the feasible emerging technology and opportunities for market application for enterprises in technological development and strategic planning. The result shows 3M Company possesses numerous patent portfolios that base on the diversified innovative applications of TPP technology. Nanoscribe Company has a long-term advantage in monopolizing this technology. TPP-3DP technology has broad application prospects, of which the hydrogel material applied in tissue engineering and drug delivery is the future trend. Highly-initiated watersoluble initiators are particularly needed to increase its resolution and will be the direction of emerging technology in this domain.