Fluorescent Silk Codes with Micro-Gratings for Edible Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing package-level certification technologies for food and medicine are vulnerable to counterfeiting and alteration, posing significant health and economic risks due to the use of toxic materials, and are difficult to trace in online sales.

Innovation Solution

A method for creating an information code using a silk film, coated with fluorescent silk solutions, including a white silk film with a grating pattern, where each fluorescent silk solution is applied and dried to form a secure, edible, and digestible code directly on food or medicine.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If package-level certification technologies are used, then certification function is provided, but security is vulnerable to copying, forging, and alteration

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidease of copying and forging

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the certification function into two levels: package-level certification and product-unit-level certification. The product-unit level certification uses individualized information codes (QR codes, holograms, or fluorescent patterns) embedded in each product unit, making copying and forging extremely difficult while maintaining ease of manufacture through automated coding processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional package labeling to three-dimensional product-unit embedding. Information codes are embedded within the product structure itself (e.g., inside capsules, mixed with powder, or integrated into the formulation), adding a dimensional layer that prevents surface-level copying and forging while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If exogenous and artificial additive materials are used for information codes, then unique optical properties are achieved for authentication, but harmful effects such as carcinogenic and cytotoxic consequences occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication capabilityVSAvoidtoxicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameters from synthetic dyes and fluorescent nanoparticles to natural, biodegradable materials. Specifically, it uses plant-based pigments (chlorophyll, carotenoids, anthocyanins) and natural polymers (chitosan, alginate, cellulose) that maintain unique optical properties for authentication while being non-toxic and safe for human consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates composite information codes by combining natural pigments with biodegradable polymers. Examples include chitosan particles loaded with natural dyes, alginate microcapsules containing plant extracts, or cellulose-based fluorescent materials. These composites provide the necessary optical authentication properties while ensuring safety through natural material composition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If package-level certification is used, then certification is provided, but traceability in online sales becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecertificationVSAvoidtraceability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by embedding unique identification information directly into the product unit during manufacturing. Each product unit receives a distinct information code (QR code, hologram, or fluorescent pattern) that encodes traceability data before the product enters the supply chain, enabling tracking throughout online sales and distribution while maintaining certification integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The silk-based information code provides secure, edible, and digestible authentication for food and medicine, enhancing public health and economic trust by preventing counterfeit distribution and ensuring safety and traceability.

Implementation Method 1

a process of coating the white silk film with each of the plurality of fluorescent silk solutions in a corresponding position of the information code

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentUS20250322197A1Information code creating method using fluorescent silk and information code created thereby

Publication Date: 2025.10.16 REPUBLIC OF KOREA (MANAGEMENT RURAL DEV ADMINISTRATION)

AI summary

A method for creating an information code configured by a silk film includes a process of creating a white silk film: a process of creating a micro-grating pattern on the white silk film, and a process of coating the white silk film with each of the plurality of fluorescent silk solutions in a corresponding position of the information code and the information code is configured by a color corresponding to each of the plurality of fluorescent silk solutions and a white color.