Among the multiple approaches to eCCC, the utilization of redox-active carrier species is among the most popular. Several classes of redox-active carriers have been investigated for eCCC applications including: bipyridines, thiols, and quinones. While quinones have shown to be potent eCCC carriers in the absence of O2, all reported systems are incapable of operating under aerobic conditions. Since O2 is present in flue gas and atmospheric CO2 sources, practical eCCC methods must overcome this limitation. The Yang lab developed an eCCC approach that uses alcohol additives to stabilize a quinone through intermolecular hydrogen-bonding interactions, resulting in practical, cost-effective, and scalable electrochemical carbon dioxide capture and concentration.
Banksia speciosa is a plant that relies on wildfires to propagate its seeds. When the flower is pollinated, the plant develops a wooden structure called a follicle which encases two seeds. This follicle system and the seeds themselves comprise of specific compositional and structural features that protect the seeds from temperatures over 1,000°C. Systems from other species in the Banksia genus that do not rely on wildfire for propagation completely decompose if exposed to similar thermal conditions, fully compromising the seeds. Therefore, these plants represent an intriguing source of knowledge for thermal management systems.
Bioinspired by the thermal resistant seed coating of the plants from the Banksia genus, researchers at University of California, Irvine have developed novel coatings, materials, and structures for thermal management and protection.
Alginate microfibers with diameters of tens to hundreds of microns are important for tissue engineering, but these diameters are impossible to fabricate via electrospinning and can only be produced via fluidic spinning. Typically microfluidic spinning produces fibers that are not easily dissolvable and fluidic spinning techniques require complicated microfabricated ships or coaxial needles, introducing significant costs and complexity. The Kulinsky lap has developed a simple setup, using a single needle, for immersed microfluidic spinning of dissolvable calcium alginate microfibers to create highly vascularized constructs for tissue engineering and implants.
Executive Summary
Hyperbranched polymers are attractive due to unique structures, low viscosity, good solubility and a large number of functional end groups. However, because they are non linear polymers, they can be difficult to synthesize to high conversion without gelling. MSU and CMU researchers have developed a new hyperbranched polymer that is biodegradable and can be made at extremely high conversions. The polymer has high levels of end groups of only one type (hydroxyl or acid) which can be further esterified with another chemical without fear of gelation, thus allowing new sustainable applications in agriculture, pharmaceuticals or plastics.
Description of the Technology
This technology involves making liquid hyperbranched polyester polymers using bioderived glycerol and a difunctional acid (e.g. adipic acid and/or succinic acid), wherein an active ingredient is covalently bonded to the polymer end groups. High functional group conversions are obtained (up to 97%) without gelation. The active ingredient can be a variety of chemicals including 2-undecanone, 2-tridecanone, an analgesic, herbicide, plant growth regulator, insect repellant or others and may slowly release over time (days to months). Examples have been demonstrated with attaching salicylic acid and Naproxen to the polymer and measuring release over time demonstrating use as a therapeutic delivery agent. The hyperbranched polymers have also been blended with PVC showing their effectiveness as bio-based plasticizers.
Benefits
Applications
Patent Status
Licensing Rights
Full licensing rights available
References
Modern Concepts in Material Science, 2021
Medical Research Archives, 2021
Global Journal of Engineering Sciences, 2019
Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research, 2017
Inventors
Dr. Patrick B. Smith, Dr. Bobby Howell, Dr. Tracy Zhang
TECH ID
TEC2023-0057
Executive Summary
Coated paper is used in a variety of packaging applications including fresh produce, cheeses, confectionary, frozen fish and fast food. To achieve sufficient barrier properties, the paper is often coated with petroleum based waxes or polyfluorinated substances (PFAS). However, these coatings are not environmentally attractive and can present challenges in end of life management of the packaging. Researchers at Michigan State University have recently developed a new coating for paper that uses biobased materials and is PFAS free. The coated board has excellent resistance to grease and water and the coated paper passes TAPPI voluntary standards for repulpability and recyclability, thus providing a sustainable packaging solution.
Description of the Technology
The technology is a sustainable polyester polymer composition that can be applied as a melt or emulsified in water to provide a waterborne applied coating. Tests have been conducted on unbleached Kraft paper with or without starch, resulting in Kit ratings (grease resistance) of 12, Cobb 1800 water penetration down to 4 g/m2 and water vapor transmission rates (WVTR) down to 36 g/(m2-day). The coated board passes the TAPPI voluntary standards for repulpability and recyclability and is biodegradable.
Benefits
Applications
Patent Status
Licensing Rights
Full licensing rights available
Inventors
Dr. Muhammad Rabnawaz, Dr. Hazem Elkholy, Shamila Hamdani
TECH ID
TEC2023-0086
Executive Summary
Biobased materials such as polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), polyglycolic acid (PGA) and polybutylene succinate (PBS) are attractive materials for packaging films due to their positive sustainability aspects including biodegradability. However, their oxygen barrier properties limit the use of these materials to certain applications. Researchers at Michigan State University have recently developed a new film technology that improves oxygen and water barrier in biobased polyesters, thus providing a sustainable packaging solution for a broader range of applications then currently possible.
Description of the Technology
The technology is a based on processing modifications and the addition of an additive package to polyesters. Specifically, work has been done with PBAT, PGA and PBS materials and their blends. The films have oxygen transmission rates (OTR) down to 0.43 cc*mm/m2/24 hour (@50% RH, 23*C) and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) down to 0.6 g*mm/m2/24 h (@90% RH, 38*C) in unstretched state. The films also meeting other packaging requirements such as tensile strength, sealing, puncture resistance, etc.
Benefits
Applications
Patent Status
Licensing Rights
Full licensing rights available
Inventors
Dr. Muhammad Rabnawaz, Dr. Mohamed Abdelwahab
TECH ID
TEC2023-0123
PRODUCT OPPORTUNITIES
Devices and methods for moving charged molecules into and out of tissue samples
PRODUCT OPPORTUNITIES
COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION
This invention provides devices and methods for the interrogation of molecular structure and function of virtually any biological tissue by allowing histological analyses of large biological tissues with numerous biomarkers (antibodies, RNAs, chemical labels). In addition, this technique maintains the integrity of large tissue samples making it possible to perform multiple rounds of histological staining to resolve 3-D organization of biological structures at the macroscopic and microscope scale.
ABOUT THE INVENTOR
Joseph Began is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. His research focuses on behavioral neuroscience where they seek to understand the principles of how social and defensive stimuli are encoded in the activity of neurons and how this process can be modulated by behavior state, experience, and neuromodulation.
AVAILABILITY:
Available for Licensing and/or Sponsored Research
DOCKET:
UMA 17-049
PATENT STATUS:
Patent Issued US 11,863,041 B2
NON-CONFIDENTIAL INVENTION DISCLOSURE
LEAD INVENTOR:
Joseph Bergan Ph.D
CONTACT:
This invention provides devices and methods for the interrogation of molecular structure and function of virtually any biological tissue by allowing histological analyses of large biological tissues with numerous biomarkers (antibodies, RNAs, chemical labels). In addition, this technique maintains the integrity of large tissue samples making it possible to perform multiple rounds of histological staining to resolve 3-D organization of biological structures at the macroscopic and microscope scale.
Researchers at the University of California Davis have developed a technology that involves altering the binding affinity of single chain trimer (SCT) proteins to CD8. The SCT proteins are based on MHC-I, MHC-II, or MHC-E molecules. As a result of this engineering, the SCT proteins can elicit unique immune responses that are otherwise difficult to induce, tapping an underutilized immunologic resource. This technology improves capacity for immune surveillance through more potent and broadly reactive cytolytic T cells. In addition, it can enable the design of new immunogens that can target rare T cells of desired specificity, restriction, and/or affinity and expand those cells into effectors that are otherwise rare.
This semiautomated system offers a simplified and powerful solution for tissue imaging analysis. It allows a user to visualize cell density in a tissue sample and can analyze cell-to-cell associations within the tissue sample. It works seamlessly with pre-classified tissue images from various imaging platforms, thereby streamlining the analysis process and enriching research outcomes. Moreover, the system provides a hexagonal heatmap which provides the user with an easy visual representation to evaluate and enhance the understanding of tissue pathology.