Background:
Accurate detection of specific molecules, such as DNA sequences or other analytes, is fundamental in medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and biochemical research. Traditional detection methods often face challenges such as limited sensitivity, high cost, or slow processing times. To address these issues, researchers developed DNA nanostructures capable of responding to target molecules with measurable changes, aiming to create a detection system that is both highly specific and efficient.

Technology Overview:  
The core innovation involves "nanoswitches," which are specially engineered DNA nanostructures formed from single-stranded oligonucleotides. These nanoswitches switch between looped (on) and unlooped (off) states depending on the presence of specific target molecules. When a target analyte binds to the nanoswitch, it induces a conformational shift that can be detected through established laboratory techniques such as gel electrophoresis, nanopore analysis, or fluorescence analysis. What sets this technology apart is its ability to precisely detect a wide variety of analytes with exceptional sensitivity and specificity. The conformational change acts as a clear molecular signal indicating the presence or absence of the target. Moreover, the design allows for multiplexed detection—meaning multiple targets can be identified simultaneously within a single sample. The system is also cost-effective and adaptable, lending itself to rapid detection scenarios where timely results are critical. Experimental validation within the patent demonstrates the nanoswitches' capability to identify specific DNA sequences and mismatch variants, underscoring their potential utility across multiple domains. 

https://suny.technologypublisher.com/files/sites/adobestock_237602801.jpeg
Photo for reference only, not a depiction of the invention.

Advantages:  
•    High specificity and sensitivity for detecting target molecules, minimizing false positives and negatives.
•    Rapid detection, enabling timely diagnostic and monitoring decisions.
•    Cost-effective composition, leveraging simple DNA oligonucleotides without requiring complex hardware.
•    Capability for multiplexed detection, allowing simultaneous analysis of multiple analytes.
•    Versatility in detection methods, compatible with common laboratory techniques such as fluorescence and gel electrophoresis.
•    Robust experimental validation confirms reliability and practical applicability. 

Applications:  
•    Medical diagnostics, including genetic testing and disease marker identification.
•    Environmental monitoring for detecting pollutants, pathogens, or other chemical analytes.
•    Biochemical research tools for analyzing DNA sequences, mutations, and molecular interactions.
•    Point-of-care testing where rapid and accurate detection is essential.
•    Multiplexed assay development, useful in situations requiring simultaneous detection of multiple targets. 

Intellectual Property Summary:
Issued patent 12,077,807

Stage of Development:
TRL 5

Licensing Status:
This technology is available for licensing.
 

• Wireless closed-loop neurostimulation systems for epilepsy and neurological disorders
• Noninvasive neuromodulation therapies targeting addiction and chronic pain pathways
• Precise hyperthermia treatment for deep brain tumors including pituitary adenomas
• Implantable, battery-free neuromodulation and neural sensing devices
• Research tools for investigating neural activity modulation and brain disorder treatment
• Medical devices addressing opioid addiction and postoperative pain based on electrophysiological modulation

• Minimally invasive access via wireless devices
• Wireless and battery-free operation for long-term implantable neurostimulation and sensing
• Enhanced electromagnetic power delivery efficiency and communication through a favorable anatomical path reducing signal attenuation
• Wide frequency range utilization enabling versatile RF pulse designs
• Reduced hardware footprint
• Improved safety profile with diminished tissue heating and off-target effects
• Capability for precise localized stimulation and thermal control
• Supports multifunctional applications including electrical stimulation, sensing, and hyperthermia therapy
• Compatible with magnetic nanomaterial-enhanced tumor treatments

Background:
Sjögren’s disease is a chronic autoimmune disorder that primarily targets the body’s moisture-producing glands, leading to symptoms such as dry mouth and dry eyes. Diagnosing this condition is particularly challenging due to the overlap of its symptoms with other diseases and the absence of a single, definitive biomarker. The field of non-invasive diagnostics has therefore become increasingly important, as clinicians and researchers seek reliable, accessible, and patient-friendly methods for early detection and monitoring of autoimmune diseases. Saliva, as a readily available and non-invasively collectible biofluid, offers a promising window into the body’s biochemical state, making it an attractive medium for disease screening and diagnosis. Current diagnostic approaches for Sjögren’s disease, such as minor salivary gland biopsies, Schirmer’s tests, and serological assays, are often invasive, time-consuming, and lack sufficient specificity and sensitivity. These methods can be uncomfortable for patients, require specialized clinical settings, and may not always yield conclusive results, especially in early or atypical cases. Additionally, traditional spectroscopic and chemometric techniques used to analyze saliva or other biofluids struggle to distinguish diagnostically relevant signals from noise or unrelated biochemical variations, particularly given the heterogeneity of biological samples. This limitation hampers the effectiveness of machine learning models, as irrelevant or low-quality data can lead to poor generalization, reduced interpretability, and increased risk of misclassification—highlighting the pressing need for more robust, accurate, and user-friendly diagnostic solutions.

Technology Overview:  
This technology offers a non-invasive diagnostic solution for Sjögren’s Disease by integrating attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy of saliva with a sophisticated machine learning framework. Saliva samples are analyzed using ATR-FTIR to generate comprehensive spectral fingerprints that reflect the biochemical composition associated with disease states. These high-dimensional spectra are then processed by an artificial neural network, which is enhanced by Monte Carlo Dropout (MCD) uncertainty estimation. The MCD mechanism serves as a critical preprocessing step, filtering out spectra with low classification confidence to ensure that only diagnostically relevant and high-quality data are used for model training. This approach not only increases the accuracy of disease detection but also supports rapid, repeatable, and painless sample collection, making it suitable for point-of-care diagnostics, home testing, and longitudinal monitoring. What differentiates this technology is its innovative use of MCD-based uncertainty estimation to address a fundamental challenge in biospectroscopic diagnostics: the inherent variability and noise within biofluid samples, where only a subset of spectra may be diagnostically informative. By systematically identifying and excluding ambiguous or uninformative spectra before model training, the solution enhances the interpretability, generalization, and robustness of the neural network classifier. This results in improved diagnostic performance, reduced risk of overfitting, and greater resilience to sample heterogeneity—critical for diseases like Sjögren’s, where biomarkers are sparse and unevenly distributed. The methodology is broadly applicable to other diseases and biofluids, enabling scalable, affordable, and accessible diagnostics across diverse clinical and research settings, and represents a significant advancement in the intersection of vibrational spectroscopy and artificial intelligence. 

https://suny.technologypublisher.com/files/sites/adobestock_330216893.jpeg
Photo for reference only, not a depiction of the invention.

Advantages:  
•    Non-invasive and painless saliva-based diagnostic method for Sjögren’s Disease
•    Rapid and accessible screening suitable for point-of-care and home testing
•    Improved diagnostic accuracy through machine learning classification of biochemical spectral fingerprints
•    Enhanced model robustness and interpretability via Monte Carlo Dropout uncertainty filtering of low-confidence spectra
•    Reduction of noise and irrelevant data, leading to better generalization and reliability
•    Applicable to longitudinal monitoring and disease progression tracking
•    Potentially extendable to other diseases and biofluids with heterogeneous diagnostic signals
•    Supports development of scalable, affordable diagnostic tools for diverse clinical and research settings 

Applications:  
•    Point-of-care Sjögren’s disease screening
•    Home-based saliva diagnostic kits
•    Longitudinal disease monitoring tools
•    Portable autoimmune disease diagnostics
•    Research tool for biofluid analysis 

Intellectual Property Summary:
Patent application filed

Stage of Development:
Inquire for more information

Licensing Status:
This technology is available for licensing.
 

Background:
Genome editing technologies, particularly CRISPR-Cas9, have revolutionized the field of molecular biology and therapeutic development by enabling precise, targeted modifications to the genetic material of living organisms. These tools hold immense promise for treating genetic diseases, advancing functional genomics research, and developing novel biotechnological applications. However, the power of genome editing is accompanied by significant challenges, especially in clinical and therapeutic contexts where safety and specificity are paramount. A critical aspect of ensuring safe genome editing is the ability to tightly regulate when and where the editing machinery is active, minimizing unintended consequences and maximizing therapeutic benefit. Despite the transformative potential of CRISPR-Cas9, current approaches to controlling its activity often fall short in providing precise temporal regulation. Conventional strategies, such as inducible promoters, protein engineering, or optogenetic systems, can be limited by slow response times, lack of biocompatibility, or complexity in implementation. These limitations contribute to a persistent problem: off-target genome editing, where the CRISPR-Cas9 system inadvertently modifies DNA sequences similar, but not identical, to the intended target. Such off-target effects can result in unwanted genetic changes, posing significant safety risks and hindering the clinical translation of gene-editing therapies. The inability to rapidly and reversibly control CRISPR-Cas9 activity in a biocompatible manner remains a major barrier to the broader adoption and safe application of genome editing technologies.

Technology Overview:  
This technology enables precise temporal control of the CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing system by integrating bio-orthogonal chemistry, specifically the rapid and biocompatible reaction between trans-cyclooctene (TCO) and tetrazine (Tz). The system utilizes small molecule RNA tags and corresponding small molecule activators or suppressors to regulate the nuclease activity of CRISPR-Cas9. By introducing these chemical components, researchers can activate or deactivate the gene-editing machinery at specific times, thereby tightly controlling when genome editing occurs. This approach is particularly valuable for minimizing off-target effects, as it restricts the window during which CRISPR-Cas9 is active, reducing the likelihood of unintended DNA modifications. What differentiates this technology is its reliance on the TCO-Tz bio-orthogonal reaction, which is exceptionally fast and highly compatible with biological systems, allowing for seamless integration into living cells and organisms without disrupting native biochemical processes. Unlike alternative methods that may require complex protein engineering, light-based activation, or less biocompatible chemical systems, this solution offers a straightforward, efficient, and robust means of temporal control. Its design ensures that the CRISPR-Cas9 system can be precisely modulated in vivo, making it especially attractive for therapeutic applications where safety and specificity are paramount. This level of control addresses a significant challenge in the field and positions the technology as a valuable tool for both research and clinical gene editing.

https://suny.technologypublisher.com/files/sites/adobestock_1632870774.jpeg
Photo for reference only, not a depiction of the invention.

Advantages:  
•    Enables precise temporal control of CRISPR-Cas9 activity for targeted genome editing
•    Minimizes off-target DNA modifications, enhancing safety and specificity
•    Utilizes a fast, highly biocompatible bio-orthogonal reaction (TCO-Tz) suitable for in vivo applications
•    Employs small molecule RNA tags and activators/suppressors for flexible regulation
•    Reduces the risk of unintended genetic alterations, facilitating clinical translation of gene therapies
•    Offers a simpler alternative to complex protein engineering or light-activated systems
•    Applicable broadly in gene therapy, research, and development of CRISPR-based therapeutics 

Applications:  
•    Precision gene therapy development
•    Controlled in vivo genome editing
•    Temporal functional genomics studies
•    Safe CRISPR-based drug discovery 

Intellectual Property Summary:
Patent application filed 19/316,343

Stage of Development:
TRL 4

Licensing Status:
This technology is available for licensing.

Background:
Protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) are essential enzymes involved in cellular communication and regulation, often playing a significant role in cancer development. Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase (BTK), traditionally known for its role in B cell development, has been found to be critical for the survival of certain breast cancer cells. Research revealed that breast tumor cells express a variant form of BTK at elevated levels compared to normal cells, establishing a new perspective on BTK’s function beyond the immune system and suggesting it as a potential therapeutic target in oncology.

Technology Overview:  
This technology centers on the discovery and exploitation of a specific variant of BTK with an amino-terminal extension that is predominantly expressed in breast cancer cells. Using RNA interference (RNAi) screening techniques, researchers identified that suppressing BTK expression leads to reduced survival of breast cancer cells. The technology includes methods for targeting this BTK variant with inhibitors, especially RNAi-based therapeutics, to selectively impair cancer cell growth. Furthermore, it proposes diagnostic strategies to detect the BTK variant as a biomarker for breast cancer, enabling more precise diagnosis and monitoring. The innovation lies in recognizing BTK’s critical role in tumor development outside its known immune function and providing tailored approaches for both treatment and detection by focusing on the variant uniquely upregulated in cancerous tissue. This dual therapeutic and diagnostic potential offers a promising avenue for improving breast cancer management. 

https://suny.technologypublisher.com/files/sites/adobestock_837848980.jpeg
Photo for reference only, not a depiction of the invention.

Advantages:  
•    Target specificity: Focuses on a BTK variant uniquely elevated in breast cancer cells, allowing precise therapeutic targeting.
•    Dual functionality: Enables both treatment through BTK inhibition and diagnosis via detection of the BTK variant.
•    Innovative approach: Utilizes RNA interference technology for selective suppression of cancer cell proliferation.
•    Potential for improved outcomes: By directly targeting essential cancer cell survival pathways, it may lead to more effective therapies with fewer side effects.
•    Foundation for drug development: Offers a basis for creating novel BTK inhibitors tailored to breast cancer applications. 

Applications:  
•    Development of anti-cancer drugs aimed at inhibiting BTK activity in breast tumors.
•    Diagnostic tools for detecting the presence or levels of the BTK variant as a biomarker for breast cancer.
•    Personalized medicine approaches that use BTK variant status to guide treatment decisions.
•    Research applications in understanding cancer cell survival mechanisms related to tyrosine kinase signaling.
•    Potential expansion to other cancers where BTK variants may play a role in disease progression. 

Intellectual Property Summary:
Issued patent 8,513,212

Stage of Development:
TRL 4

Licensing Status:
This technology is available for licensing.

Background:
Alzheimer’s disease presents significant diagnostic challenges, often requiring invasive or costly procedures with limited early detection capabilities. Traditional diagnostic methods lack efficiency for timely and accurate identification, which is crucial for managing disease progression. Research into spectroscopic techniques revealed the potential for detecting molecular changes associated with Alzheimer’s in blood serum, leading to the development of this innovative diagnostic approach.

Technology Overview:  
This technology employs Raman spectroscopy, specifically including Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS), to obtain a unique spectroscopic signature from a subject’s blood serum sample. By analyzing this signature, the method detects biochemical markers indicative of Alzheimer’s disease. The Raman spectroscopic signature reflects molecular vibrations that change as the disease progresses, allowing differentiation between healthy individuals, Alzheimer’s patients, and those with other types of dementia. Advanced statistical tools such as support vector machines (SVM) and artificial neural networks (ANN) are integrated to analyze the spectroscopic data. These machine learning methods classify the spectral signatures with high accuracy, enhancing diagnostic reliability. Experimentation has validated this approach’s effectiveness in identifying Alzheimer’s disease and monitoring its progression. The value proposition lies in its non-invasive nature, employing blood serum samples rather than more invasive brain imaging or cerebrospinal fluid analysis. It offers a cost-effective, rapid, and scalable tool for early diagnosis and disease monitoring, potentially transforming patient care by enabling timely therapeutic interventions. 

https://suny.technologypublisher.com/files/sites/adobestock_733997563.jpeg
Photo for reference only, not a depiction of the invention.

Advantages:  
•    Non-invasive testing method using easily accessible blood serum samples.
•    High diagnostic accuracy facilitated by advanced machine learning classification.
•    Capability to distinguish Alzheimer’s disease from other forms of dementia.
•    Cost-effective and rapid compared to traditional imaging or biochemical tests.
•    Supports early detection and continuous monitoring of disease progression.
•    Utilizes Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy to improve sensitivity and specificity. 

Applications:  
•    Clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease in healthcare settings.
•    Screening tool for early detection in at-risk populations.
•    Monitoring disease progression in diagnosed patients for personalized treatment planning.
•    Research tool for studying biochemical changes related to neurodegenerative diseases.
•    Supportive technology in developing new Alzheimer’s therapies by tracking biochemical responses. 

Intellectual Property Summary:
Issued patent 9,891,108

Stage of Development:
TRL 4

Licensing Status:
This technology is available for licensing.
 

Background:
Cognitive diseases such as Alzheimer's and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) represent significant challenges in healthcare due to their subtle early symptoms and the difficulty of timely diagnosis. Traditional diagnostic methods often rely on invasive procedures, costly imaging, or subjective clinical assessments, which can delay effective treatment and intervention. Recognizing the need for a more accessible and accurate diagnostic approach, researchers developed a system that leverages saliva—a readily obtainable biofluid—and advanced spectroscopic analysis to identify disease-specific biomarkers.

Technology Overview:  
This innovative technology employs spectroscopic techniques, including Raman and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, to analyze saliva samples and generate unique spectroscopic signatures corresponding to various cognitive conditions. By capturing the molecular composition reflected in these signatures, the system translates biological changes associated with cognitive diseases into measurable data. A key feature of this approach is the integration of a sophisticated computing system that uses neural networks and predetermined statistical models to interpret the spectroscopic data. These models have been trained to correlate specific spectral patterns with cognitive states such as healthy, Alzheimer's disease, or mild cognitive impairment. This process enables objective classification based on biochemical markers rather than solely clinical observation. The system design includes a spectroscopy device optimized for saliva analysis, enhancing ease of sample collection and testing. Additionally, the use of machine learning algorithms allows continuous improvement and calibration of the detection accuracy as more data becomes available. Overall, this technology offers a rapid, non-invasive, and scalable solution for early cognitive disease detection, potentially transforming patient care by facilitating timely diagnosis and personalized treatment planning. 

https://suny.technologypublisher.com/files/sites/adobestock_194754842.jpeg
Photo for reference only, not a depiction of the invention.

Advantages:  
•    Non-invasive testing using saliva samples, improving patient comfort and compliance.
•    Rapid and accurate detection through advanced spectroscopic analysis combined with neural networks.
•    Ability to distinguish between healthy, Alzheimer's, and mild cognitive impairment conditions effectively.
•    Reduced reliance on costly and invasive diagnostic procedures like imaging or biopsies.
•    Scalable and adaptable system capable of continuous learning and improvement with additional data.
•    Potential to facilitate earlier diagnosis, enabling timely intervention and better patient outcomes. 

Applications:  
•    Clinical screening and early diagnosis of cognitive impairments such as Alzheimer's disease and MCI.
•    Monitoring disease progression and response to treatment in patients with cognitive disorders.
•    Use in healthcare settings as a cost-effective alternative to traditional diagnostic methods.
•    Integration into routine health check-ups for populations at risk of cognitive decline.
•    Research tool for understanding biochemical markers associated with cognitive diseases. 

Intellectual Property Summary:
Patent application filed 17/368,251

Stage of Development:
TRL 4

Licensing Status:
This technology is available for licensing.
 

• Coatings and Paints: High-performance, eco-friendly formulations for various surfaces
• Cosmetics: Stable and gentle ingredients for personal care products
• Energy: Enhanced oil recovery applications where high-salinity tolerance is crucial
• Biomedical: Potential use in bioprinting tissue scaffolds and other biological applications requiring biocompatible materials

• The water-based formulation reduces the environmental impact and health risks associated with traditional solvent-based polyurethane manufacturing and use
• Enhanced Stability: Exhibits robust stability across a wide range of salt concentrations, a significant improvement over traditional water-based polyurethanes
• Highly Customizable: The mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties can be precisely tuned by adjusting the zwitterionic content and polymer structure
• Versatile Functionality: Suitable for a broad spectrum of applications due to its adaptable nature and stable performance
• Provides a high-performance alternative for applications requiring both environmental compliance and material robustness

Background:
The field of antimicrobial drug discovery and peptidomimetic development is of critical importance due to the escalating threat of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections and the inherent limitations of traditional peptide therapeutics. Conventional peptides, while highly specific and potent, suffer from poor metabolic stability and rapid degradation in biological environments, limiting their clinical utility. There is a pressing need for new molecular scaffolds that not only exhibit potent antimicrobial activity but also possess enhanced pharmacokinetic properties, such as increased rigidity and resistance to enzymatic breakdown. Furthermore, expanding the chemical diversity of peptidomimetic building blocks is essential for developing next-generation therapeutics capable of targeting a broader range of biological processes, including protein–protein interactions and resistant bacterial strains. Current approaches to synthesizing dipeptide isosteres and heterocyclic peptidomimetics are hampered by several significant challenges. Traditional synthetic methods often yield low product quantities and lack the functional group tolerance necessary for constructing structurally diverse libraries. This restricts the exploration of new chemical space and limits the ability to optimize biological activity through structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies. Additionally, the integration of these scaffolds into peptide synthesis workflows is frequently inefficient, impeding the rapid generation and evaluation of novel compounds. As a result, the pace of discovery for new antimicrobial agents and stable peptidomimetics remains insufficient to address the urgent need for effective treatments against MDR pathogens and to expand the toolkit available for chemical biology and therapeutic development.

Technology Overview:  
This technology is a modular synthetic platform designed for the efficient generation of structurally and functionally diverse heterocyclic dipeptide isosteres and their derivatives. At its core, the platform employs an amination process to produce heterocyclic amino esters. These intermediates are then regioselectively halogenated and further diversified, resulting in a broad library of dipeptide isosteres with customizable features. Some of these compounds have demonstrated significant broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, particularly against drug-resistant strains like *Staphylococcus aureus* and *Enterococcus faecalis*, with efficacy comparable to established antibiotics. Additionally, these isosteres can be converted into certain amino acids, which are easily incorporated into peptides or peptoids via solid-phase peptide synthesis, enabling the creation of heterocyclic backbone-containing peptides with improved rigidity, stability, and biological activity. What differentiates this technology is its highly modular and chemo-selective synthetic approach, which overcomes the limitations of traditional dipeptide isostere synthesis—often hampered by low yields and poor functional group tolerance. The platform’s ability to rapidly generate a diverse array of heterocyclic scaffolds allows for extensive structure–activity relationship studies and swift optimization of bioactive compounds. Its demonstrated antimicrobial efficacy against multidrug-resistant pathogens directly addresses the urgent need for new antibiotic scaffolds, while the seamless integration of its building blocks into standard peptide synthesis pipelines expands the toolkit for developing next-generation peptidomimetics and therapeutics. Furthermore, the technology’s compatibility with DNA-encoded libraries and broad applicability across pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, agriculture, and chemical biology make it a versatile and valuable solution for advancing drug discovery and biomedical research. 

https://suny.technologypublisher.com/files/sites/adobestock_84589964.jpeg
Photo for reference only, not a depiction of the invention.

Advantages:  
•    Enables modular, chemo-selective synthesis of structurally diverse heterocyclic dipeptide isosteres with broad functional group tolerance.
•    Generates a large library of compounds with tunable properties.
•    Demonstrates potent broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against antibiotic-resistant pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis.
•    Facilitates conversion into heterocyclic amino acids compatible with solid-phase peptide synthesis, enabling creation of peptides with enhanced rigidity, stability, and biological activity.
•    Addresses urgent needs in antibiotic resistance and expands chemical diversity for peptidomimetic drug discovery and protein–protein interaction studies.
•    Integrates seamlessly with existing pharmaceutical, chemical biology, diagnostic, and agricultural applications, supporting diverse therapeutic and research uses.
•    Provides a scalable, robust synthetic platform that overcomes limitations of traditional dipeptide isostere synthesis methods. 

Applications:  
•    Next-generation antibiotic drug development
•    Peptidomimetic drug discovery
•    Protein–protein interaction inhibitor design
•    Stable peptide-based diagnostics
•    Antimicrobial coatings for surfaces 

Intellectual Property Summary:
Patent application filed

Stage of Development:
TRL 3

Licensing Status:
This technology is available for licensing.
 

Background:
The field of RNA-based therapeutics has experienced rapid growth due to the success of mRNA vaccines and the expanding use of small RNA molecules such as siRNA, miRNA, and CRISPR guide RNAs in medicine. These molecules offer precise mechanisms for gene regulation and editing, making them highly attractive for treating a wide range of diseases. However, the complexity of RNA synthesis and the need for chemical modifications to enhance stability and efficacy introduce significant challenges in ensuring product purity and safety. Regulatory agencies require rigorous characterization of these therapeutics, including the detection of minor variants and impurities, to mitigate safety risks and ensure consistent clinical outcomes. As the diversity and complexity of RNA drugs increase, there is a growing demand for technologies that can comprehensively sequence and profile all RNA species present in a sample, including low-abundance impurities and chemically modified variants. Current analytical approaches, such as next-generation sequencing (NGS) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), have notable limitations when applied to RNA therapeutics. NGS methods typically rely on converting RNA to cDNA, a process that can obscure or miss important chemical modifications and may not accurately represent the full spectrum of RNA species, particularly impurities. LC-MS/MS, while effective for confirming target sequences, generally requires highly purified RNA samples and struggles to detect coexisting impurities or to provide de novo sequence information, especially for longer RNA molecules. These constraints hinder the ability to fully characterize the composition of RNA drug products, complicating quality control and regulatory compliance. As a result, there is a significant unmet need for analytical tools that can deliver unbiased, comprehensive, and direct sequencing of mixed and modified RNA samples without the limitations of current methodologies.

Technology Overview:  
The 3D NGMS-Seq platform is an advanced mass spectrometry-based sequencing solution designed for the de novo analysis of mixed RNA samples, including those containing modified variants and impurities. By integrating mass spectrometry intensity data into an established framework, the platform computationally separates different RNA species. A sophisticated nested algorithm then further organizes hydrolyzed RNA fragments into distinct layers based on various characteristics, enabling the reconstruction of full-length RNA sequences from short fragments. This reconstruction leverages mass differences between adjacent fragments for accurate base-calling, a process enhanced by RNA acid hydrolysis kinetics and robust statistical modeling. The method has demonstrated high accuracy in sequencing synthetic siRNA, miRNA, and CRISPR/Cas9 sgRNAs, including the detection of low-abundance impurities, making it highly suitable for applications in RNA drug development and quality control. What sets this technology apart is its ability to provide comprehensive, unbiased, and de novo sequencing of complex RNA mixtures, overcoming the significant limitations of existing methods. Traditional LC-MS/MS techniques require purified RNA and often fail to detect coexisting impurities, while next-generation sequencing approaches typically rely on cDNA synthesis and miss crucial RNA modifications or impurity profiles. Furthermore, conventional mass spectrometry struggles with longer RNA molecules and lacks the capability for de novo sequence determination. The 3D NGMS-Seq platform uniquely addresses these challenges of existing analysis by enabling direct, high-resolution analysis of all RNA species present in a sample, regardless of length or modification status. This holistic approach ensures that even minor or modified impurities are detected and sequenced, supporting stringent regulatory requirements and enhancing the safety and efficacy of RNA-based therapeutics and vaccines. 

https://suny.technologypublisher.com/files/sites/adobestock_969091183.jpeg
Photo for reference only, not a depiction of the invention.

Advantages:  
•    Enables accurate de novo sequencing of mixed RNA samples, including modified variants and impurities, with claimed 100% accuracy.
•    Detects low-abundance impurities and chemical modifications critical for RNA therapeutic function and safety.
•    Overcomes limitations of traditional LC-MS/MS and NGS methods by providing comprehensive, unbiased RNA sequence and impurity profiling without requiring purified samples or cDNA synthesis.
•    Supports quality control, regulatory validation, and development of diverse RNA-based therapeutics such as siRNA, miRNA, mRNA vaccines, and CRISPR/Cas9 sgRNAs.
•    Facilitates improved safety and efficacy in RNA drug development by enabling holistic analysis of RNA species and impurities. 

Applications:  
•    RNA therapeutic quality control
•    Impurity profiling in RNA drugs
•    Regulatory validation of RNA medicines
•    De novo sequencing of modified RNAs
•    CRISPR guide RNA verification 

Intellectual Property Summary:
Patent application filed

Stage of Development:
TRL 4

Licensing Status:
This technology is available for licensing.
 

• Lunar exploration
• Aerospace
• Construction safety
• Outdoor sports
• Military use
• Emergency response use

Advantages: 

• Resilient to abrasion
• Lightweight
• Designed for lunar exploration use

• Marbled meat alternatives
• Controlled lipid-protein phase separation

PRODUCT OPPORTUNITIES

COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES

• Controlled phase separation and marbled features
• In-line co-extrusion module adaptable to current high-moisture extrusion process

TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION

This invention demonstrates an in-line co-extrusion technique for high-moisture extrusion designed to produce intra-protein lipid structures that visually and microscopically resemble marbling in animal tissue.

ABOUT THE INVENTOR

Dr. Lutz Grossman is an Assistant Professor, Fergus Clydesdale Endowed Chair in Food Science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. His research focus on using science and engineering to understand, improve, and create sustainable food materials.

AVAILABILITY:

Available for Licensing and/or Sponsored Research

DOCKET:

UMA 26-009

PATENT STATUS:

Patent Pending

NON-CONFIDENTIAL INVENTION DISCLOSURE

LEAD INVENTOR:

Lutz Grossmann, Ph.D.

CONTACT:

This invention demonstrates an in-line co-extrusion technique for high-moisture extrusion designed to produce intra-protein lipid structures that visually and microscopically resemble marbling in animal tissue.

A device to monitor transplanted organs and detect early signs of rejection

BACKGROUND

End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) is a major health and financial problem in the United States. Kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice for ESRD patients, however, the 5-year kidney allograft survival rate is around 72-75%.
Rejection is the main cause of transplant kidney failure.
Currently, there are two main diagnostic methods to evaluate kidney allograft rejection: serum creatinine and kidney biopsy. Despite the wide use of serum creatinine, it oftentimes over-or under-estimates kidney function in different conditions. Kidney biopsy is the gold standard to diagnose rejection but it carries a risk of serious complications, including bleeding, peri-renal hematoma, and arterio-venous fistula.

ABSTRACT

Northwestern researchers  have developed an implantable biosensor capable of monitoring continuously and wirelessly thermal conductivity and blood flow on the surface of the kidney. 
Sitting directly on a transplanted kidney, the ultrathin, soft implant can detect temperature irregularities associated with inflammation and other body responses that arise with transplant rejection. Then, it alerts the patient or physician by wirelessly streaming data to a nearby smartphone or tablet.
The team tested the device on a small animal model with transplanted kidneys and found the device detected warning signs of rejection up to three weeks earlier than current monitoring methods. This extra time could enable physicians to intervene sooner, improving patient outcomes and wellbeing as well as increasing the odds of preserving donated organs, which are increasingly precious due to rising demand amid an organ-shortage crisis.

APPLICATIONS

-Diagnosis of Rejection of Kidney Transplants and other solid organ Transplants by continous monitoring of temperature variations on the surface of organs. 
-Diagnosis and quantification of the degree of damage during Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury (IRI) in kidneys and kidney transplants by monitoring blood flow variations on the surface of kidneys 
-Diagnosis and quantification of the degree of damage associated with chronic allograft dysfunction by monitoring blood flow variations on the surface of kidneys

ADVANTAGES

- Continuous monitoring of Temperature variations on the surface of kidney transplants can serve as a surrogate marker for ongoing rejection and immediately alert the patient the physician of possible injury to the graft. 
- Unique,  continuous bioelectronic sensor: currently, there are no implantable sensor devices that can provide the information of our current invention
- Early diagnosis of rejection without surgery (biopsy)
- Cortical blood flow can infer the degree of damage that occurs during IRI and the possible recovery

PUBLICATION

Implantable bioelectronic systems for early detection of kidney transplant rejection, Madhvapathy et al., Science 381, 6662 (2023)

IP STATUS

Pending US patent application US18/725,885

IN THE NEWS

Northwestern Now First device to monitor transplanted organs detects early signs of rejection: Wireless technology senses warning signs up to three weeks earlier than current methods

• Combines cell culture, nutrient supply, and mechanical actuation in one microfluidic platform
• Applies controlled mechanical force to cells disposed in a matrix through membrane movement
• Supports hydrogel-based culture formats, including organoids and alveolar type 2 cells
• You can use force schedules that simulate physiological movements, including fetal breathing movements
• Maintains fluidic isolation between the culture channel and vacuum chamber

Applications:

• Lung Development Research: Models developing lung tissue under controlled mechanical stimulation in a microfluidic format
• Organoid Culture: Supports hydrogel-based culture of lung organoids or alveolar type 2 cells within a mechanically actuated chip
• Mechanobiology Studies: Applies force schedules that simulate physiological movements, including fetal breathing movements
• Tissue Modeling: Generates cell cultures that substantially recapitulate physiological tissue exposed to mechanical forces in vivo

Stage of Development:

• Prototype

A microengineered alveologenesis-on-a-chip. (A) Photograph of the device. (B) Microfabricated features in alveologenesis chip.
Intellectual Property:

• US Application Filed US20250115837A1 

Reference Media:

• Park, Sunghee Estelle, 2023, Engineering Stem Cells and Organoids on a Chip for the Study of Human Health and Disease (Pub. No.2868515764); University of Pennsylvania ProQuest Dissertations & Theses, 2023.30570344: Chapt 6, p. 243
• Park, S. E. et. al., Science, 2019 Jun 7; Vol.364, Issue 6444: 960 

Desired Partnerships:

• Licensing
• Co-Develop (Collaborations or Sponsored Research)

Docket #24-10579