Latest technologies from Canberra IP

Quantum Machine Learning for Enhanced Fault Detection in Photovoltaic Arrays

ip@skysonginnovations.com — Tue, 26 May 2026 20:51:17 GMT

Invention Description

Detecting faults in photovoltaic (PV) systems is essential for maintaining efficiency and reliability in large-scale solar energy installations. However, traditional methods often struggle to identify complex fault patterns due to the high interdependence between system variables. As PV systems grow in size and complexity, accurately detecting multiple types of faults becomes increasingly challenging. This creates a need for more advanced analytical approaches capable of capturing subtle relationships within PV data.

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a quantum machine learning-based approach using advanced parameterized quantum circuits and variational quantum classifiers to improve PV fault detection. By leveraging quantum entanglement and multi-qubit interactions, along with higher-order gates such as Toffoli and CNOT, the system captures complex data correlations that classical methods may miss. The framework integrates flexible quantum feature maps with variational quantum classifiers to enable accurate multi-label fault classification. This approach achieves approximately a 10% improvement in detection accuracy compared to prior quantum models. It provides a powerful tool for monitoring and diagnosing faults in large-scale solar arrays.

This technology represents a novel quantum machine learning approach which leverages quantum entanglement and correlation to improve fault classification accuracy in PV arrays.

Potential Applications

Utility-scale solar farm monitoring and fault management
Intelligent solar energy system diagnostics leveraging quantum-enhanced analytics
Real-time photovoltaic array optimization in smart grid and IoT environments
Integration with smart monitoring devices for solar plant control and adaptive topology reconfiguration
Future quantum computing platforms targeting renewable energy infrastructure or other Industrial IoT systems
Advanced machine learning solutions for energy system resilience and predictive maintenance

Benefits and Advantages

Enhanced classification accuracy by 10% through entanglement-based feature extraction
Capability to model complex multi-feature correlations using advanced quantum gates
Scalable quantum circuit designs enabling real-time fault detection potential
Hybrid quantum-classical approach enabling scalability and flexibility
Improved computational efficiency by leveraging Toffoli gates for parallelism
Robustness to quantum noise via optimized parameterized circuits and measurement strategies
Support for multi-class fault detection beyond binary classification

For more information about this opportunity, please see

Uehara et al – Intell. Decis. Technol. - 2025

Photonic Crystal Sensors For Volatile Compound Detection

lbricha@upenn.edu — Tue, 26 May 2026 16:56:59 GMT

A photonic crystal colorimetric sensor changes visible color to detect and distinguish volatile compounds through dye-photonic crystal combinations and pattern-based responses.
Problem:
Existing Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) sensing methods can be difficult to miniaturize. Some optical methods may not be selective for a specific VOC. Other methods can require heaters and complex fabrication. There is a need for colorimetric devices that detect and distinguish volatile compounds.
Solution:
The technology combines photonic crystals with volatile compound-sensitive dyes to create visible color changes upon exposure. Multiple sections can be arranged to produce a characteristic pattern correlated to compound identity or concentration. The photonic crystal stop band and dye are selected to enhance observable color response. The technology also provides a method that contacts the colorimetric component with a volatile compound.
Technology Overview:
The system includes at least one photonic crystal with a visible-light stopband and at least one dye sensitive to a VOC or Volatile Sulfur Compound (VSC). In array formats, different sections contain different photonic crystal and dye combinations. Exposure to a volatile compound changes dye molecular structure and alters visible color. The resulting pattern can be correlated to the volatile compound or its concentration.
Advantages:

Produces a visible color response to volatile compounds
Supports pattern-based differentiation among compounds or concentrations
Uses photonic crystal and dye selection to enhance color change
Supports array configurations with multiple sensing sections
Can detect both volatile organic compounds and volatile sulfur compounds

Applications:

VOC identification: The technology can distinguish among volatile organic compounds using characteristic color patterns.
Concentration sensing: The technology can correlate a color pattern with volatile compound concentration.
Air quality monitoring: The technology can support monitoring where volatile compounds indicate hazard exposure or air quality conditions.
VSC detection: The technology can detect volatile sulfur compounds through visible color changes.
Chemical screening: The technology can screen acetaldehyde, acetone, and acetic acid using colorimetric sensor arrays.

Stage of Development:

Proof of Concept

A). A schematic illustration of the dye-cPhC colorimetric sensor array. B). Comparison of dye-cPhC and dye paper when exposed to different VOCs. C). Schematic of dye-cPhC’s reflectance spectrum before and after VOC exposure.
Intellectual Property:

US Application Filed US20250321193A1

Reference Media:

Nah, S. H. et. al., Adv Mater., 2024 Nov 14; Vol. 36, Issue 46:e2409297

Docket #24-10730

PureVesicles — Immunocaptured Bacterial Vesicles for Diagnostics and Environmental Monitoring

tco@gwu.edu — Tue, 26 May 2026 14:41:50 GMT

Bacteria constantly release tiny biological bubbles known as bacterial membrane vesicles (BMVs), which carry proteins and genetic material—including antibiotic‑resistance genes. These vesicles act like molecular messages, offering early clues about infection, resistance, and microbial activity in both clinical and environmental settings. However, in real‑world samples such as wastewater, soil, or blood, BMVs are buried in a dense mix of debris, free DNA, and viruses. Traditional isolation methods—such as ultracentrifugation, density‑gradient separation, filtration, and size‑exclusion chromatography—often pull in particles of similar size or density, resulting in contaminated preparations. These conventional strategies frequently co‑isolate extracellular plasmids and bacteriophages, making it difficult to accurately study vesicle‑associated antibiotic‑resistance genes.

GW researchers developed PureVesicles to directly address this challenge using a selective immunocapture approach that takes advantage of natural differences between Gram‑positive and Gram‑negative bacteria. Gram‑positive vesicles display lipoteichoic acid (LTA) on their surface, while Gram‑negative vesicles display lipopolysaccharide (LPS)—two well‑established biomarkers that allow precise targeting. By using antibodies that bind specifically to LTA or LPS, the system “locks onto” the correct vesicles and pulls them out magnetically, leaving behind free DNA, phages, and other contaminants. This method achieved 98% recovery for Gram‑positive vesicles and 87% for Gram‑negative vesicles, with minimal cross‑reactivity, enabling clean, origin‑specific vesicle preparations suitable for downstream analysis

Figure 1: PureVesicles Isolation Workflow. Sequential workflow for isolating bacterial membrane vesicles from wastewater using filtration, ultrafiltration, antibody binding, magnetic capture, and low‑pH elution to obtain purified vesicles

Advantages

High‑purity recovery with minimal contamination from free DNA or phages.
Origin‑specific capture that differentiates Gram‑positive and Gram‑negative vesicles.
Reliable performance in complex samples, maintaining strong recovery even in wastewater and other challenging matrices.
Intact vesicles that preserve structural integrity for accurate downstream analysis.
Improved selectivity with minimal cross‑reactivity between vesicle types.

Applications

Tracking vesicle‑associated antibiotic‑resistance genes (ARGs) in clinical and environmental samples.
Detection of infection and sepsis biomarkers for early identification of bacterial activity.
Microbiome functional analysis to study microbial communication and gene exchange.
Environmental and public health surveillance through wastewater‑based monitoring of emerging threats.
Research kits and analytical platforms for standardized vesicle‑isolation workflows across academic, clinical, and industrial laboratories.

Highly Sensitive Ring Laser Gyroscope and Accelerometer Enabled by SLAUMZI Technique

dragos@northwestern.edu — Tue, 26 May 2026 14:21:04 GMT

SHORT DESCRIPTION

A sensor that employs slow‐light augmentation in an unbalanced Mach–Zehnder
interferometer to significantly boost laser frequency shift sensitivity for precise inertial
measurements.

INVENTORS
• Selim Shahriar*
o Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering
• David Smith
• Jason Bonacum
• Jinyang Li
• Ruoxi Zhu
• Zifan Zhou
* Principal Investigator

NU Tech ID NU 2024-217
IP STATUS
Provisional Patent filed

BACKGROUND
Conventional inertial sensors based on ring lasers and standard interferometers face limited sensitivity when detecting minute frequency shifts. High‐finesse cavities and finite laser linewidths constrain performance and elevate costs. These limitations stunt advances in precision inertial measurements necessary for modern navigation and sensing applications.

ABSTRACT
Inertial navigation lies at the heart of many modern technologies, such as space navigation. The performance of such devices is evaluated by their ability in measuring rotation and acceleration rates. A slow-light augmented Mach-Zehnder interferometer (SLAUMZI) can measure frequency shift very precisely. When combined with ring lasers, which translates the motion of the lasers into frequency shift in the lasers, it can achieve superior performance in motion sensing. Thus, we propose an accelerometer-incorporated gyroscope using the SLAUMZI (referred as “the system” later). The system is composed of a ring laser stage, SLAUMZIs and feedback stages. The laser stage includes two ring Raman lasers of which frequency shift is proportional to rotation/acceleration rate. Depending on the application, the frequency shift in these lasers can be magnified (superluminal case) or suppressed (subluminal case) when compared to traditional ring lasers. In either case, the shifted frequency of the lasers is sent to the SLAUMZIs, which produce the slow-light effect via electro-magnetically induced transparency and can measure the frequency shift in a laser by an order of ~10^7 times smaller than what the conventional technique would do. Therefore, the rotation/acceleration rate can be inferred by way of precise frequency shift measurement.

APPLICATIONS
• Gyroscope precision improvement: Enhances angular velocity measurement
accuracy.
• Accelerometer sensitivity enhancement: Delivers refined inertial detection for
motion sensing.
• Inertial navigation systems: Strengthens sensor inputs for advanced navigation.
• Integrated sensor upgrades: Facilitates performance upgrades to existing sensor
platforms.

ADVANTAGES
• Significant sensitivity boost: Achieves up to 22,355-fold enhancement in
frequency shift detection.
• Overcomes laser linewidth constraints: Utilizes slow-light techniques to bypass
traditional sensitivity limits.
• Robust experimental validation: Demonstrates performance improvements in a
simulated operational environment.
• Versatile sensor integration: Applicable across various inertial sensor designs
including gyroscopes and accelerometers.

PUBLICATIONS
• Selim Shahriar et al., A Ring Laser Gyroscope and Accelerometer with Sensitivity
Enhanced by a Slow-light Augmented Unbalanced Mach-Zehnder Interferometer,
arXiv, 2024

KEYWORDS
Ring Laser Gyroscope, Accelerometer, Slow-light, Mach-Zehnder Interferometer,
Frequency Shift Measurement, Inertial Sensing, Electromagnetically Induced
Transparency, Sensor Enhancement

A CMOS based low-power, low-noise potentiostat circuit and its integration with an ENFM based glucose sensor

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 26 May 2026 13:28:31 GMT

Advantages

Single chip design enables compact and truly wearable glucose monitoring devices
Detects very low glucose concentrations with high precision and reliable accuracy
Ultra-low power draw significantly extends battery life in portable health monitors
Robust sensor structure supports dependable reuse for up to fifty continuous days

Summary

Diabetes management depends on continuous, accurate blood glucose monitoring, yet the technology powering today's sensors is falling short. Current glucose biosensors suffer from limited electrode surface area, poor signal sensitivity, rapid degradation, and short lifespans. The electronic readout circuits compound these problems with high power consumption and excessive noise that masks critical low-concentration signals. Meanwhile, bulky discrete components make true wearable integration nearly impossible, leaving patients without the reliable, compact monitoring they need.

This integrated glucose sensing system addresses these gaps by combining a nanofibrous amperometric sensor with a CMOS potentiostat circuit on a single silicon chip. The electrospun nanofiber electrode coating dramatically increases surface area, enabling superior enzyme loading that translates into fast response times, a very low detection limit, and an operational lifespan of up to 50 days. The onboard CMOS circuit delivers high signal gain and ultra-low noise at just 225 µW, making the system well suited for discreet, long-lasting wearable glucose monitoring.

Top view of ENFM Glucose Sensor

Desired Partnership:

License

BCZT-Based Piezo-catalytic Nanoplatforms for Biomedical Applications

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 22 May 2026 15:23:49 GMT

Advantages

Safe for internal use with no toxicity or inflammation concerns
Powered entirely by natural body movements, ultrasound, light and everyday breathing
Generates localized reactive oxygen species for drug-free antimicrobial, antiviral, and antibiofilm action
Controls infections effectively without contributing to antibiotic resistance
Fluorescent quantum dots provide added potential for optical pathogen tracking, imaging, and diagnostic integration
Supports biomedical use in implant coatings, respiratory filters, wound-healing materials, hydrogels, and scaffolds

Summary

Infections, biofilm formation, and poor implant integration continue to challenge biomedical and infection control fields and antibiotics alone are no longer a sufficient answer. Existing antimicrobial and antiviral platforms depend on drug release, toxic materials, harsh UV exposure, or external power sources that limit their safety and practicality in biomedical settings. There is a critical and growing need for biocompatible platforms capable of generating reactive oxygen species at targeted sites to inactivate pathogens, disrupt biofilms, and stimulate tissue repair, all without external drugs or harsh UV exposure. Existing catalytic approaches consistently fall short on safety, efficacy, or both.

This lead-free piezo-catalytic nanoplatform converts everyday mechanical forces breathing, movement, or ultrasound into localized reactive oxygen species, enabling drug-free antimicrobial and regenerative effects with no external power required. The fluorescent NCQD component also creates opportunities for pathogen tracking, imaging, and diagnostic integration. Unlike toxic lead-based piezoelectric materials, heavy-metal quantum dots, or conventional UV-dependent photocatalysts, this tunable platform is designed for safer biomedical use and can be adapted into respiratory filter coatings, implant surface treatments, wound-healing scaffolds, antibacterial hydrogel, and other infection-control applications.

Desired Partnerships

License
Sponsored Research
Co-Development

Rapid, Low-Cost Point-of-Care Test for Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak Detection

saradagen@ufl.edu — Fri, 22 May 2026 13:05:40 GMT

Enables Bedside Detection of β-2-Transferrin Using a Silicon MOSFET Sensor

This low-cost, disposable test strip electrically detects β-2-transferrin (β2T), a highly specific protein marker for cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) leakage. Cerebral spinal fluid leaks are a serious medical condition resulting from trauma, surgery, or spontaneous conditions, affecting an estimated 16,500 individuals in the United States annually. Current diagnostics, such as immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), are time consuming and require CLIA laboratories with trained personnel to perform tests. Additionally, the underlying sensor platforms are expensive, preventing widespread bedside adoption as a point-of-care (POC) alternative. The global rapid diagnostic tests market is valued at USD 32.88 billion in 2025 and projected to reach USD 67.83 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 7.62% (2026–2035) , reflecting the expanding demand for novel diagnostics. These shortcomings create a clear need for a rapid and low-cost diagnostic approach for the timely detection of CSF leaks despite low concentrations.

Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a biosensor integrating a silicon-based Si metal-oxide-semiconductor FET (MOSFET) connected to a disposable functionalized electrode. The electrode is coated with antibodies specific to β2T, a biomarker for CSF leaks. The system's ability to operate on a disposable test strip makes it ideal for point-of-care (POC) testing and facilitates broad accessibility in clinical settings.

Application

A biosensor-based disposable test strip for detecting cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks using β-2-transferrin (β2T) as a highly specific biomarker

Advantages

Detects β-2-transferrin (β2T) in small volumes of CSF samples in less than 5 minutes, providing rapid feedback for clinical decision-making
Uses small volume of fluid samples, possible CSF from a leak, which can be easily obtained (e.g., operating room, clinic office), simplifying sample collection
Integrates with a standard Si MOSFET platform, reducing production costs
Senses concentrations from 0.1 ng/mL to 100 μg/mL, delivering sub-nanogram sensitivity for early-stage CSF leaks
Uses disposable test strips, reducing operational costs and preventing cross-contamination

Technology

This sensor uses a silicon metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) on a compact printed circuit board (PCB) with a disposable antibody-functionalized glass electrode to detect β-2-transferrin (β2T), a specific protein marker of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). When a sample containing CSF is applied, the antibody-bound electrode has an electric current change that is detected by the MOSFET. By applying two short, synchronized voltage pulses, the device creates a spring-like perturbation of the bound proteins. This allows reliable measurement even in highly ionic solutions, such as blood or serum, which typically disrupt the sensing process in traditional biosensors. This method allows rapid detection of CSF leakage with high sensitivity (down to 0.1 ng/mL) and fast feedback (within 5 minutes), eliminating the need for expensive semiconductor analyzers and making it more affordable and accessible for medical use.

Janus Particles (inorganic)

lenas@inteum.com — Fri, 22 May 2026 12:25:03 GMT

To download PDF version of this flyer click HERE

Janus Particles (Inorganic)
Unique Functionality & Scalable Manufacturing Process
Janus particles are “two-faced” particles with different properties on each side, giving them unique directional and functional behaviours.
Researchers at Nottingham have developed a highly economic method to make customisable Janus
particles at scale, featuring unique surface topologies and material combinations (metals, ceramics and glasses).. They are typically manufactured using multi-stage, complex, time-consuming and relatively expensive processes such as masking, sputtering, or via Pickering emulsion etc. Challenges with their economic manufacture (at scale) have served to limit their commercial use.
Key features
The University of Nottingham has expanded its novel microsphere flame spheroidisation process to manufacture uniquely structured Janus particles.
Key features are:
Facile production process amenable to be transferred to GMP standards
Production technique eminently scalable, KGs to Tonnes
Particles formed from unique inorganic material combinations (metals, ceramics, glasses - including bio glasses)
Tailorable particle sizes and topologies, resulting in unique inorganic material interfaces
Innovative surface topologies created, offering larger surface areas and new material interaction sites etc
Unique materials
Size: ranging from 25-250 microns diameter
Base material: Various metals, silver, platinum, copper, titanium dioxide, iron oxide, barium titanate, and various glasses (silicate and phosphates)
Potential Applications (chemical, research, catalytic and healthcare)
Applications for the JP’s produced by this novel process include uses in emulsifiers, specialised coating fillers, in Surface Enhanced Resonance Spectroscopy (SERS), in plasmonics, and in various catalytic applications such as ammonia and hydrogen production.
Interested in Collaborating
If you are interested in the application areas above or have a new application in mind, we would like to hear from you. Small samples of the materials for application assessment can be supplied by agreement.
Produces unique inorganic Janus materials combinations – e.g. metals and glasses
JP size, materials and structure (type) can be tailored
A single-stage, reliable, reproducible and scalable method of Janus particle manufacture

Human antibodies with anti-lymphocyte specificities and lytic activity

nihott@nih.gov — Thu, 21 May 2026 20:57:41 GMT

Antibody therapies that target human B cells are a promising way to treat diseases like B-cell cancers and autoimmune conditions like lupus and multiple sclerosis. Traditionally, these antibodies are made in animals and modified to resemble human antibodies to reduce immune rejection. Researchers in the Laboratory of Immunoregulation (LIR) at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) have developed a new approach of using blood plasma from a patient with the rare immune disorder idiopathic CD4 lymphocytopenia (ICL) to find naturally occurring human antibodies.

By using advanced genetic sequencing, the researchers discovered and reproduced several new antibodies that could effectively attack and kill B-cell tumors, normal B cells, and T cells, demonstrating potential for eliminating cancerous or disease-causing immune cells. One potent antibody, NIH58.9, killed B cells at low concentrations of 0.01 nanomolar. These new antibodies may be used as treatments, combined with other therapies, or engineered into special formats like bispecific antibodies or antibody-drug conjugates.

Ultrasensitive and High-Throughput Single Cell RNA Sequencing Technology

dragos@northwestern.edu — Thu, 21 May 2026 19:33:32 GMT

NU 2024-199

INVENTORS

Yogesh Goyal*
Emanuelle Grody
Elena Martinelli

SHORT DESCRIPTION
The technology, called SALVE (Single-cell Amplified Libraries for Variant isoform Enrichment)-seq, is an innovative experimental and computational workflow designed to detect rare RNA isoforms in single cells. Compared to existing single cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) technologies, SALVEseq is more sensitive and can more readily detect rare RNA isoforms. This technology offers a high throughput format so can be applied to the analysis of rare populations of cells. The current application of this technology is being used to selectively enrich for rare HIV viral isoforms to study the interplay with the host cell whole transcriptome and to optimize HIV latency reversal treatments.

ABSTRACT
SALVEseq advances the field of single-cell RNA sequencing by enabling the selective enrichment of rare HIV isoforms within sequencing libraries, allowing for unprecedented resolution in studying the interactions between host cells and viruses. By utilizing a valuable byproduct of single-cell RNA sequencing workflows, SALVEseq offers a cost-effective and adaptable solution applicable to various viral infection contexts. It maintains the high throughput nature of single-cell RNA-seq and has high sensitivity for extremely rare isoforms, which make it particularly useful for profiling rare cells and detecting elusive viral RNAs in the context of the host cell transcriptome. This technology has the potential to contribute significantly to the development of new antiviral strategies and enhance understanding of infection dynamics. Furthermore, SALVEseq can be easily adapted to detect rare RNA isoforms outside of viral infections, such as neuronal degeneration and liver regeneration, and therefore has potential as a diagnostic tool in wide-ranging fields.

APPLICATIONS

HIV drug discovery - Combined HIV and host cell transcriptome analysis facilitates discovery of latency reversal treatments.
Research and development for other viral infections:
- SIV, Epstein-Barr, CMV, HSV
Research and development for other indications:
- Neurodegenerative disease, Cancer, Liver regeneration

ADVANTAGES

Higher sensitivity - Recovers rare RNAs isoforms not detectable with current methods
High throughput - Enables analysis of rare cells
User friendly - Provides simple implementation, customization, and efficiency
Flexible - Adapts to a variety of disease indications

IP STATUS

PCT Patent Application WO2026090533A1 Filed.

Agrégation des globules rouges

innovation@axelys.ca — Thu, 21 May 2026 12:49:19 GMT

DEVICE FOR MONITORING OF INFECTION AND INFLAMMATION IN REAL-TIME

Realtime and non-invasive detection and monitoring of infections and inflammatory response by measuring erythrocyte aggregation

Credit: Cleveland Clinic

UNMET NEED

Despite the effectiveness of the current treatments and procedures, chronic hemodialysis patients live with debilitating life conditions, which are mainly due to their high vulnerability and propensity to develop severe and life-threatening infections that require frequent hospitalizations.

This increased risk is explained by the frequent and repetitive use of vascular access required for their essential hemodialysis treatment. Studies have shown that mortality from severe infections is at least 82 times higher in hemodialyzed patients as compared to the general population.

Currently, there is no effective systemic and continuous screening test for infection during dialysis treatment. Standard blood tests to monitor inflammatory markers are useful to detect infections, but they do not allow for early diagnosis given their punctual occurrence leading to significant time gaps (~4 weeks) in monitoring and detection of infection. Therefore, there is a need for reliable method for monitoring infection and inflammation in high-risk patients susceptible to contracting pathogens.

TECHNOLOGY OVERVIEW

Professor Guy Cloutier and his team have designed a non-invasive ultrasound device and a method to monitor the inflammatory response in real time by tracking the erythrocyte aggregation in blood vessels. This physiological phenomenon is amplified during an inflammatory response to an infection, leading to higher binding energy, larger, and more compact flowing aggregates. The proposed non-invasive system that is compatible with standard medical procedures can be used to monitor erythrocyte aggregation, detect abnormal inflammation, and enable early detection of infection in real-time (Figure 1). The current system can be miniaturized for constant monitoring using flexible and thin ultrasound transducers. Alternatively, mono-element ultrasound transducers can be coupled to dialysis tubing.

Figure 1: Device application on upper limb and lower limb, both locations are compatible with accurate erythrocyte aggregation measurement.

To demonstrate effectiveness of the device, first, an in vivo study in pigs under extra-corporeal circulation confirmed that the technology allows following the evolution of red blood cell aggregation over time (non-invasive measurements taken on the paw) and demonstrated the correlation with inflammatory blood markers.

Recently, a human study was completed to validate this innovative and non-invasive approach to detect inflammation and prevent life threatening infections. The device could accurately detect inflammation in chronic hemodialysis patients (n=29), as well as could be used to accurately monitor COVID-19 induced inflammatory response in patients. Notably, due to an improved methodology, the device can be used without prior calibration on a phantom setting, facilitating its integration in clinical practice.

The validation work highlights key advantages of the device:

The compatibility of the device with current dialysis systems
Ability to monitor the inflammation in real-time and in situ
Flexibility with the clinical workflow

The device was validated in clinic and is effective in detecting inflammation in hemodialysis patients and upon virus infection.

Overall, this technology is in advanced state of development, has been validated in clinical settings and is addressing a key medical need of inflammation and infection monitoring in high-risk populations.

TECHNOLOGY READINESS LEVEL (TRL)

Achieved validation in animal model
Validated in clinical setting

COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES

Early and accurate detection of infection and inflammation
Non-invasive and real-time measurement
Flexible design for seamless integration in clinical workflow

MARKET APPLICATIONS

Infection detection in hemodialysis patients
Real-time inflammation measurement
Inflammation measurement upon acute infection

PUBLICATIONS

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

Technology available for in-licensing
Seeking for industrial co-development partner
Seeking research partnering
Eligibility to government financing for industry/academic maturation program

DISPOSITIF POUR LA SURVEILLANCE EN TEMPS RÉEL DE L’INFECTION ET DE L’INFLAMMATION

Détection et surveillance non-invasive en temps réel des infections et de la réponse inflammatoire par la mesure de l'agrégation érythrocytaire

Credit: Cleveland Clinic

BESOIN NON SATISFAIT

Malgré l'efficacité des procédures actuelles, les patients sous hémodialyse chronique sont confrontés à des conditions de vie très pénibles, principalement à cause de leur grande vulnérabilité et à leur propension à développer des infections graves et potentiellement mortelles qui nécessitent des hospitalisations fréquentes.

Ce risque accru s'explique par l’accès vasculaire fréquent et répétitif nécessaire pour leur traitement par hémodialyse. Des études ont montré que la mortalité due à des infections graves est au moins 82 fois plus élevée chez les patients hémodialysés que dans la population générale.

À l'heure actuelle, il n'existe aucun test de dépistage systémique et continu efficace pour détecter les infections pendant le traitement par dialyse. Les analyses sanguines standard visant à surveiller les marqueurs inflammatoires sont utiles pour détecter les infections, mais elles ne permettent pas un diagnostic précoce en raison de leur caractère ponctuel, ce qui entraîne des délais importants (~4 semaines) dans la surveillance et la détection des infections. Il existe donc un besoin de développer méthodes fiables pour surveiller les infections et l'inflammation chez les patients à haut risque susceptibles de contracter des agents pathogènes.

APERÇU DE LA TECHNOLOGIE

Le professeur Guy Cloutier et son équipe ont mis au point un dispositif à ultrasons non invasif ainsi qu’une méthode permettant de surveiller la réponse inflammatoire en temps réel en suivant l’agrégation des érythrocytes dans les vaisseaux sanguins. Ce phénomène physiologique s’amplifie lors d’une réponse inflammatoire à une infection, ce qui entraîne une formation d’agrégats circulants plus volumineux et plus compacts. Le système non invasif proposé, compatible avec les procédures médicales standard, peut être utilisé pour surveiller l'agrégation des érythrocytes, détecter une inflammation anormale et permettre la détection précoce d'une infection en temps réel (Figure 1). Le système actuel peut être miniaturisé pour une surveillance continue à l'aide de transducteurs à ultrasons plus souples et fins. Il est également possible de coupler des transducteurs à ultrasons à élément unique à des tubulures de dialyse.

Figure 1: Application du dispositif au membre inférieur et antérieur, les deux positions sont permissives avec une mesure précise de l’agrégation des érythrocytes.

Pour démontrer l'efficacité du dispositif, une première étude in vivo menée sur des porcs sous circulation extracorporelle a confirmé que cette technologie permettait de suivre l'évolution de l'agrégation des globules rouges au fil du temps (mesures non invasives effectuées au niveau de la patte) et a mis en évidence une corrélation avec les marqueurs inflammatoires sanguins.

Récemment, une étude chez l'homme a été menée à bien afin de valider cette approche innovante et non invasive pour détecter l'inflammation et prévenir les infections potentiellement mortelles. Le dispositif a permis de détecter avec précision l'inflammation chez des patients sous hémodialyse chronique (n = 29) et a également pu être utilisé pour surveiller avec précision la réponse inflammatoire induite par la COVID-19 chez les patients. Il convient de noter que, grâce à une méthodologie améliorée, le dispositif peut être utilisé sans étalonnage préalable sur un fantôme, ce qui facilite son intégration dans la pratique clinique.

Les travaux de validation mettent en évidence les principaux avantages du dispositif :

La compatibilité du dispositif avec les systèmes de dialyse actuels
La capacité à surveiller l'inflammation en temps réel et in situ
La flexibilité par rapport au flux de travail clinique

Le dispositif a été validé en clinique et détecte d’une manière efficace l’inflammation dans les patients sous dialyse et infectés par un virus.

Dans l'ensemble, cette technologie en est à un stade avancé de développement, a fait ses preuves en milieu clinique et répond à un besoin médical essentiel en matière de surveillance de l'inflammation et des infections chez les populations à haut risque.

NIVEAU DE MATURITÉ TECHNOLOGIQUE

Validé dans un modèle animal
Testé et validé en clinique

AVANTAGES CONCURRENTIELS

Détection efficace et précoce de l’infection et inflammation
Méthode non-invasive et en temps reel
Concept flexible permettant l’intégration rapide en clinique

MARCHÉS VISÉS

Détection de l’infection chez les patients sur hémodialyse
Surveillance de l’inflammation
Détection de l’inflammation suite a des infections virales

PUBLICATIONS

OCCASION D’AFFAIRES

Technologie disponible pour l’octroi de licences
Recherche d’un partenaire industriel pour le codéveloppement
Admissibilité au financement gouvernemental pour le programme de maturation de l’industrie et du milieu universitaire

Dmitri Kharitidi, Ph.D. MBA

Director of Transfer

dmitri.kharitidi@axelys.ca

Dmitri Kharitidi, Ph.D., MBA

Directeur de Transfert

dmitri.kharitidi@axelys.ca

'ND2501SCNGT' soybean (ND18-20092(GT))

jhayden@ndsurf.org — Wed, 20 May 2026 20:42:33 GMT

Released in 2026 by the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station, 'ND2501SCNGT' is a glyphosate-tolerant soybean line with similar maturity to 'ND21008GT20' and 'ND17009GT' and is recommended as MG 0.1. It is characterized as: indeterminate, purple flowers, tan pod color, gray pubescence, and yellow dull seed coat with buff hilum.

ND2501SCNGT is moderately tolerant to iron deficiency chlorosis (IDS average score 2.6) and pre-emergent applied metribuzin. It has excellent lodging resistance (average lodging score 1.4/5) and is resistant to race 3 and 4 of Phytophthora root rot. It is also resistant to soybean cyst nematode HG types 0 and 2.5.7 and highly resistant to HG type 7. ND2501SCNGT typically yields higher than 17009GT and ND21008GT20 by ~3 bushels per acre.

To help ensure genetic purity, 'ND2501SCNGT' is protected under PVPA Title V (certificate No. pending) and must be sold as a class of certified seed.

This variety has been exclusively licensed by the ND Crop Improvement and Seed Association. Additional information about growing this variety can be found at https://www.ndcropimprovement.com/seed/.

Physics-Informed Signal Processing for Accelerating Electromagnetic Sensors

ip@skysonginnovations.com — Wed, 20 May 2026 18:55:08 GMT

Invention Description

Accurately detecting and processing electromagnetic (EM) signals from moving sensors is challenging due to distortions caused by acceleration and nonuniform time sampling. These effects introduce frequency modulation, nonlinear phase shifts, and directional changes that degrade signal quality and make reconstruction difficult. Traditional signal processing methods often fail to account for these complexities, especially in dynamic environments or layered media. This creates a need for more advanced techniques that can reliably recover accurate signals from accelerating EM sensors.

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a physics-informed method to reconstruct EM signals affected by sensor motion. The approach applies transformations to handle nonuniform time sampling and uses randomized algorithms grounded in Maxwell’s equations to model signal behavior. By accounting for nonlinear phase changes and directionality effects, the method enables precise reconstruction of sparse EM signals in both homogeneous and stratified media, enhancing signal clarity and reliability in dynamic environments. This results in significantly improved signal recovery accuracy for moving sensor systems.

This technology presents an advanced method to accurately reconstruct time series signals from accelerating electromagnetic sensors by incorporating physics-based models and nonuniform sampling techniques.

Potential Applications

Wireless communication systems requiring robust signal processing for mobile and accelerating sensor platforms
Including carrier frequency offset estimation in OFDM networks
Dynamic sensing in radar and electromagnetic surveillance involving moving platforms
Real-time signal processing for vehicular and aerial sensor platforms
Signal reconstruction tools for electromagnetic sensing in stratified or inhomogeneous environments
R&D in physics-informed signal processing algorithms and electromagnetic wave analysis and sensor technology
Mitigation of dynamic Doppler effects for high-speed networks of data centers in orbit

Benefits and Advantages

Enables accurate reconstruction of signals affected by sensor acceleration and motion-induced frequency modulation
Utilizes nonuniform fast Fourier transform to handle complex time sampling efficiently
Incorporates physics-based models to account for spatial inhomogeneities and vectorial electromagnetic effects
Employs randomized algorithms to robustly reconstruct sparse signals in stratified, inhomogeneous media
Extends beyond traditional Doppler analysis by including nonlinear phase and directionality considerations
Enables efficient, parallelizable algorithms suitable for real-time applications

For more information about this opportunity, please see

Barclay et al – Physics-Informed Signal Processing - 2025

3D Printing Filaments for Customizable Iodine-Infused Spectral CT Phantoms

lbricha@upenn.edu — Wed, 20 May 2026 14:33:27 GMT

3D printing filaments for 3D printing phantoms with controlled iodine concentrations for precise, adjustable spectral CT imaging research and calibration.
Problem:
Traditional CT imaging phantoms act as physical proxies for human tissue and anatomy, but they are expensive, rigid, and limited in both achievable iodine concentrations and geometric complexity. This restricts realistic simulation of tissues, lesions, and nodules and, in turn, slows the development and validation of advanced imaging algorithms and contrast-based techniques.
Technology:
In order to enable better patient-specific contrast-enhanced phantoms, the inventors implement a “good–bad solvent” technique. Here, the “good solvent” facilitates inorganic iodine diffusion into the polymer matrix, and the “bad solvent” preserves the polymer structure, allowing for pellet formation. After evaporating the solvents under heat and vacuum, the iodine-enriched pellets are extruded into 1.75 mm rigid filaments for 3D printing. Using a dual-extruder system, a filament containing 10 mg/mL iodine and a second standard Polylactic Acid (PLA) filament can then be programmed to simulate varying iodine concentrations in the same phantom, reproducing the heterogeneity of soft tissues. Use of the iodine-infused filaments can be further combined with the PixelPrint technology to produce patient-specific phantoms with accurate geometry, density, and iodine distribution — enabling more rigorous calibration, testing, and innovation in spectral CT imaging.
Advantages:

Tunable iodine concentrations from 0.7 to 10.4 mg/mL within a single phantom
CT attenuation that scales predictably with iodine infill ratio, enabling quantitative calibration
Lower cost than commercial anthropomorphic phantoms
Compatible with PixelPrint technology to produce fully patient-specific phantom geometries

Stage of Development:

Prototype

Calibration cubes fabricated using IodinePrint. (A) Photograph of four 3D-printed cubes with increasing infill ratios, visibly demonstrating changes in optical density. (B) Iodine density maps of the cubes, showing increased signal corresponding to higher iodine concentrations. (C) HU attenuation curves plotted across virtual monoenergetic energy levels (50–200 keV) comparing the IodinePrint material (orange), normalized IodinePrint (green), and a commercial iodine insert (blue). The close match between the normalized IodinePrint and the commercial iodine insert demonstrated consistent spectral behavior, validating the suitability of the filament for quantitative iodine imaging.
Intellectual Property:

Provisional Filed

Reference Media:

Englbrecht, FS et al.; 2025 November 1 - 8; IEEE Nuclear Science Symposium, Medical Imaging Conference, and Room Temperature Semiconductor Detector Conference., Yokohama, Japan.

Desired Partnerships:

License
Co-development

Docket #25-11197

Human Heterogeneity Invariant Stress Sensing (HHISS)

ip@skysonginnovations.com — Tue, 19 May 2026 23:58:44 GMT

Invention Description

Accurately detecting stress using wearable devices is challenging due to significant differences in how individuals respond physiologically to stress. Variations in factors such as heart rate, skin conductance, and environmental conditions can reduce the reliability of stress detection models across different users. Many existing systems are trained on limited datasets and fail to generalize well to new populations, especially in complex cases such as individuals with opioid use disorder. This creates a need for more robust approaches that can deliver consistent performance across diverse users and settings.

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed HHISS, a domain generalization framework designed to improve stress detection by using person-wise sub-network pruning and continuous label training. By focusing on shared patterns of stress responses rather than individual differences, HHISS enhances model generalization across diverse populations and environments. The system is particularly effective in challenging use cases, including monitoring stress in individuals with opioid use disorder. This approach enables more reliable and scalable stress detection using wearable devices in real-world conditions. HHISS is an advanced stress detection system that overcomes individual differences to deliver consistent and accurate stress monitoring using wearable devices.

HHISS is an advanced stress detection system that overcomes individual differences to deliver consistent and accurate stress monitoring using wearable devices.

Potential Applications

Wearable health devices for stress monitoring for clinical and consumer use
Real-world mental health and rehabilitation support tools for opioid use disorder patients
Mental health and wellness applications
Personalized healthcare and remote patient monitoring
Mobile health applications requiring reliable, scalable stress sensing
Research tools for studying stress responses across diverse populations

Benefits and Advantages

Enhanced model accuracy across individuals and environments by eliminating person-specific variability
Prevention of overfitting via person-wise sub-network pruning
Robust generalization to unseen stressors and environments using continuous label training
Improved scalability to various wearable platforms
Effective use of continuous stress labels for precise model training
Superior performance over existing state-of-the-art methods as validated on multiple datasets
Proven scalability and feasibility for mobile and real-world applications

For more information about this opportunity, please see

Xiao et al – Proc. ACM Interact. Mob. Wearable Ubiquitous Technol.- 2025

A Robust Training Platform for Real-World Analog AI Hardware

lbricha@upenn.edu — Tue, 19 May 2026 19:48:42 GMT

Bias-tolerant training method for analog AI hardware that improves learning stability without digital correction.
Problem:
Analog computing could enable faster, lower-power AI systems, but real devices are difficult to train reliably because physical hardware is inherently imperfect. Small biases in sensing, signal application, or component behavior can accumulate during learning, causing instability and loss of performance. As a result, many physical AI platforms still depend on digital correction, simulation, or tightly engineered hardware, which adds complexity and undermines the scalability, efficiency, and commercial practicality needed for real-world deployment.
Solution:
This invention provides a practical training strategy that makes analog learning systems more tolerant to hardware imperfection. Rather than eliminating bias through added digital infrastructure, the method strengthens the teaching signal during training so that useful updates remain dominant. The result is a simpler, more robust path to training physical AI hardware under realistic operating conditions.
Technology:
This invention demonstrated a physical self-learning electronic network called a Contrastive Local Learning Network, in which adjustable nonlinear resistive elements update themselves using only local electrical information. During training, the system compares a natural “free” response with a guided “clamped” response and uses that difference to adjust the network. It was shown that even exceedingly small biases in this process can drive unstable learning dynamics. To address this, the inventors developed overclamping, a modified protocol that applies to a stronger corrective teaching signal while reducing update duration as the system approaches the target. This suppresses bias-driven drift and improves training performance without requiring digital compensation.
Advantages:

Enabling more reliable training in analog AI hardware in the presence of unavoidable physical bias
Improving classification performance compared with standard clamping approaches
Broadly applicable across physical learning systems because it is not tied to one specific device architecture

Stage of Development:

Proof-of-concept

This figure compares the inventors’ overclamping method with standard clamping in a physical analog learning network performing binary classification. (A) The colored backgrounds show the decision regions learned by each method, while the dots mark the training examples. Across increasingly difficult datasets with smaller separation between classes, overclamping preserves clear classification boundaries, whereas standard clamping becomes less reliable. Classification error (B) and hinge loss (C) were quantified for both methods as input variation decreases, confirming that overclamping maintains stronger performance and sharper decision boundaries in the presence of hardware-related learning bias.
Intellectual Property:

Provisional In Preparation

Reference Media:

Dillavou, S. et. al., arXiv, 2026 Mar 17: 2505.22887v2

Desired Partnerships:

License
Co-Development

Docket #25-11249

Elastic Motion Policy (EMP): An Adaptive Dynamical System for Robust and Efficient One-Shot Imitation Learning

lbricha@upenn.edu — Tue, 19 May 2026 16:20:26 GMT

A one-shot imitation learning framework that enables robots to adjust their behavior based on task specifications and scene changes.
Problem:
AI-powered robots with traditional behavior cloning (BC) methods often demonstrate poor generalization, which leads to erratic behaviors and performance degradation in out-of-distribution settings. Their performance tends to deteriorate in certain scenarios, regardless of the credibility of the data on which the model is trained. Relying on out-of-distribution (OOD) detection yields a limited guarantee of convergence and success. Particularly, when deploying robots in human-centric environments, BC often fails to perform effectively. Incorporating huge reference motion data to manage unexpected scenarios introduces significant training overhead, and even with it, there is no assurance of consistent performance across all cases.
Solution:
The inventors propose Elastic Motion Policy (EMP) – a framework that helps robots imitate actions based on real-time changes in the environment in one shot. This framework addresses the inherent generalization issue in BC method.
Technology:
EMP is built upon the dynamical system motion policy paradigm with BC, which learns stable motion policies delivering compliant and reactive robot behavior. During data collection, the Universal Manipulation Interface (UMI) gripper determines the gripper states through a contact sensor, and an external camera records the demonstration in RGBD format. A large language model helps determine the semantic label for estimating the object’s key pose. The semantic phrase is fed into the Grounded Segment Anything Model to generate the object mask. The EMP enables real-time adaptation of SE (3)-LPVDS (Special Euclidean Linear Parameter Varying Dynamical Systems) to scenarios by introducing geometric constraints to morph the learned parameters based on their spatial changes. So, an update in the object's pose triggers a corresponding adjustment of the motion policy. Laplacian editing in full end-effector space and online convex learning of Lyapunov function are employed to avoid the need to collect new demonstrations and to adapt EMP to new contexts.
Advantages:

Helps adapt robotic actions in one-shot
Dynamically updates actions, thereby eliminating the need for new demonstrations for reference actions
Updates its policy in real-time (~30Hz), ensuring that robots respond to changes in a decent interval
One-shot learning can reduce the computation for training, leading to cost reduction
Enables the learning of multi-step tasks by disintegrating long and heterogeneous sequences into individual goal-oriented tasks

Stage of Development:

Proof of Concept

The figure depicts the block diagram of the EMP imitation learning pipeline. Components of this pipeline include the data collection block with the initial UMI gripper manipulation and key pose estimation operations, EMP block, which includes SE (3)-LPVDS adaptation and the Dynamical System (DS) motion policy update, and the Realtime inferencing block which determines the key pose update.
Intellectual Property:

Provisional Filed

Reference Media:

Li, T. et. al., arXiv, 2025 Aug 11: 2503.08029v2
ICRA 2025 Workshop, "Elastic Motion Policy: An Adaptive Dynamical System for Robust and Efficient One-Shot Imitation Learning"; GRASP Lab, University of Pennsylvania

Desired Partnerships:

License

Docket #25-11130

Photo-expanding Spiropyran Hydrogels

dragos@northwestern.edu — Mon, 18 May 2026 17:34:48 GMT

2021-037

Short Description

Sulfonate-based, water-soluble spiropyran photoswitches can be covalently incorporated into hydrogel networks to trigger light-driven volumetric expansion, with reversible contraction under dark conditions. The technology enables photoresponsive hydrogels and soft materials with tunable actuation behavior using light, pH, and polymer-network design.

Background

Stimuli-responsive hydrogels are attractive for biomaterials, soft robotics, sensing, microfluidics, and controlled delivery because they can convert external signals into mechanical or structural changes. Existing spiropyran hydrogel systems typically use water-insoluble spiropyrans and are associated with light-driven contraction, which can limit aqueous processing and the range of programmable mechanical responses. There remains a need for water-compatible photoswitches that can be chemically incorporated into hydrogels and provide reversible, spatially controlled expansion under light exposure.

Abstract

This technology provides polymerizable, sulfonate-based water-soluble spiropyran molecules that can be incorporated into crosslinked hydrogel networks. Unlike conventional spiropyran-containing hydrogels that contract upon irradiation, these sulfonated spiropyrans increase net charge upon light exposure, promoting water uptake and hydrogel expansion. The patent demonstrates that photoexpansion can be tuned through spiropyran structure, environmental pH, photoswitch loading, and polymer backbone composition, including lower critical solution temperature (LCST)-controlled networks. The platform also enables reversible bending in light-activated artificial muscle constructs, including negative phototactic behavior where hydrogel rods bend away from the light source. This approach may support development of programmable soft materials for biomedical devices, microfluidic systems, smart actuators, and responsive hydrogel platforms.

Applications of the Technology

Light-activated soft robots, actuators and artificial muscles.

Advantages of the Technology

Light-driven expansion rather than conventional contraction, enabling a distinct actuation mode for spiropyran hydrogels.
Water-soluble and polymerizable photoswitch chemistry, supporting covalent incorporation into hydrogel networks using aqueous polymerization approaches.
Tunable response through material design, including sulfonation pattern, pH, photoswitch content, and LCST-adjusted polymer backbones.
Reversible light/dark actuation, including reproducible bending-unbending behavior demonstrated in hydrogel artificial muscle constructs.

U.S. Patent No. 12,466,836

Safe, Automated, And High Yielding Method For Synthesizing Deoxyoligonucleicguanidines (DNG) Strands

dragos@northwestern.edu — Mon, 18 May 2026 16:34:36 GMT

NU 2019-109

SHORT DESCRIPTION

Spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) incorporating deoxynucleic guanidine (DNG)-modified oligonucleotides enable improved cellular uptake and intracellular delivery by introducing positively charged backbone modifications.

BACKGROUND

Oligonucleotide therapeutics, including antisense and RNA interference (RNAi) approaches, face persistent challenges related to efficient cellular uptake and endosomal escape. Conventional delivery methods often rely on transfection agents and suffer from degradation, limited bioavailability, and suboptimal intracellular trafficking. While spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) improve cellular entry and stability, their negatively charged backbones can impede escape from endosomal compartments.

ABSTRACT

This technology introduces SNAs functionalized with deoxynucleic guanidine (DNG)-modified oligonucleotides, which possess positively charged internucleotide linkages. Incorporation of DNG units into SNA structures enhances interactions with cellular membranes, leading to increased uptake and potentially improved endosomal escape. The approach builds on established SNA architecture—which enables transfection-agent-free cell entry and resistance to nuclease degradation—while overcoming limitations associated with negatively charged oligonucleotide backbones. Preclinical findings described in the patent indicate that increasing DNG content correlates with enhanced cellular internalization. This platform may enable more efficient delivery of oligonucleotide-based therapeutics across a range of disease targets.

APPLICATIONS

Delivery platform for nucleic acid-based therapeutics (e.g., antisense, siRNA) in oncology and other diseases
Research tools for studying cellular uptake mechanisms and oligonucleotide trafficking

ADVANTAGES

Enhanced cellular uptake through positively charged guanidinium backbone modifications
Potentially improved endosomal escape compared to conventional SNA constructs
Maintains favorable SNA properties such as nuclease resistance and transfection-free entry
Tunable platform enabling rational design of uptake and delivery characteristics via controlled DNG incorporation

IP STATUS

Issued US Patent 12,378,280

AtriaLink: Custom Implantable Pacing Platform with BLE Control to Induce Persistent Atrial Fibrillation in Large Animal Models

JianlingL@tla.arizona.edu — Mon, 18 May 2026 16:04:41 GMT

This technology, AtriaLink, is a custom implantable cardiac pacing platform developed in collaboration between the Goldman and Gutruf Laboratories at the University of Arizona. It is designed to provide a fully configurable and implantable system for induction of persistent atrial fibrillation (AFib) in swine through chronic atrial pacing. The device interfaces with standard clinical IS-1 pacing leads and is controlled wirelessly via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). This new model is programable and reproducible and uses materials that are currently available to study AFib pathogenesis, testing novel antiarrhythmic agents, and evaluate new catheter ablation strategies.

Background:
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common persistent cardiac arrhythmia and carries major risks like stroke and heart failure, yet current treatments, such as anticoagulation, rate/rhythm control, and ablation, have limited long-term success. Existing models rely on inconsistent methods, like surgical or outdated pacing systems, and often fail to accurately replicate human AFib pathology. Although electrical tachypacing is the most effective approach, current systems are either not reproducible, not scalable, or not suitable for long-term studies.

AtriaLink addresses these gaps by providing a reproducible, programmable pacing device that uses commercially available electrophysiology components to reliably induce persistent AFib in large animal models. Compared to prior solutions, AtriaLink has improved energy efficiency and scalability, enabling more accurate preclinical testing of novel drugs, ablation strategies, and cell-based therapies in a model that closely mimics human disease.

Applications:

Atrial pacing program
Cardiology
Electrophysiology
Medical device development
Preclinical research
Large animal models

Advantages:

Reproducible atrial fibrillation induction using programmed pacing protocols
Allows accurate testing of novel pharmacological agents, therapies, and techniques
Improved battery life and energy efficiency
Wireless configuration and real-time adjustment of pacing parameters
Suitable for long-term (multi-week to month) studies

Adaptive Heterogeneous Computing for Intelligent Space Systems

JianlingL@tla.arizona.edu — Mon, 18 May 2026 16:03:33 GMT

This technology is an adaptive, heterogeneous computing node with an intelligent runtime software stack. The node is designed to serve as the building block for scalable, datacenter-level computer architectures for use in an outer-space environment. Rather than relying on a single accelerator type, the node integrates CPUs, GPUs, Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), and emerging accelerators. These heterogeneous nodes interconnect based on the Named Data Networking (NDN) communication model to form a distributed, resilient, and intelligent datacenter fabric in space, enabling real-time collaboration, workload sharing, and adaptive resource management across thousands of nodes. These nodes are capable of dynamically scheduling workloads, managing memory, and supporting fault tolerance. Furthermore, these nodes are scalable and can be used to create a distributed in-orbit data center to enable more advanced space missions.

Background:
As space-based computing becomes more and more important with the advancement of AI technologies, increasing space exploration initiatives, and the growing complexity of space missions, creates the need for more powerful space-based computing architectures. Current space-based computing nodes are typically GPU and TPU-based fixed function architectures, lacking in flexibility and scalability. This technology takes a heterogeneous approach, integrating CPUs, GPUs, FPGAs and more to create a space-based computing node capable of increased scalability, flexibility, and computing power. Ultimately, this supports more autonomous, adaptive space exploration missions.

Applications:

Space-based computing
Space exploration

Advantages:

Flexible
Scalable
Adaptable
Real-time, in-orbit decision-making without constant reliance on ground control
Energy efficient

Human Skin-on-a-Chip for Modeling Pressure-Induced Injury and Quantitative Immune Responses for Pre-Clinical Safety

JianlingL@tla.arizona.edu — Mon, 18 May 2026 16:01:11 GMT

This invention is a full-thickness, immune-responsive human skin-on-a-chip platform designed to model pressure-induced injury and quantitatively assess inflammatory toxicity, barrier dysfunction, and immunogenic response. The platform will function as a next-generation New Approach Method (NAM) supporting pre-clinical safety decision-making and reducing reliance on animal testing.

Background:
Pressure injury is a clinically significant condition driven by mechanical stress, ischemia-reperfusion, barrier disruption, and inflammation, but current models fail to holistically capture this complexity. Animal models differentiate from human skin biology, while static in vitro systems lack dynamic mechanical and immune interactions, limiting their predictive value. Existing approaches therefore provide poor translational relevance for drug safety and efficacy testing. The pneumatically actuated human skin-on-a-chip platform integrates controlled mechanical loading, microfluidic perfusion, and human tissue to better replicate pressure-induced injury.

Applications:

Human skin-on-a-chip platforms
Pressure injury models
Point-of-care model
Mechanobiology
Pre-clinical safety

Advantages:

Simultaneously assess barrier dysfunction, inflammatory signaling, and tissue deformation
Improved predictive value
Real-time readouts and monitoring
Reduces reliance on animal models
Personalized medicine applications
Enhanced drug screening
Diverse field applications

Targeted Anti-ROR2 Antibodies for Precision Cancer Therapy

saradagen@ufl.edu — Mon, 18 May 2026 15:30:53 GMT

Enables Selective Targeting of ROR2-Positive Tumors Using High-Affinity Antibodies and Antibody-Drug Conjugates

These targeted anti-ROR2 antibodies enable precision cancer therapy by selectively engaging ROR2-positive tumors with high-affinity antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). The ADC market is projected to grow from $13.5 billion to $32.7 billion by 2035 at a CAGR of 9%, primarily driven by increasing number of cancer cases and the demand for safer, more efficient medicines. ROR2 is a receptor whose expression is strongly associated with tumor progression in multiple cancers, and its expression is limited in normal adult tissues. Since ROR2 is largely absent from normal adult tissues, it is an attractive tumor-associated antigen for both therapeutics and diagnostics. Therapeutic progress is limited by the absence of antibodies with sufficiently high affinity and exclusive specificity for ROR2. Robust, selective ROR2 binders are required to enable safe and effective delivery of cytotoxic payloads or immune effector functions to ROR2 positive tumors.

Researchers at the University of Florida have developed high-affinity, sequence-defined anti-ROR2 antibodies. This overcomes the current shortage of sequence-defined, tumor-specific ROR2-targeting agents and creates a platform for ROR2-directed cancer therapeutics, diagnostic assays, and molecular imaging applications to selectively bind ROR2-positive tumors.

Application

ROR2-targeted therapeutics and diagnostics for precision oncology, including monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and T-cell engagers (TCEs) to selectively detect or kill ROR2-positive tumors while sparing normal tissues

Advantages

Provides sub-nanomolar binding, supporting robust and sustained tumor engagement
Exhibits binding specificity for ROR2 with no detectable cross-reactivity with ROR1 or other cell surface antigens in tested assays, reducing off-target risk
Allows use of standard mammalian expression systems, facilitating scalable manufacturing
Fully characterized sequence enables a scaffold for therapeutic, diagnostic, and imaging applications targeting tumors expressing ROR2

Technology

These targeted anti-ROR2 antibodies deliver a precision cancer therapy that selectively binds ROR2-positive tumors through high-affinity mAbs, ADCs, TCEs, and other antibody modalities. The antibodies are derived from rabbit variable domains selected for high-affinity and specificity to human ROR2, then grafted onto human antibody constant domains to generate full-length IgG molecules suitable for therapeutic development. The antibodies are equipped with a short peptide tag at its C-terminus, serving as a defined enzymatic conjugation site for covalent attachment of cytotoxic drugs, imaging agents, or other functional payloads. This format enables defined drug-to-antibody ratios and consistent ADC assembly. The antibodies were selected against the extracellular portion of human ROR2 for high affinity and demonstrate exclusive specificity, with no detectable cross-reactivity with closely related receptors, such as ROR1. The format is compatible with standard mammalian expression systems, providing a platform for the development of ROR2-targeted mAbs, ADCs, TCEs, other antibody-based therapeutics, and companion diagnostics.

Publications

Peng et al. (2017), J. Mol. Biol. 429, 2954-2973
Goydel et al. (2020), J. Biol. Chem. 295, 5995-6006

Piperacillin for Targeted Lyme Disease Treatment

dragos@northwestern.edu — Mon, 18 May 2026 15:20:28 GMT

SHORT DESCRIPTION
For infectious disease clinicians, this piperacillin-based therapeutic approach targets Lyme disease by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis to reduce disease progression.

INVENTORS

INVENTORS

Brandon Jutras*

* Principal Investigator

NU Tech ID: NU 2025-156

IP STATUS

U.S. Patent Pending

DEVELOPMENT STAGE

TRL-3 - Experimental Proof-of-Concept: Demonstrated efficacy in preclinical mice models.

BACKGROUND
Current Lyme disease treatments often rely on broad-spectrum antibiotics such as doxycycline that may produce side effects and inconsistent outcomes. Existing therapies sometimes fail to prevent chronic symptoms and complications, highlighting the need for a more targeted and effective intervention.

ABSTRACT
We present a therapeutic approach using piperacillin to treat Lyme disease. The invention leverages the beta-lactam’s ability to inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis. In preclinical mouse models, the treatment effectively reduced bacterial load at a 100-fold lower dose than the effective dose of the standard treatment doxycycline. These results suggest a promising pathway toward improved Lyme disease management in clinical settings.

APPLICATIONS

Lyme Disease Treatment: Targeted therapy for patients infected with Borrelia burgdorferi.
Prophylactic Approach: Preventative therapy after a high-risk exposure to Lyme disease.
Combination Antibiotic Regimen: Potential use alongside other drugs to enhance treatment outcomes.

ADVANTAGES

Increases treatment specificity: Focuses the therapeutic effect to reduce off-target exposure.
Potential to overcome resistance: Utilizes a well-known beta-lactam to target sensitive bacterial strains.
Accelerates symptom relief: Preclinical data indicate a rapid reduction in bacterial load.
Cost-effective development: Leverages an established antibiotic with a proven safety profile.

PUBLICATIONS

Brandon Jutras et al, A high-resolution screen identifies a preexisting beta-lactam that specifically treats Lyme disease in mice, Science Translational Medicine, n.d.

CATEGORY/INDUSTRY PIPELINE
Therapeutics

KEYWORDS
piperacillin, Lyme disease, beta-lactam, antibiotic therapy, targeted treatment, preclinical, mouse model, infectious diseases

Method and System for Bidirectional Drug Delivery and Biopsy using Ferrofluid-linked Ferrofluid-Linked Acousto-Magnetic Enhancement (FLAME) Microneedle

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 18 May 2026 11:03:26 GMT

Advantages

One device handles both drug delivery and fluid extraction seamlessly
Wireless operation removes the need for large external pump hardware
Miniaturized design enables painless access to deep internal tissues
Scalable 3D printing makes manufacturing cost effective and efficient

Summary

The shift toward minimally invasive medicine has exposed a critical gap in current microneedle technologies. Existing devices are confined to superficial skin applications, rely on bulky external pumps or sluggish passive mechanisms, and cannot actively switch between drug delivery and fluid extraction. For clinicians managing complex conditions like cancer, this means no viable tool exists for sustained, localized, wireless intervention deep within the body.

A new microneedle platform addresses these limitations through a wireless, bidirectional fluid transport system built around a 3D printed coaxial architecture. Focused ultrasound applied to an internal ferrofluid sheath generates thermal gradients that autonomously drive fluid through microscale channels, while an external magnet controls flow direction on demand. This eliminates the need for external pumps entirely, enabling both targeted drug delivery and deep tissue biopsy extraction in a single miniaturized, minimally invasive device.

Desired Partnerships

License
Sponsored Research
Co-Development

Transformer-Based High-Density, Efficient Power Delivery Architecture for Wafer-Scale Integrated Systems (Case No. 2026-075)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 15 May 2026 22:28:06 GMT

Summary:

UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a transformer-based, high-density power delivery architecture that enables efficient, scalable, and low-loss energy distribution for next-generation wafer-scale and chiplet-based systems.

Background:

Chiplet-based and wafer-scale integrated systems demand increasingly high power levels, requiring dense and efficient power delivery networks to minimize losses and support scaling. However, conventional approaches, such as buck and switched-capacitor converters are limited in achievable efficiency and power density, while also introducing challenges in thermal management and noise coupling. These limitations become more pronounced at wafer scale, where power delivery must support large-area integration and high compute density. As next-generation applications in artificial intelligence and high-performance computing continue to scale, existing power delivery solutions present a fundamental bottleneck in efficiency, scalability, and integration. Thus, there remains an unmet need for a high-efficiency, high-density power delivery architecture tailored for wafer-scale and chiplet-based systems.

Innovation:

To address these limitations, Professor Subu Iyer and his research team have developed a high-efficiency power delivery architecture using substrate- and wafer-level integrated transformer arrays for chiplet-based systems. The design employs high turns-ratio (at least 48:1) transformers with high-permeability magnetic materials to enable efficient high-voltage AC distribution and direct AC-to-AC conversion. The system achieves above 90% efficiency and over 1 W/mm2 power density, outperforming conventional approaches. The use of embedded transformer arrays enables direct integration within silicon interconnect fabrics (Si-IF), supporting compact and scalable implementation. This architecture enables scalable, low-loss delivery of multi-kilowatt power on a single wafer, addressing a key bottleneck for next-generation AI and high-performance computing systems.

Potential Applications:

●   Large-scale AI/HPC power delivery networks
●   Wafer-scale integrated systems
●   Advanced semiconductor fabrication processes
●   Embedded transformer-based power architectures
●   High-density chiplet-based platforms

Advantages:

●   High power density ( >1 W/mm2) with >90% efficiency
●   Direct, localized point-of-load conversion
●   Reduced IR drop and parasitic losses
●   Scalable to multi-kW wafer-level systems
●   Efficient high-voltage AC power distribution

State of Development:

First successful demonstration in process.

Related Publications:

1. S. S. Iyer, S. Jangam and B. Vaisband, "Silicon interconnect fabric: A versatile heterogeneous integration platform for AI systems," in IBM Journal of Research and Development, vol. 63, no. 6, pp. 5:1-5:16, 1 Nov.-Dec. 2019, doi: 10.1147/JRD.2019.2940427.
2. S. Jangam and S. S. Iyer, "Silicon-Interconnect Fabric for Fine-Pitch (≤10 μm) Heterogeneous Integration," in IEEE Transactions on Components, Packaging and Manufacturing Technology, vol. 11, no. 5, pp. 727-738, May 2021, doi: 10.1109/TCPMT.2021.3075219.

Reference:

UCLA Case No. 2026-075

Lead Inventor:

Professor Subramanian Iyer

A Dual-Coil Wireless Power and Data Transfer Floor for Freely Moving Rodents (Case No. 2025-313)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 15 May 2026 19:02:43 GMT

Summary:

UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a dual-coil wireless power and data transfer floor for battery-free implantable devices in freely moving rodents, enabling long-term behavioral and physiological studies in standard animal research chambers.

Background:

Traditional implantable medical devices (IMDs) used in preclinical animal studies are often tethered or battery-powered, which can restrict natural movement, increase device size, and introduce surgical and operational limitations. Wireless power transfer (WPT) systems have emerged as promising alternatives for enabling untethered physiological and behavioral experiments in freely moving animals. However, existing wireless cage systems typically suffer from limited power transfer efficiency, bulky hardware requirements, poor compatibility with standard behavioral chambers, or reliance on complex localization and control systems.

Current wireless cage architectures — including single transmitter coils, scalable coil arrays, and slanted resonating coil systems — each present trade-offs between coverage area, efficiency, scalability, and implementation complexity. Many systems also require substantial external RF hardware or customized enclosures, limiting adoption in standard laboratory environments. Consequently, there remains an unmet need for a compact, scalable, and efficient wireless power and data transfer platform that integrates seamlessly into standard rodent behavioral chambers while supporting reliable operation of miniaturized implants in freely moving animals.

Innovation:

To address these limitations, Professor Aydin Babakhani and his research team have developed a dual-coil antenna floor operating at 13.56 MHz for wireless power and bidirectional data transfer to miniaturized implantable devices in freely moving rodents. Designed specifically for integration into standard behavioral study chambers, the system enables fully wireless and battery-free operation of implantable devices without restricting animal movement. The antenna floor utilizes a dual-coil architecture optimized for power transfer efficiency, ventilation compatibility, and seamless integration into conventional rodent chamber racks. Fabricated using standard PCB technology, the platform supports a wireless coverage area of approximately 25 cm × 28 cm × 10 cm while maintaining strong impedance matching performance of -21 dB with 2 W external input power. A flexible 15 mm circular implantable receiver coil enables wireless powering and control of implanted devices.

To validate the platform, the researchers demonstrated wireless Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) in freely moving rats using a miniaturized implant. The system successfully achieved heart rate modulation exceeding 80 bpm under varying VNS parameters while maintaining unrestricted movement throughout the chamber. A portable handheld controller communicates wirelessly with a user PC via Bluetooth, enabling flexible programming and control of stimulation parameters. This technology represents a simple, scalable, and reproducible platform for future long-term behavioral, neurological, and physiological studies requiring wireless implant operation.

Potential Applications:

● Wireless Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) studies
● Freely moving rodent behavioral experiments
● Long-term physiological monitoring
● Neural stimulation and neuromodulation research
● Drug addiction and fear conditioning studies
● Wireless implant validation platforms
● Preclinical bioelectronic medicine research
● Battery-free implantable medical devices

Advantages:

● Fully wireless and battery-free operation
● Compatible with standard rodent behavioral chambers
● Enables unrestricted animal movement
● Dual-coil architecture optimized for power transfer efficiency
● Simplified and scalable implementation
● Wireless power and bidirectional data transfer
● Portable Bluetooth-enabled system control
● Fabricated using standard PCB technology
● Suitable for long-term animal studies

Development-To-Date:

The dual-coil wireless antenna floor has been fabricated and experimentally validated in freely moving rats using wireless Vagus nerve stimulation and heart rate modulation studies.

Related Publications:

•   Mathews, R.P., Habibagahi, I., Jafari Sharemi, H. et al. A closed loop fully automated wireless vagus nerve stimulation system. Sci Rep 15, 27856 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-11159-8
•   Habibagahi, Iman; Omidbeigi, Mahmoud; Hadaya, Joseph; Lyu, Hongming; Jang, Jaeeun; Ardell, Jeff; Bari, Ausaf A. AB, MA, MD, PhD; Babakhani, Aydin. 149 Quantitative Performance Assessment of a Wirelessly Powered Vagus Nerve Stimulator in a Porcine Model. Neurosurgery 69(Supplement_1):p 39, April 2023. | DOI: 10.1227/neu.0000000000002375_149
•   I. Habibagahi, J. Jang and A. Babakhani, "Miniaturized Wirelessly Powered and Controlled Implants for Vagus Nerve Stimulation," 2022 IEEE Radio Frequency Integrated Circuits Symposium (RFIC), Denver, CO, USA, 2022, pp. 51-54, doi: 10.1109/RFIC54546.2022.9863172.
•   Habibagahi, I., Omidbeigi, M., Hadaya, J. et al. Vagus nerve stimulation using a miniaturized wirelessly powered stimulator in pigs. Sci Rep 12, 8184 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-11850-0

Reference:

UCLA Case No. 2025-313

Lead Inventors:

Aydin Babakhani, Iman Habibagahi

Inexpensive, Patient-Friendly Device for Accurately Measuring Swallowing Irregularities

saradagen@ufl.edu — Fri, 15 May 2026 18:49:42 GMT

This device and software accurately measures dysphagia, swallowing difficulty, in stroke patients and others prone to this problem. According to the American Heart Association, approximately 795,000 people experience a new or recurrent stroke each year. Of these, nearly 65 percent also have dysphagia. This is significant because dysphagia, especially when not promptly detected, increases the risk of malnutrition and pneumonia, which are connected to increased mortality. Early detection of dysphagia decreases morbidity and mortality. Despite the clear indications of the significance of this condition, few attempts have been made to develop an effective and inexpensive method to accurately and promptly detect dysphagia in the acute phase of stroke. University of Florida researchers have designed an inexpensive device and software that uses sound to tell when a patient has swallowed.

Application

An inexpensive, patient-friendly neck patch that wirelessly communicates to accompanying computer software to identify and calculate swallow frequency

Advantages

Provides physicians with the first-of-its-kind capability to accurately detect and measure dysphagia, providing unique competitive market advantage
Provides early prognosis of symptoms so early treatment can minimize complications
Small, wireless and easy to apply, rendering the product extremely patient friendly
Wireless capability reduces the chance of accidental damage to the equipment by patients or staff
Uses simple components, making the device inexpensive to manufacture

Technology

Using wireless acoustic technology, researchers at the University of Florida have developed a patch-like device that unobtrusively adheres to the neck of the patient and wirelessly communicates with accompanying computer software to identify and calculate swallow frequency. The technology measures audio waveforms from the surface of a patient's neck to analyze swallowing frequency and patterns. This data can help the user determine, at an early stage, whether a patient has dysphagia.

Continuous Bicontinuous Interfacially Jamming Emulsion Gels (Bijel) Fabrication For Complex, Three-Dimensional Structures

lbricha@upenn.edu — Fri, 15 May 2026 16:45:38 GMT

Adaptation of emulsion precursor materials to enable three-dimensional printing of bijels via direct ink writing (DIW) and co-solvent vaporization.
Problem:
Previously developed bijel fabrication methods produce structures with limited macroscale morphologies, such as fibers, particles, and other simple 2D structures. This restriction limits the applicability of bijels, hindering the ability to tailor the external surface area and geometry. Implementing 3D printing processes to control and customize the bijel’s three-dimensional geometry is challenging due to the fluid-like behavior of the conventional bijel precursor materials.
Solution:
The bijel precursor is modified to create a printable precursor ink, using mixtures of fumed silica particles rather than surfactant-colloidal silica particle mixtures. Fumed silica alters the rheological properties of the bijel precursor ink, resulting in a rheological profile suitable for extrusion-based 3D printing. After the ink is extruded, the single phase “ink” phase separates due to evaporation of volatile co-solvent, generating a two-phase water and oil emulsion with a bicontinuous microstructure. The resulting material recovers its rheological properties after deposition and maintains its three-dimensional structure.
Technology:
Fumed silica, as opposed to colloidal silica, serves two roles in the precursor ink; it provides the bijel precursor with the rheological properties needed for printing, and it stabilizes the resulting microstructure after phase separation. The precursor is formulated such that the rheology expresses solid-like behavior at low shear and fluid-like behavior at high shear, with a yield stress of around 300 Pa, which thixotropic behavior. Further, the precursor formulation is optimized to generate bicontinuous emulsion microstructures after co-solvent evaporation post-extrusion, which is stabilized by neutrally wetting fumed silica clusters by carefully selecting the ratio of hydrophilic to hydrophobic fumed silica particles. This enables the bijel ink to be 3D printed via DIW into complex macroscopic shapes.
Advantages:

Fumed silica is a commercially available rheology modifier
3D printing permits continuous assembly of complex macrostructures and layers
The resulting material expresses a hierarchical structure, with macroscale structures on the scale of centimeters and submicron-sized microstructures

Stage of Development:

Bench Prototype

Cartoon rendering of 3D printed bijels formulated with fumed silica as precursor ink capable of generating robust macroscopic structures such as (a) high span woodpile grid, (b) low span woodpile grid, (c) vertical wall, (d) vertical rectangular prism, (e) starfish, and (f) the Philadelphia LOVE sculpture. All scale bars represent 1 cm.
Intellectual Property:

US Application Filed

Reference Media:

Iaccarino, P. R. et. al., Small, 2025 Nov. 03; Vol. 21, Issue 51: e04718
Lerner, Evan, 2016 Jan. 26; Penn Team Devises Easier Way to Make 'Bijels,' a Complex New Form of Liquid Matter: Penn Today, UPenn
Haase, M. F. et. al., Adv Mater., 2015 Nov 25; Vol. 27, Issue 44: 7065

Desired Partnerships:

License
Co-development (this replaces collaboration or sponsored research)

Docket #24-10679

Negative Pressure-Assisted DNA Delivery

christopher.perkins@rutgers.edu — Fri, 15 May 2026 15:47:08 GMT

Fig.1. Dermal suction induces long-lasting antigen expression and T-cell response. (A) Dermal suction via a small hand-held device with a 6-mm orifice against the skin. Inset: immune response is 100 times stronger when compared with injection alone. (B) Post-suction skin demonstrates no damage nor erythema. (C) and (D): Benchmarking of suction against PharmaJet and electroporation (EP): suction produces equal antibody response (C) and more superior T-cell response (D) in an animal model. These trends were reproduced in human clinical trials³ where antibody responses lasted up to 48 weeks and) T-cell responses were two-logs stronger against all published DNA and mRNA data, also up to 48 weeks.

Invention Summary:

DNA vaccines and DNA‑encoded therapeutics offer compelling advantages against nucleic-acid-based alternatives, including longevity of expression, superior T-cell response, rapid development, scalable manufacturing, and significantly simplified logistics due to stability against extreme temperatures. However, their broader clinical adoption has been constrained by inefficient in vivo delivery. Conventional intradermal or subcutaneous injection of naked DNA results in low cellular uptake and weak gene expression. While electroporation can enhance transfection efficiency, it is associated with significant drawbacks such as pain, local tissue damage, equipment complexity, high cost, and the need for specialized training. These limitations reduce patient acceptance and restrict scalability, particularly for routine vaccination or deployment in low‑resource settings. A safe, simple, and effective alternative in-vivo delivery approach remains a critical unmet need.

Rutgers researchers have developed a new approach of employing negative pressure to facility DNA delivery to subcutaneous sites. The approach involves intradermal or shallow subcutaneous injection of plasmid DNA, immediately followed by brief application of localized mild vacuum suction at the injection site. The applied negative pressure induces transient tissue deformation and strain in the epidermis and dermis, which enhances cellular uptake of DNA through mechanosensitive endocytic pathways. Both preclinical studies in various animal models^{1, 2} and clinical trials³demonstrated rapid onset and sustained transgene expression, and strong, long lasting antibody response out to 48 weeks. Furthermore, the T-cell response is superior when benchmarked against published data on all current DNA and mRNA vaccines. Importantly, effective delivery is achieved via a cost-effective handheld device, without detectable tissue injury or inflammation, distinguishing this method from electroporation while maintaining comparable or superior immunogenicity.

Market Applications:

DNA vaccines for infectious diseases, oncology, and biodefense
DNA‑encoded protein therapeutics and immunomodulators
Gene therapy requiring safe and effective DNA transfection

Advantages:

Superior T-cell response
Easy of operation, cost-effective device, and self-administration possible
Reduced pain, minimal adverse effects and excellent patient tolerability as proven by clinical trials
Scalable and compatible with existing plasmid formulations
Proven superiority when benchmarking against electroporation and other invasive delivery methods

Publications:

(1) Lallow, E. O., et al.Novel suction-based in vivo cutaneous DNA transfection platform. Science advances 2021, 7 (45), eabj0611.

(2) Jeong, M., et al. Immune responses of a novel bi-cistronic SARS-CoV-2 DNA vaccine following intradermal immunization with suction delivery. Frontiers in virology 2022, 2, 891540.

(3) Kim, W. J., et al.Safety and immunogenicity of the bi-cistronic GLS-5310 COVID-19 DNA vaccine delivered with the GeneDerm suction device. International journal of infectious diseases 2023, 128, 112-120.

Intellectual Property & Development Status: US Patent 12,508,409 and US Patent Application 19/435,278. Available for licensing and/or research collaboration. For any business development and other collaborative partnerships contact marketingbd@research.rutgers.edu.

RU Physician Assistant PANCE/PANRE Board Review Course

christopher.perkins@rutgers.edu — Fri, 15 May 2026 15:43:57 GMT

Boost your confidence for the PANCE/PANRE! Get the latest clinical education from the most accomplished PA faculty in the industry.

Invention Summary:

Certification and recertification are required for Physician Assistant (PA) licensure and continued clinical practice. To support this, the Rutgers Health School of Health Professions Physician Assisting program delivers a structured, high‑yield review aligned with PANCE and PANRE blueprints, reinforcing core medical knowledge and exam readiness. Rutgers offers an AAPA‑approved CME live course each May, with all videos, lectures, and supporting materials hosted on Canvas for ongoing access—enabling flexible use for both initial certification preparation and CME for practicing PAs. Led by expert faculty and guided by current clinical guidelines, the program provides a rigorous yet accessible review experience.

The Rutgers PANCE/PANRE Review Course has been a proven, highly reliable preparation resource for many years, supporting the certification and recertification of thousands of PAs nationwide through consistent expert-led instruction, rigorous exam alignment, and clinically current content. Delivered each May as a live course, it is professionally captured and hosted on the Canvas Learning Management System, forming the foundation of a comprehensive, web-based curriculum that we license exclusively to universities and colleges for educational use. The electronic curriculum includes modular video lectures, review materials, and assessment components designed to give faculty the flexibility to integrate world-class instruction directly into their programs. Its modular structure supports seamless deployment across a variety of applications, including PA programs, remediation pathways, CME offerings, and workforce development initiatives. Whether accessed through institutional learning platforms or directly by learners, the course delivers a flexible, high-quality review experience built to meet the needs of both educators and practicing PAs.

Market Applications:

PA Programs: Board‑review courses, capstones, remediation support, or integrated didactic/clinical curriculum components.
Health Systems & Clinical Employers: CME for employed PAs, recertification support, or structured onboarding training.
Professional Associations & Training Providers: CME‑accredited offerings or conference‑aligned educational content.
Multi‑Site Institutions & Networks: Scalable review curriculum for academic partnerships or workforce development. Initiatives

Advantages:

Proven Success: Trusted over many years and used by thousands of PAs with strong exam preparation outcomes.
Annually Updated: Reflects current PANCE/PANRE blueprints and the latest clinical practice guidelines.
Expert Faculty: Taught by experienced Rutgers clinicians and educators.
Turnkey Digital Format: Each May’s live CME course is captured and packaged for seamless institutional use.
High‑Yield Curriculum: Focused, structured content that supports both certification and recertification.
Flexible Delivery: Modular design suitable for LMS integration, hybrid instruction, or independent study.

Intellectual Property & Development Status: This creative work- copyright technology is available for licensing and purchase. For any business development and other collaborative partnerships contact marketingbd@research.rutgers.edu.

Genetically Encoded Membrane Tension Sensor for Real-Time Fluorescent Imaging

otc@rowan.edu — Fri, 15 May 2026 15:31:32 GMT

This technology is a genetically encoded, membrane-bound fluorescent tension sensor that converts changes in cell membrane tension into changes in light intensity. It enables real-time visualization and measurement of mechanical forces in living cells, tissues, and model systems for mechanobiology research, disease modeling, and therapeutic screening.

The platform can be expressed in biological systems and configured across fluorescence colors and tension ranges for different assay contexts. By providing a direct fluorescent readout of membrane mechanics, it supports live-cell imaging and high-content screening workflows where existing tools can be indirect, technically complex, or difficult to deploy in dynamic biological systems.

Potential Applications / Applicability: Mechanobiology research; live-cell and tissue imaging; high-content drug screening for compounds that alter mechanotransduction pathways; disease modeling using cultured cells, organoids, and animal models; transgenic models that report tissue-level mechanical forces; lab-on-a-chip and engineered tissue systems.

Key Benefits:

Direct, reversible fluorescent readout of membrane tension in living biological systems.
Genetically encoded format supports stable expression in cultured cells, organoids, and animal models.
Tunable sensitivity, fluorescence color options, and ion-independent reporter formats support multiplexed, application-specific live-cell assays.

Opportunity: Rowan University is seeking licensing and collaboration partners to develop this biosensor platform for research tools, live-cell imaging, disease modeling, and drug discovery screening. Potential partners include life science reagent suppliers, imaging and instrumentation companies, transgenic model providers, and drug discovery platform developers.

Development Status: Initial data, prototype, and proof-of-principle studies have been completed in biological model systems, including mammalian cell lines. Development is focused on tuning sensitivity ranges and color variants for different use cases. Patent application pending.

Fluorous Gated Field-Effect Transistor Sensors for PFAS Detection

otc@rowan.edu — Fri, 15 May 2026 15:16:03 GMT

Fluorous-interface gated field-effect transistor (FET) sensors provide a portable platform for real-time detection of PFAS and related fluorinated compounds in water. An extended-gate interface converts fluorous interactions into electrical signals, with an optional F-PANI configuration that adds an optical response for cross-verification. The platform is designed as a field-deployable alternative or complement to laboratory-based water testing for environmental, municipal, industrial, and remediation use.

Potential Applications / Applicability: Drinking-water, groundwater, surface-water, and industrial-effluent PFAS screening; wastewater and remediation monitoring; municipal, regulatory, defense, aerospace, and environmental field testing; handheld or distributed water-quality sensor networks.

Key Benefits:

Supports selective PFAS detection through fluorous-interface chemistry.
Provides real-time on-site readout using a portable extended-gate FET architecture.
Adds optional dual electrical/optical F-PANI output for cross-verification.

Opportunity: Rowan seeks partners for licensing, prototype development, field validation, and integration into handheld, distributed, or IoT-enabled water-monitoring products.

Development Status: Initial laboratory data support fluorous-interface and F-PANI/FET sensing configurations. Development is focused on interface optimization, reproducibility, portable integration, and field validation. Patent application pending.

Development of Antimicrobial Peptidomimetics Based on Helical Sulfonyl-γ-AA Peptides with Broad-Spectrum Activity Against Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 15 May 2026 10:32:30 GMT

Advantages

Demonstrates broad spectrum antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative multidrug resistant pathogens
Designed to mimic natural antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) while overcoming their limitations
Exhibits enhanced structural stability and resistance to proteolytic degradation, leading to prolonged activity
Acts through membrane disruption, reducing the likelihood of resistance development and offers potential for better bioavailability compared to traditional peptide-based therapeutics

Summary

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is rapidly emerging as one of the most pressing global health challenges, limiting the effectiveness of conventional antibiotics and increasing the risk of untreatable infections. While natural antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have shown promise as alternatives, their clinical use has been restricted due to poor stability, rapid degradation, and potential toxicity. This technology introduces a novel class of synthetic antimicrobial agents known as sulfonyl-γ-AA peptide foldamers, engineered to replicate the beneficial properties of natural AMPs while addressing their key limitations. These molecules adopt a right-handed helical structure, enabling them to interact effectively with bacterial membranes and disrupt them, leading to rapid bacterial cell death.

The lead candidate has demonstrated strong activity against a wide range of multidrug-resistant bacteria, including both Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains. Unlike traditional antibiotics that target specific cellular pathways, this technology works by physically disrupting bacterial membranes, a mechanism that significantly reduces the chance of resistance development. From a commercial perspective, this innovation is well positioned within the growing global antimicrobial market, driven by increasing awareness of AMR and the urgent demand for new therapeutic solutions. The technology aligns with current industry trends focused on next generation antibiotics and peptide mimetics, offering a promising opportunity for pharmaceutical development and licensing.

FIG. 4C-D are a series of images depicting drug resistance development of AM10 against (C) E coli and (D) MRSA

Desired Partnerships:

License
Sponsored Research
Co-Development

A Reactor Design to Enable Efficient Microbial Electrolysis System With High Hydrogen Production Rate (Case No. 2025-298)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 14 May 2026 21:41:10 GMT

Summary:

UCLA researchers in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering have developed a novel reactor design for bias-free microbial electrolysis system operation, enabling efficient high-rate hydrogen production.

Background:

As demand for clean hydrogen production rises, microbial electrolysis systems (MES) continue to show promise for sustainable hydrogen production. Conventional MES require an external voltage to convert organic waste into hydrogen, reducing system efficiency and off-grid applications. To address these limitations, bias-free MES designs have been explored, which utilize no external voltage by relying on energy released during microbial oxidation. Current bias-free MES are limited by scalability and low hydrogen yield because of locally low anode pH, hindering their practical applications. Moreover, advanced wastewater electrolysis systems rely on energy-intensive processes to drive the reactions, which diminishes their overall efficiency and benefit. To improve system performance and commercial viability of bias-free MES, a new design must be developed that significantly increases hydrogen production while enabling bias-free operation.

Innovation:

Researchers at UCLA have developed a novel MES that utilizes a pH-decoupling design to achieve bias-free operation and enhanced system performance. Its architecture reduces energy requirements and enables bias-free hydrogen production. The microbial electrolysis cells can generate an electrical output of ~0.22 kWh m-3, supporting self-sustaining operation and dual-output functionality. Additionally, the system has a hydrogen production current of ~13-14 mA cm-2 and demonstrates long-term operational stability, maintaining a current density of 10 mA cm-2 for over 1,000 hours. These results highlight the system’s ability to sustain high-rate hydrogen production over extended periods, improving commercial viability. Overall, this bias-free MES combines high-rate hydrogen production, efficiency, and stability, positioning the technology as a compelling solution for next-generation sustainable hydrogen production.

Potential Applications:

●   Self-powered hydrogen production
○   Decentralized, off-grid
●   Hydrogen fueling stations powered by organic waste
●   Integration in municipal/industrial wastewater treatment plants
○   Semiconductor processing plant wastewater treatment
●   Food/agricultural waste processing
●   Anaerobic digestion enhancement
○   Post-treatment for energy recovery
●   Biorefineries/chemical plants

Advantages:

●   Bias-free operation
●   Dual-output
○   Hydrogen and electrical power output
■   Multiple value streams from energy recovery
●   High performance
○   High-rate hydrogen production
○   Stable operation (500+ hours at a high current density)
○   High Faradaic and Coulombic efficiency
●   Sustainable
●   pH-sensitive

Development-To-Date:

First successful demonstration of the invention completed August 2023.

Related Papers:

Huang, Y., et a. (2025). Biocatalyzed Lactate Oxidation Enables Efficient Bias-Free Hydrogen Production in a Three-Chamber Reactor; https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.5c10688

Huang, Y., et al. (2024). High power density redox-mediated Shewanella microbial flow fuel cells. Nature Communications. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-52498-w

Huang, Y., et al. (2021). Redox targeting of silver nanoparticles for enhanced extracellular electron transfer. Science, 373(6556), 653-656. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.abf3427

Reference:

UCLA Case No. 2025-298

Lead Inventors:

Yu Huang, Xiangfeng Duan

Siglec-6 Targeting Antibodies for Precision Immunotherapy

saradagen@ufl.edu — Thu, 14 May 2026 17:39:00 GMT

Antibody-Based Platform for Targeted Elimination of Leukemia Cells with Reduced Off-Target Toxicity

These human antibodies target and bind to Siglec-6 for precise immunotherapies treating diseases related to aberrant Siglec-6 expression, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is one of the most common adult leukemias, with a lifetime risk of 0.6% for the average American. Current treatment options include monoclonal antibodies and kinase inhibitors. While these therapies extend remissions in most patients, they are not curative. They require continuous use, thereby creating a significant burden; have mechanisms of relapse; and lack specificity for leukemia B cells, perpetuating immune dysfunction in patients. Additionally, most current immunotherapies target broadly expressed B-cell markers, increasing the risk of on-target/off-tumor toxicity and limiting the therapeutic window of dosing.

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT), a high-risk procedure ruled out for most of the CLL patient population, yields longer remissions or cures in approximately half of patients who have undergone this treatment. While most of alloHSCT-induced graft-versus-leukemia response is T cell-mediated, there is evidence of leukemia-targeting antibodies; key for developing CLL-specific therapies. There is a growing need for therapies that can more precisely distinguish malignant cells from healthy tissue.

Researchers at the University of Florida have identified a set of alloHSCT patient-derived Siglec-6 targeting monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for selective targeting of disease-associated cells. By focusing on a more restricted surface marker, this approach supports more precise and potentially safer immunotherapy strategies.

Application

Antibody-based therapeutic platform for the treatment of leukemia and other diseases, including fully human monoclonal antibodies, T-cell engaging bispecific antibodies, and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) targeting Siglec-6

Advantages

Targets Siglec-6–expressing cells with high specificity, reducing on-target/off-tumor effects compared to broadly targeted immunotherapies
Supports multiple therapeutic formats, including bispecific antibodies and ADCs, enabling flexible development across indications
Enables T-cell recruitment through bispecific T-cell engagers (TCEs), enhancing immune-mediated killing of target cells
Provides a modular antibody platform adaptable to different disease contexts, expanding potential clinical and commercial applications

Technology

The therapeutic platform consists of engineered antibodies that selectively bind to Siglec-6, a cell surface receptor associated with certain leukemias and immune-related conditions. These antibodies are designed to recognize and attach to target cells with high specificity, enabling more precise identification of diseased cells compared to traditional immunotherapies. In various configurations, the antibodies can be incorporated into therapeutic formats such as TCEs and ADCs. These formats allow the technology to recruit immune cells to attack target cells or deliver therapeutic payloads directly, providing a flexible platform for targeted treatment while minimizing effects on healthy tissue.

Publications

Cyr et al. (2022), J. Immunother. Cancer 10, e004850
Nunes et al. (2024), Nat. Commun. 15, 5180

A Novel Strategy to Produce 6-cys Proteins Based on Pfs230D1 Domain Fusions

nihott@nih.gov — Thu, 14 May 2026 17:35:09 GMT

The Plasmodium parasite has a complex lifecycle during human infection and in the mosquito vector. Most advanced malaria vaccine candidates can confer only partial, short-term protection in malaria-endemic areas. A means of breaking the transmission of malaria to subsequent individuals could prevent a significant amount of human disease.

The primary embodiments of this technology are novel compositions of matter that produce enhanced transmission-blocking responses over current transmission blocking vaccines:

The inventors designed fusion protein sequences incorporating Pfs230 domain1 (Pfs230D1) at the N-terminus with additional Plasmodium 6-cys domains downstream.
The artificial immunogens retained structured transmission blocking epitopes.

This technology is available for licensing for commercial development in accordance with 35 U.S.C. § 209 and 37 CFR Part 404, as well as for further development and evaluation under a research collaboration.

High-Density Electroencephalography (EEG) Mobile Brain Imaging for Mitigating Cybersickness in Immersive Virtual Reality

saradagen@ufl.edu — Thu, 14 May 2026 15:55:31 GMT

Detects EEG Signatures of Sensory Conflict and Applies Brief, Intermittent Visual Perturbations To Reduce Cybersickness

This brain-informed VR display control system uses high-density electroencephalography (EEG) to detect and mitigate cybersickness during immersive experiences. Immersive virtual reality (VR) systems deliver three-dimensional, motion-tracked experiences that can enhance education, occupational training, entertainment, medicine, and elder care. However, VR can trigger symptoms due to visual–vestibular discrepancies, leading to nausea, eyestrain, fatigue, and reduced attention, which limit its adoption across education, training, entertainment, and healthcare. Existing countermeasures (for example, drugs, noninvasive brain stimulation, harnesses, and field of view or image manipulations) have mixed results and can compromise immersion. For its widespread adoption of immersive virtual reality technology, it is necessary to identify how to reduce the impact of cybersickness on users.

Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a mobile brain imaging and display control solution that detects EEG signatures of sensory conflict and applies brief, intermittent visual perturbations to improve visuo-vestibular synchronization and reduce cybersickness. Using electroencephalography (EEG), the platform uses altered neural synchronization patterns during immersive virtual reality, particularly in brain regions involved in error monitoring and multisensory integration, to improve synchronization between visual and vestibular brain areas to reduce cybersickness symptoms.

Application

Integrates with VR headsets to monitor neural activity and dynamically apply short, intermittent display perturbations that help reduce cybersickness during immersive use in training, education, entertainment, and clinical VR environments

Advantages

Tracks brain activity during immersive virtual reality use, enabling the development of cybersickness mitigation strategies
Applies brief, intermittent visual perturbations, mitigating the severity of cybersickness without prolonged display changes
Improves synchronization between visual and vestibular brain areas, reducing the onset and severity of cybersickness
Adjustable timing and magnitude enable user-specific tuning based on physiological signals

Technology

The brain imaging platform provides a system for tracking brain activity and mitigating cybersickness during immersive virtual reality experiences. This technology provides an integrated system linking a VR device with an EEG based mobile brain imaging and motion sensing module. The analysis apparatus detects neural patterns associated with visual–vestibular conflict and generates a cybersickness “insight” that drives the headset to apply short, intermittent perturbations to the display. Perturbations can include transient rotation of the visual scene, changes in light intensity or color scheme, brief occlusion of vision, application of infrared light, or related display modifications. Parameters such as timing and magnitude are adjustable per user to promote neural synchronization, reduce visual overweighting, and mitigate cybersickness while preserving immersion.

Drug-Regulatable, Inducible Expression of Membrane-Bound Interleukin 12 (DRIM-IL-12) for Use in Adoptive Cell Therapy

nihott@nih.gov — Thu, 14 May 2026 15:14:37 GMT

Summary:

Scientists at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) have developed a novel tightly regulated drug-responsive, membrane-bound IL-12 cytokine platform, that enhances anti-tumor efficacy in adoptive cell therapy (ACT) with engineered T-cells (CAR, TCR, TILs) while improving safety. The NCI seeks research co-development partners and/or licensees to advance this technology toward clinical translation.

Description of Technology:

ACT offers hope for patients with refractory or metastatic cancers, but effectiveness is frequently undermined by the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and T-cell dysfunction. Interleukin-12 (IL-12), a powerful cytokine with strong anti-tumor properties, has long been recognized for its potential to invigorate T-cell responses within tumors. However, systemic administration of IL-12 results in severe toxicity. Further, prior gene therapy strategies failed to provide sufficient control over IL-12 expression. These two factors compromise safety and therapeutic performance.

This invention introduces a Nuclear Factor of Activated T cells (NFAT)-inducible, drug-regulatable, membrane-bound IL-12 (DRIM-IL-12) system that delivers spatiotemporally controlled cytokine expression within the engineered T cell therapy product. This platform ensures IL-12 is expressed only upon T-cell activation. Concurrently, the degron (D) sequence confers lenalidomide-dependent proteasome-mediated degradation–serving as a drug-controlled safety switch to limit systemic toxicity. A transmembrane (TM) domain anchors IL-12 in the plasma membrane, preventing unintended secretion and promoting localized immune modulation. When paired with tumor-specific TCRs or CARs (e.g., anti-mutant p53 or KRAS TCRs, or CD19 CAR), this platform enhances tumor cell killing and long-term survival in preclinical models. In a mouse model, DRIM-IL-12 demonstrated substantially improved safety compared to the previous generation of NFAT-inducible IL-12. The inventors also demonstrate that DRIM-IL-12 expression can be dialed down or fine-tuned to prevent T-cell exhaustion or differentiation, which can occur with uncontrolled IL-12 expression.

The NCI invites industry partners and translational researchers to collaborate or license this technology for the next generation of safer, more effective ACT-based immunotherapies.

Potential Commercial Applications:

Solid tumors expressing p53 or KRAS mutations
Hematologic malignancies
Melanoma

Competitive Advantages:

Versatile platform for inducible cytokine regulation
Superior survival in mouse models compared with TCR-only T-cells
Enhanced tumor cell killing and long-term survival in murine models
Decreased IL-12–associated toxicity
Maintenance of higher IL-12 expression
Improved sensitivity to lenalidomide-mediated degradation

Gene Therapy for Optic Neuropathy

lbricha@upenn.edu — Thu, 14 May 2026 14:17:51 GMT

Problem:
Optic neuritis is a condition commonly observed in MS patients that leads to temporary or permanent visual decline following demyelination of the optic nerve and loss of retinal ganglion cells. Current therapies for MS and ON include immunosuppressive agents that mitigate the inflammatory component of disease. Unfortunately, these treatments provide temporary symptomatic relief and, moreover, do not attenuate further neuronal loss.

Solution:
Jean Bennett, one of the first investigators to develop a gene therapy for a rare inherited form of retinal blindness, has developed a novel Adeno Associated Viral Vector that drives constitutive expression of human SIRT1 in vivo in the mouse retina of an experimental autoimmune murine model of Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Bennett and her team have demonstrated SIRT1’s neuroprotective augmentation in suppressing retinal ganglion cell death, optic nerve inflammation and demyelination, and vision loss.

Stage of Development:

Penn has intellectual property claiming these novel vectors encoding the SIRT1 gene for treatment for treatment of retinal disorders resulting from optic nerve damage.

Intellectual Property:

US 11,879,133
EP Patent Pending
US Patent Pending

Desired Partnerships:

Licensing
Co-Development.

As discussions progress, we would happy to put you in touch with Penn’s world class gene therapy investigator who led this important new initiative

Docket # 17-8143

XR Platform for Personalized Neurological Rehabilitation and Diagnostics (Case No. 2025-99L)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 13 May 2026 19:27:54 GMT

Summary:

UCLA researchers in the Department of Neurology have developed a novel AI-driven mixed reality headset for precision stroke rehabilitation.

Background:

Stroke is a leading cause of long-term motor disability, often requiring prolonged and intensive rehabilitation to restore motor function. Current methods for evaluating motor impairments rely heavily on subjective clinical assessments, introducing inter-operator variability and human error. Consequently, therapeutic interventions are typically generalized instead of tailored to a patient’s individual deficits, which may reduce efficacy of clinical outcome. In addition, long-term intensive therapy is frequently confined to specialized clinical environments, reducing accessibility, long-term adherence, and recovery potential. As a result, there remains a significant unmet need for a scalable, data-driven rehabilitation approach capable of objective motor assessment and personalized therapy across diverse healthcare settings.

Innovation:

Researchers at UCLA have developed an AI-driven mixed reality (MR) platform designed to facilitate stroke rehabilitation. Deployed via an MR headset, the system utilizes markerless 3D kinematic analysis and real-time motion capture to quantify motor impairments through embedded cameras. The system removes the need for physical markers through its real-time analysis of movement quality. Unlike existing rehabilitation methods that utilize scripted exercises, this technology analyzes patient movement deficits, quantifying impairments such as weakness, synergies, loss of dexterity, and compensatory movements, through AI algorithms trained on clinical kinematic datasets. The system’s algorithms are trained on extensive stroke and healthy control datasets, enabling swift classification and generation of individualized rehabilitation plans. Based on real-time patient performance, the MR environment provides immediate visual, auditory, and haptic cues to reinforce correct movement patterns and promote neuroplasticity. By replacing subjective assessments with data-driven analysis, this technology can reduce inter-rater variability while improving treatment personalization. Crucially, the system’s portability enables deployment across clinical, home, and tele-rehabilitation settings, significantly enhancing accessibility to intensive stroke rehabilitation. By integrating adaptive AI with real-time kinematic data, this platform represents a scalable approach to modernizing stroke rehabilitation.

Potential Applications:

● Stroke rehabilitation
● Broader neurological rehabilitation
● Movement disorder intervention
● Tele-health & remote monitoring
● Orthopedic medicine
● Physical & occupational therapy
● Sports medicine
● Clinical trials

Advantages:

●   Data-driven
●   Adaptive AI trained on extensive stroke and healthy datasets
●   Closed-loop system
●   Personalized therapy
●   Accessibility
●   Enhanced neuroplasticity
●   No physical markers
● Closed-loop system

Development-To-Date:

Initial conception; currently pitching to VCs

Reference:

UCLA Case No. 2025-99L

Lead Inventor:

Ahmet Arac, Faculty in the Department of Neurology

Nanoporous Materials for Direct Air Capture

techtransfer@buffalo.edu — Wed, 13 May 2026 17:14:31 GMT

An amine-based ultrathin polyamide coating for direct carbon dioxide capture from air and point sources with low carbon dioxide concentrations.

Background:

Direct air capture (DAC) technologies allow extraction of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storage or conversion to value-added chemicals through catalysis. DAC materials must demonstrate high CO₂ capacity and high stability over a long period of time for efficient CO₂ capture, as the concentration of CO₂ in air is low so effective capture requires large amounts of air flow. The need for DAC has driven the development of alternate capture technologies, the most promising of which is amine-based sorbents. These large surface area porous substrates increase amine loading, and thereby amine density, which increases capture efficiency.

Technology Overview:

This University at Buffalo invention describes an innovative amine-based nanoporous material for DAC of CO₂. A facile interfacial polymerization method was created to trap small amines in commercial nanoporous materials. The coating process gave an ultrathin polyamide coating of approximately 20 nm with thermal stability up to 200ºC and excellent sorbent stability after repeated cycle testing. These materials achieve a much higher CO₂ purity (≥ 98 vol%) than commercial technologies (<5 vol%). In addition, these materials offer high sorbent stability and loading kinetics, as well as low energy penalty during desorption due to low support fraction and high sorbent loading.

https://buffalo.technologypublisher.com/files/sites/7582_in-part.jpg

Source: Emmy Ljs, stock.adobe.com/uk/622743817, stock.adobe.com

Advantages:

Fast reaction kinetics and high amine efficiency due to the use of small amines
High sorbent stability from the effective blocking of amine penetration by the polyamide coating
High sorbent loading and fast exposure of sorbent materials to air because of the engineered monolith structure and multiple flow channels
Low energy penalty during desorption due to the low support fraction and high sorbent loading

Applications:

Direct air capture of carbon dioxide
CO₂ capture from point sources with low CO₂ concentration, such as NGCC flue gas
Modification of the capture sorbent for trapping functional species, such as drugs, for controlled release

Intellectual Property Summary:

US National Patent Application 19/585,201 filed May 6, 2026.

Stage of Development:

Laboratory demonstration through in vitro studies and analytical chemical analysis.

Licensing Status:
Available for licensing or collaboration.

Relevant Links:

Production of Salivary Gland Epithelial Progenitors and Acinar Organoids

techtransfer@buffalo.edu — Wed, 13 May 2026 17:13:42 GMT

Human iPSC-based tissue engineering system to develop salivary gland epithelial progenitors used to construct acinar organoids that mimic glandular microarchitecture and function.

Background:

Organoids are three-dimensional cell constructs that replicate the complicated tissue microarchitecture of specialized epithelial tissues. These constructs impart tissue function and allow their application to previous areas in which in vitro cells were not applicable, such as tissue engineering, drug testing and developmental biology. Here, salivary gland epithelial progenitors and acinar organoids are produced and provide a functional model for regenerative medicine and drug testing.

Technology Overview:

This University at Buffalo invention provides a novel differentiation technique that guides iPSC through the various glandular developmental stages with each progenitor lineage being induced via treatment with specific cocktails of growth factors, small molecules (agonist/inhibitors) and extracellular matrix (ECM) to mimic the developmental microenvironment necessary for the specific stage. This is also directed to the development of functional and biologically accurate acinar spheroids that express the correct mature markers in their specific cellular compartment along with the spheroids being polarized and lumenized to mimic the acinar phenotype in vivo, hence providing a platform for drug testing.

https://buffalo.technologypublisher.com/files/sites/7558_inpart_image.jpg

Source: JosLuis, https://stock.adobe.com/uk/613759231, stock.adobe.com

Advantages:

The ability to generate the various germ layers and progenitor phenotypes that the salivary gland develops from an easy and efficient 2-dimensional culture technique
Avoids the use of any viral overexpression of transcription factors to define a lineage, as this technique relies on treatments with specified growth factors and chemicals for progressive development stages.
Avoids the use of 3-dimensional cultures initially as an efficient way of generating salivary gland epithelial progenitors, and hence avoids the need of any laborious microdissection techniques or cell-sorting methods to isolate the progenitor populations.
Generates lumenized organoids that recapture the acinar cell development with many transcription factors associated with the developing acini being expressed in different gene blocks in the various different stages of the generation technique
Generates mature acinar organoids that express Mist1, NKCC1, Any1A and apical AQP5 along with an internal f-actin ring that show polarization of these organoids
Generated SGEP when transplanted orthotopically survive, engraft, and differentiate into both acinar and ductal lineages, showing the bi-potency of these iPSC-derived cells
Truly mimic the in vivo complexities of organs and their functions

Applications:

Platform for drug testing
Platform for regenerative medicine

Intellectual Property Summary:

US National Patent Application 19/579,309 filed April 16, 2026.

Stage of Development:

Laboratory demonstration through in vitro studies and analytical chemical analysis.

Licensing Status:

Available for licensing or collaboration.

Relevant Links:

In review for publication

Speech Sounds Carryover App

JianlingL@tla.arizona.edu — Wed, 13 May 2026 16:28:10 GMT

This invention is a generative AI app that provides corrective feedback during speech sounds carryover assignments. Carryover involves the consistent and correct use of newly acquired speech sounds, language structures, or communication strategies outside of the therapy environment. This involves the consistent use of newly acquired speech sounds and language structures. The app helps clinicians assign appropriate lessons for users who engage with age-appropriate content in story-based games. A supporting avatar provides targeted corrective feedback and gestural cues as needed to help elicit correct responses when responses are incorrect, positive praise for correct responses, and collects data on all responses for the speech therapist to track progress.

Background:
Carryover in speech therapy is a client’s ability to transfer the skills and techniques learned during therapy sessions into everyday life at home, in school, or in social settings. It often requires collaboration between the therapist, the client, and their caregivers to create opportunities for practice and reinforcement in real-life situations. Often, parents and caregivers struggle to provide effective feedback when their children give incorrect responses and are unsure how to help them arrive at the correct one. This results in decreased opportunities for improvement, caregiver encouragement to practice, and the child losing interest in practicing or practicing alone without support. The Speech Sounds Carryover app helps bridge this gap to help carryover assignments facilitate skill transfer and ensure progress is being made.

Applications:

Speech and language therapy
Carryover assignments
AI in speech therapy

Advantages:

More effective therapy outcomes
Better speech therapy reinforcement
Encourage speech therapy practice
Enhanced skill transfer

Multipronged Composite Protocol for High-Efficiency Deep Tissue RNA Delivery and Expression

lbricha@upenn.edu — Wed, 13 May 2026 15:35:01 GMT

An RNA transfection and protein expression approach comprising lipid nanoparticles, hyaluronic acid, and photostimulation
Problem:
As the field of cell modification has expanded, researchers have sought more effective methods for nucleic acid (NA) delivery into cells. RNA transfection is easier to facilitate and control than DNA transfection, making it a promising candidate for cells to build specific proteins. Researchers have developed various approaches to RNA transfection, such as the use of chemicals, lipid nanoparticles (LNP), electroporation, and phototransfection, but many of these are toxic and/or inefficient. ~99% of gene medicines never reach the target, and for cancer only ~0.7% reaches the tumor. Only 0.007% of gene medicines have an effective therapeutic delivery method.
Solution:
The inventors have developed an approach to transfection utilizing the combined benefits of LNPs, hyaluronic acid (HA) of different sizes, and light of different wavelengths. Taking in less messenger RNA (mRNA) as input, the approach is able to increase live cell transfection efficiency, transfected mRNA translation, and transfection accessibility of tissue-resident cells. When transitioned from lab microscopes to engineered light-assisted syringes, mRNA will have an increased functional efficacy, decreased amount of RNA, fewer side effects, decreased cost and provide cell selective treatment.
Technology:
In conjunction with photostimulation (PS), the inventors assessed natural cellular polymers due to their low toxicity and selected HA for its impact on RNA transfection and expression in the presence of LNPs. Along with its demonstrated ability to facilitate RNA introduction into cells, HA provides lubrication and hydration within the extracellular matrix, and it can assist with cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. The composite method was validated through in vitro testing in mouse neuron and nervous system cells.
Advantages:

Requires less RNA input than conventional transfection methods
Facilitates higher protein translation per unit of RNA delivered
Achieves transfection efficiency of up to 6x higher than lipid nanoparticle-only approaches
Increases translational fluorescence by 5.5x
33x better “functional delivery” than LNP methods alone
Because of NIR light stimulation, RNA can enter cells that are deeper in tissue

Stage of Development:

Target Identified
Preclinical Discover
Preliminary light-assisted syringe development plan established

The transfected mRNA encodes DsRed and green fluorescent protein (GFP) for imaging. The fluorescence images depict the enhancement of LNP-mediated RNA transfection efficiency via addition of hyaluronic acid in nervous cells, or astrocytes, (top) and the enhancement of LNP-mediated RNA transfection in neurons via hyaluronic acid and photostimulation (middle), as indicated by the increased presence of DsRed-positive (green) cells. The graphs depict the dose-dependent increase in transfection efficiency with HA (bottom left) and the increase in DsRed-positive cells with photostimulation (bottom right).
Intellectual Property:

Provisional Filed

Reference Media:

Kim, HB et al.; Front Drug Deliv., 2024 March 5; 4: 1359700.

Desired Partnerships:

License
Co-development

Docket: 25-11176

Northwestern Startup: Akava Therapeutics

dragos@northwestern.edu — Wed, 13 May 2026 15:30:06 GMT

Founded: 2019

Northwestern Inventor:

Richard Silverman

Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences
Department of Chemistry and Department of Molecular Biosciences
Feinberg School of Medicine
Department of Pharmacology

AKAVA Therapeutics is developing first-in-class small molecule therapeutics that inhibit enzymes, inhibit cancer, and inhibit protein aggregation for a variety of cancers and neurodegenerative diseases.

AKAVA Therapeutics Website

Tibial Tubercle Osteotomy Fixation Device

IEA@rfsuny.org — Wed, 13 May 2026 15:14:39 GMT

Fixation device to secure bone fragment of tibial tuberosity to native bone after osteotomy surgical procedure.

Background:
Standard osteotomy techniques to join the tibial tubercle fragment to native bone include screw fixation alone or fixation with wire or suture, which are not reliable methods to holding the bone in place to avoid displacement post-operatively and possibly leading to non-union, malunion, extensor weakness, extensor lag, or complete loss of active knee extension.

Technology Overview:
Orthopedic oncology and joint reconstruction expert at Upstate Medical University has designed a device that secures the bone fragment of tibial tuberosity to the native bone using custom-made plates, screws and suture/wires after osteotomy and mobilization of the tuberosity and associated patellar tendon.

https://suny.technologypublisher.com/files/sites/adobestock_322821442_(002).jpeg

Advantages:
•   Improves fixation of the tibial tubercle fragment by improving bone to bone healing and normal restoration of the knee.
•   Reduces rate of revision surgery.
•   Minimizes surgery time.

Intellectual Property Summary:
Patent Pending US 18/236,678

Stage of Development:
TRL 3 - Experimental proof of concept

Licensing Status:
This technology is available for licensing.

Increasing Efficiency of Anti-Tumor Immune Checkpoint Blockade Therapy by Manipulating Tumor-Associated Macrophages

lbricha@upenn.edu — Wed, 13 May 2026 14:45:13 GMT

A method to manipulate tumor-associated macrophages by targeting the mitochondrial electron transport chain, improving the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade cancer therapies.
Problem:
Many cancer therapeutics work by activating the immune system to attack a tumor. These drugs, known as immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies, commonly fail because cancers develop resistance to ICB therapy. Prognosis is associated with tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), which exist in pro-tumor and anti-tumor states. Pro-tumor TAMs help tumors recover from therapy by inhibiting immune responses and promoting angiogenesis, limiting ICP therapy efficacy. The ratio of pro-tumor to anti-tumor TAMs is a strong predictor of survival and ICB therapy efficacy, but no available therapies are available to shift the TAM population to an anti-tumor state.
Solution:
This technology addresses a crucial challenge in cancer treatment by regulating the polarization of TAMs within the tumor microenvironment. By downregulating NDUFA4, it promotes anti-tumor TAMs, enhances immune cell recruitment, and inhibits tumor growth. This approach holds promise for boosting the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade therapies, offering a potential breakthrough in cancer treatment.
Technology:
Researchers examined TAM transcriptomes after exposure to the tumor microenvironment, uncovering a unique bifunctional transcript encoding both a microRNA (miR-147) and a protein (NDUFA4L3). Both miR-147 and NDUFA4L3 collaborate to suppress NDUFA4, a critical component of the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC). This downregulation of NDUFA4 results in decreased TAM ETC protein expression, altering TAM polarity. When miR-147 was administered along with an ICB therapy, αPD-1, tumor growth was eliminated. This effect on tumor growth can be attributed to an enhanced recruitment of the body’s immune system, namely T and natural killer (NK) immune cells.
Advantages:

Provides a method to manipulate TAM polarity, improving efficacy of ICB therapies
Increases immune infiltration in tumors
Reduces tumor growth
Broad application for multiple types of cancer

Stage of Development:

Preclinical Discovery

Inhibiting NDUFA4 with miR-147 synergizes with ICB therapy to reduce tumor volume and improve anti-tumor immune response. A) miR-147B is highly selective for NDUFA4 with few other targets. B) NDUFA4 is the highest predicted target for miR-147B. C) Experimental design to test whether miR-147 impacts tumor growth and anti-tumor immune response in mice. D) miR-147 works with ICB therapy αPD-1 to reduce tumor volume. E-I) miR-147 improves anti-tumor immune response by improving tumor infiltration by immune cells.
Intellectual Property:

Provisional Filed

Reference Media:

Clark ML et al., Immunity 2025 June 18; 58(7): 1670.

Desired Partnerships:

License

Docket: 24-10540

Coatings containing polar additives and their use as ice shedding surfaces.

jhayden@ndsurf.org — Wed, 13 May 2026 14:24:10 GMT

This invention relates to advanced polyurea-siloxane (PU) coatings modified with natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) and co-curing additives to improve ice-shedding performance under real-world conditions. The coating system incorporates choline chloride-glycerol NADES into a moisture-curable polymer matrix, enabling the formation of microphase-separated soft domains within the harder PU structure. These domains generate modulus mismatch and controlled interfacial discontinuities that promote crack initiation and propagation at the ice-coating interface, facilitating efficient ice detachment.

The technology also introduces a reactive co-curing additive synthesized by reacting 3-isocyanatopropyltrimethoxysilane with NADES, chemically anchoring the additive into the coating network. This approach improves additive retention, long-term durability, and mechanical stability while maintaining strong ice-shedding performance. Surface and mechanical analyses demonstrated that incorporation of NADES and co-curing additives reduced glass transition temperature, increased flexibility, enhanced abrasion resistance, and preserved coating hardness.

Experimental studies showed that the coatings maintained ice-shedding functionality over multiple icing/deicing cycles while exhibiting low interfacial toughness values. The microstructured domains within the coating create localized weak points that aid crack propagation under ice-loading conditions without compromising structural integrity. In addition, the coatings demonstrated lower abrasion-related mass loss than unmodified PU coatings, making them suitable for harsh outdoor environments.

The technology is particularly attractive for large-scale infrastructure applications because it combines environmentally friendly additives, scalable coating processes, and strong mechanical durability with passive anti-icing functionality.

Benefits

Enhanced passive ice-shedding capability
Improved abrasion resistance and durability
Reduced interfacial ice adhesion
Environmentally friendly additive chemistry using NADES
Scalable moisture-curable coating formulation
Maintains mechanical hardness while improving flexibility
Effective over repeated icing/deicing cycles
Potentially lower maintenance and energy costs for de-icing operations

Applications

Aircraft and aerospace surfaces
Wind turbine blades
Power transmission infrastructure
Rail and transportation systems
Marine vessels and offshore platforms
Refrigeration and HVAC systems
Telecommunications towers
Bridges and exposed structural surfaces

Patents

This technology is patent pending in the US and is available for licensing/partnering opportunities.

'ND Redvelvet' small red bean (NDF151006-2)

jhayden@ndsurf.org — Wed, 13 May 2026 14:22:03 GMT

‘ND Redvelvet’ small red bean was released in 2026 by the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station. Developed from the cross SR9-4/'Rio Rojo', ND Redvelvet has demonstrated competitive agronomic performance compared to other small red varieties commonly grown in the region. It matures in approximately 101 days and offers improved intermediate resistance to common bacterial blight (CBB) and white mold, along with resistance to bean common mosaic virus (BCMV). ND Redvelvet also features a large, desirable seed size and a rich red color comparable to Merlot. Its canning quality falls within acceptable commercial standards.

To help ensure genetic purity, 'ND Redvelvet' is protected under PVPA Title V (certificate No. pending) and must be sold as a class of certified seed.