Life Sciences and Medical Devices

Top

OrphageniX: Targeted Gene Alteration

Targeted Gene Alteration was developed to correct inborn base pair errors utilizing unique oligonucleotide sequences that exploit the innate gene repair machinery in the nucleus of the cell. The oligonucleotides enter the cell, bind to the complementary sequence around the mutation to create a mismatch at the mutation site, and direct endogenous DNA repair enzymes to correct the single point mutation. Cells that are repaired with TGA can grow and divide with normal transcription and regulation.

The mechanism and robustness of TGA has been elucidated in over 46 peer-reviewed publications since the year 2000. In addition, TGA has been validated in numerous animal models of important diseases providing substantial proof of concept.

OrphageniX has the worldwide, exclusive technology rights to a robust IP portfolio consisting of 5 issued patents (US6,936,467; US7,112,405; US7,226,785; US7,229,767; US7,258,854) and eight pending applications. The IP has been developed at the University of Delaware since the year 2000, and is particularly focused on the compositions and methods for utilizing single-stranded oligonucleotides to induce single point alterations (corrections) in the genome, including the treatment of human disease.

The technology can also be used for research purposes when making single point modifications to genes. Modifications can alter the gene or promoter region to up-regulate or down-regulate gene expression or to study the effects of targeted modifications of specific genes on the progression of disease.

OrphageniX therapeutic products may replace, augment, or enhance protein replacement or other gene-targeting technologies. Protein replacement products justify the blockbuster market potential treating rare hereditary diseases; but eventually, the body rejects all foreign proteins. TGA corrects the cell’s native protein to avoid rejection. Bone marrow or liver transplants are well understood, but locating matched donors is a problem. TGA corrects a patient’s cell, allowing autologous transplantation. Transcriptional modification (such as RNAi) validates the use of oligotherapies, but it cannot alter the genome like TGA. Finally, gene transfer can alter the genome like TGA, but gene transfer can lead to mutagenesis. TGA from OrphageniX combines ALL the benefits and avoids the problems of existing technologies.

Contact Dr. Eugene Buff (ebuff@yet2.com)

Japan Technology Group: Hand Incubator Device

One of the most prominent hand injury surgeons and a Professor at Nagoya University developed this medical device, which can be applied in the following areas:

• Wound healing/Closure Device (burns, poisoning, wound/ulcer healing)
• Pain Management (Musculoskeletal, Chronic, Post-operative pain)
• Drug Delivery topically or transdermally in controlled and continuous fashion

It can be used as a post-surgical pain-relieving device, or during repetitive motion work to prevent or eliminate muscle strain.

Some Statistics:

Injuries resulting from repeated motion (repetitive/cumulative trauma disorders—CTDs)—are growing. According to recent annual statistics from the U.S. Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses, over 302,000 CTDs accounts for nearly two thirds of all workplace-related illnesses.

Ergonomic disorders are the fastest growing category of work-related illness. According to the most recent statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, they account for 56 percent of illnesses reported to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. CTDs are on the rise and costing the U.S. billions of dollars annually. It has been estimated that CTDs cost U.S. industries as much as $ 27 billion dollars annually. Surgeons keep performing surgery with a terrible success rate of 60% or less, physicians keep prescribing anti-inflammatory medications with a success rate of less than 30%, while individuals continue to suffer with limited options made available by the medical industry.

In contrast to the existing solutions: the proposed Hand Incubator device can release the muscle strain and pressure, while completely alleviating the pain, in only 10 minutes.

It can be used as a post-surgical pain relieving device, or during repetitive motion work to prevent or eliminate muscle strain.

Overall, this technology would help to keep insurance costs from rising and ensure continuous working process of U.S. industries, while improving non-operative and post-operative treatments.

Contact Dr. Eugene Buff (ebuff@yet2.com)

PlasTech: Antimicrobial Wound-Care Sponge

Technology is protected by one broad patent and substantial material, process, manufacturing, and application know-how. The patent is broad and expires in 2019. A former patent, expiring in late 2008, is not part of the offered technology except for its know-how. This patent has never been commercialized as a wound dressing or as any of the other possible applications including wipes for personal or healthcare, wipes for surface sanitization, membranes, water and air filters. Other additional patents are possible.

The material delivers a biocide, iodine complexed and insolubilized by a plastic substrate, which controls its dosage continuously and in sufficient ppm to be antimicrobial without negatively impacting the surrounding healthy tissue. This promotes closure of wounds from difficult infections by pulling together the edges of the wound. The polymeric material is made of highly absorbent biocompatible sponges, woven or non woven substrates, and changes color to indicate dissipation of its antiseptic properties.

See TechPak 41445 (also a Tech of the Week article)

Electronics

Top

Splash: Location-Based Services Platform Technology

Splash is an innovative LBS (location-based services) platform technology. Splash can be used to assign location-specific messages to geographic areas, to be received on the cell phones of mobile users. Messaging applications range from mobile marketing to emergency alerts.

As a platform technology, Splash also enables the efficient operation of any mobile application requiring location intelligence, including mobile navigation and social networking tools. Splash Generation 2 (expected delivery within 12 months) will enable “situation-aware messaging” and adds the ability to efficiently discern speed and direction of travel, among other innovations.

Currently, many location-enabled mobile applications (such as spatial messaging and proximity marketing) require continuous location updates between the mobile device and the server, resulting in rapid depletion of mobile battery power and central server processing bottlenecks. Splash technology resolves these problems in a revolutionary way: Splash eliminates the need for continuous monitoring between the mobile device and the server, without using location estimation techniques.

Compared to existing LBS platforms (often referred to as geospatial platforms),

• Splash conserves mobile battery power (99% reduction in power consumption)
• Splash reduces server processing overhead (99.9% reduction in CPU cycles)

Censar: Thin-Film Sensor Array

Censar has developed proprietary electrochemical and optical sensors that use their own pH-adjusted measurement environment to directly measure molecules of interest. Other proprietary sensors use multi-spectrum optical measurements for absorption and reflection measurements to determine color and turbidity of static or dynamic samples. Finally, selective gas measurement sensor based on both of the technologies is available as well.

While many analytical instruments used in water and wastewater treatment are based on 30-year-old designs, CENSAR products are based on years of recent research and field use in pipe lines or in pressurized wall-mount systems. The designs carry NSF-61 certification to allow installation options to install our products anywhere there is a requirement.

The current competitive product offerings within our current market segment are fixed devices. We can reconfigure our measurements in software, so we have two measurements unavailable from any other vendor.

Other applications include measuring the color of whiskey to save millions of dollars a year by catching bad product with our color measurement technology. Other future applications include active release of chemicals and the electro-chemical generation of other compounds out of water.

Contact Tim Bernstein (tbernstein@yet2.com)

High-Temperature Electonics Coating

Honeywell International possesses a large portfolio of related to processes for coating high temperature materials onto sensitive electronics components. There are a number of patents (US5,762,711, US5,877,093, US6,110,537, US6,287,985, US6,319,740), pending applications and know-how associated with these processes.

This process allows materials to be used in the coating of electronics (and other sensitive materials) that are not currently possible using alternative methods. In some cases, this means that lightweight coatings can be used for temperature, EMI, and radiation shielding in lieu of heavy, expensive manufactured enclosures. The patented technology is highly suitable where there are expensive electronic parts needing protection.

Contact Tim Bernstein (tbernstein@yet2.com)

Consumer Products and Compounds

Top

Paper Pak Industries: Absorbent Pads

Paper Pak Industries PPI), with over 45 years of experience, is the largest manufacturer in North America dedicated solely to the manufacturing of absorbent media for the food, medical, automotive, and marine industries.

PPI owns patents on pouch absorbent pads; it has also developed and patented new technology to reduce the microbial load of the moisture trapped in the absorbent medium. This has applications in the food and in the medical industries. Additionally, PPI has patents pending on atmosphere modification systems that extend the shelf life and freshness of fresh meat and poultry.

This novel technology offers benefits for the food industry and the medical industry as well:

Food industry:

• Extends shelf life and freshness by reducing bacterial load in the food package
• Reduces purge in the package, offering a cleaner, more appealing presentation on fresh red meat, poultry, and pork; other promising applications are produce and sea food.

Medical industry:

• A device that can trap bodily fluids and improve cleanliness in operations rooms, transport of organic hazard materials, and emergency personnel transport.
• The active ingredients offer a unique opportunity to reduce contagion by eliminating nosocomial pathogens.
• Lightweight multiuse litter weighing less than 3 pounds can be easily carried into field operations; it offers a variety of advantages for injured personnel.

Contact Tim Bernstein (tbernstein@yet2.com)

Dupont: Dual-Chamber Sprayer

The technology provides a reliable and easy-to-use mechanism for mixing two components at a fixed dilution rate in a liquid stream. Has the ability to alter the spray pattern from wide spray to stream for broad or point applications. Enables two-step processes such as clean and protect, wash and wax, prep and finish in a convenient single unit. The ability to draw viscous materials enables high concentration of components for better coverage from a single unit. The ability to vary dilution rate by altering the insert mechanism enables a wide range of applications and/or a range of application levels for a single product formulation.

A utility patent covers many applications for the sprayer; in addition, we have eight design patents on the sprayer and two-part bottle.

The unit is unique in providing a two-component sprayer with ability to maintain tight control on dilution rates. The unit can draw liquids with high viscosities and maintain flow rates. The unit can mix two components in the stream. The unit is modularly designed so a single component can be altered and changed out to change flow and dilution rates while maintaining uniformity in the rest of the packaging.

It can be used in any number of applications and has a patent position for a number of diverse applications, can easily be modified to meet unique dilution and/or component requirements.

See TechPak 38506.

NaturNorth: Bio-Active Compound

This technology provides economic access to novel bioactive compounds (pentacyclic triterpenes) from the waste outer bark of the white birch tree. NNT applications include use as: pharmaceutical actives, crop protection products, biocides/preservatives, and antifouling agents. Literature and anecdotal references also report numerous other uses that have not been thoroughly investigated. Patents issued: US 17, foreign 5; pending: provisional 9, USA 5, Foreign 12; notices of invention in hand 5.

This technology provides, for the first time, commercial access to novel products that provide a wide range of bioactive functions based on a complex & novel carbon skeleton. In addition to the valuable properties of the naturally isolated products, a library of ~1000 semi-synthetic derivative compounds also contains many compounds with strong bioactivity in numerous areas. The functional skeleton of these products can only be obtained from a natural source and cannot be produced at reasonable cost by any conventional synthetic approaches (a situation very similar to that of the steroid skeleton, which is the basis of hundreds of pharmaceutical products). The patented processes defined by this technology provide the only practical approach known.

Contact Phil Stern (pstern@yet2.com)

Procter & Gamble: Natural Preservative

White mustard essential oil (“WMEO”) is an all-natural extract from white mustard seeds that delivers broad anti-microbial efficacy against bacteria, yeast, and mold, providing a natural alternative to synthetic or artificial preservatives.

WMEO is the first truly effective all-natural preservative, offering equal effectiveness to that of artificial and synthetic preservatives while not imparting negative tastes or colors. Manufacturers of beverage products often prefer not to use artificial or synthetic preservatives because of both negative consumer perceptions and the negative impact they have on taste and color. WMEO can be used in beverage bottling to reduce manufacturing costs by an estimated three to four cents per bottle without raising consumer concerns associated with artificial preservatives or negatively impacting taste or color.

WMEO kills or reduces bacteria and then decomposes into a harmless and tasteless material after hours or days, depending on the formulation of the beverage and storage conditions. WMEO is designated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as “Generally Recognized As Safe” (“GRAS”).

See TechPak 41416.

Natural Peptide Technologies: Non-Bitter Peptide

Proprietary Tech and IP: Peptide Product, US patent 6787768 B1

A patented technology that produces a “NON-BITTER PEPTIDE PRODUCT.” A tested process that transforms dairy whey protein by-products into higher-value nutritious peptide additives for food, beverage, and nutraceutical products manufacturing.

• A Natural Peptide additive has an unaltered, non-bitter taste, as compared to existing peptide products.
• Better than protein additives due to small peptide size and amino-acid profiles, which enables rapid absorption and immediate nutritional benefit.
• Non-Antigenic properties open up additional applications in infant formulas.
• Natural Peptide Technologies consulting services and pilot production facilities provide significant “know-how” and processing abilities to assist licensee.

See TechPak 41285.

Materials and Green Chemistry

Top

Luna Innovations: Flame-Retardant Resin

US Patent Number 7,001,942, “Flame retardant thermoset resins and methods of making the same”

US Patent Application Number 2006264547, “Flame-retardant synthetic textile articles and methods of making the same”

US Patent Application Number 20050203224, “Flame-retardant synthetic resin articles containing flame-retardant superabsorbent polymer (SAP) particles”

Material is a non-halogenated, dry additive with low toxicity and flammability. Handling is equivalent to common fillers such as talc or calcium carbonate. Polymer microsphere can be modified to alter compatibility with the host matrix, thus eliminating the need for compatibilizers and dispersion agents. Polymer microspheres and flame retardant polymer microspheres improve dimensional stability and can function as low profile additives for closed molding composite applications. Fire retardant polymer microsphere size can be controlled through Luna’s process, yielding materials from near submicron to 50 microns.

Contact Phil Stern (pstern@yet2.com).

German Aerospace Center (DLR): WHIPOX
(Wound Highly Porous Oxide Composite)

WHIPOX (Wound Highly Porous Oxide Composite) is a pure aluminum oxide fiber-reinforced CMC (Ceramic Matrix Composite). WHIPOX® has been developed by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and is protected by several international patents.

WHIPOX® technology has a unique combination of high temperature properties (T>800°C): unlike conventional ceramic materials, it is resistant to thermal and mechanical shocks and shows non-catastrophic (non-brittle) failure behavior. WHIPOX® is non-corrosive, non-oxidizing, and chemically resistant to most metallic melts. It has high tensile and shear strengths and behaves quasi-elastically. It is light weight, dielectric, transparent to electromagnetic radiation and serves as a thermal and electrical isolator. Mechanical and thermal properties can be controlled in a wide range through modification of fiber content and matrix properties.

WHIPOX® is applicable in many industries like kiln technology, metallurgy, glass maufacturing, heat treatment/melting processes, electronics, automotive, medical technology, gas turbine technology, and aerospace applications/heat shields.

See TechPak 36678 (and its Tech of the Week article).

Licensing Technology Network: Process for Collecting
and Spinning Nano Fiber Yarns

Two novel technologies have recently been developed and patented relating to nanofibers. One technology allows for the high-throughput production of nanofibers with strong possibility for viable commercial production. The second technology allows for the collection and spinning of these nanofibers into nanofiber yarns. Nanofiber textiles can then be produced either as non-woven nanofiber structure, or woven nanofiber structure. Compared to polyster and polypropylene microfibers, nanofibers offer a higher surface-to-volume ratio, and the specific surface area of the material also increases. This allows for unique textile properties and improved moisture retention. By producing these nanofibers and nanofiner yarns on a commercially viable scale, vast market potential for nanofiber textiles will be unlocked.

In terms of high-throughput production, the new technology offers at least 50 (fifty) times faster production compared to traditional needle electrospinning. In terms of nanofiber collection and spinning, this technology is the first commercially viable and scalable technology that will be commercially available. The patented nanofiber yarn has a unique structure which allows it to be trademarked.

See TechPak 39814 (and its Tech of the Week article).

AIST Innovations: Imogolite Nanotub-Like Aluminum Silicate

The National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) in Japan is seeking an industrial partner and a licensing opportunity, regarding “Imogolite” Nanotube-like Aluminum Silicate. AIST has the following international patent applications.

• PCT/JP2007/53596: “Amorphas Aluminum silicate and absorbent which has excellent moisture absorption/adsorption property in middle humidity range”
• PCT/JP2007/53744: “Amorphas Aluminum silicate which has excellent absorption property in high humidity range, and production method thereof”

“Imogolite” is nano-sized tubular aluminum silicate (outer diameter: about 2.5 nm, Inner diameter: about 1nm, length: several tens nm — several micro meter). As this material has large specific surface area due to its unique shape, high affinity with water, and excellent adsorption capability, it is highly expected that the material be applied to various industrial areas as the heat exchange medium for heat pump, fuel storage medium, anti-dewing, and fast-drying desiccating agent.

Contact Hideyuki Fujii (hfujii@yet2.com)

CVR Manufacturing Inc.: Biodegradable Plastic Alternative

The material consists of several components including a variable matrix that conveys some of the main characteristics to the plastic. For example, the plastic becomes biodegradable if the matrix — straw, sawdust, grass, etc. — is biodegradable. In such cases, the plastic biodegrades into organic compost, CO₂, and water. Non-organic matrix materials, such as limestone, can also be used to provide different surface textures and/or a large range of mechanical and chemical attributes. The plastic can be dyed without problem. Its components are nontoxic and food safe. It can be molded into rigid or semi-rigid products.

The technology has been tested successfully with various matrix components. Demonstration products have been molded in small series to illustrate the versatility of the material, and its ability to be formed using injection molding, press molding, and co-injection in complex shapes. The technology is ready to be applied in large-scale production.

The intellectual property is protected by trade secrets but several patent applications are being filed.

We have equipment suitable for producing up to a few hundred pounds of material per hour.

The technology could replace plastics used for many different items such as flower pots, plastic picnic ware, bag pallets, and many other items. It would be suitable for many single or limited use products currently made of plastic.

Benefits

To the manufacturer:

• New, specialty plastics
• Low-cost raw material
• Allows for a wide range of material characteristics
• Can be injection-molded, extruded, cut, drilled, glued, etc.
• Molding requires only minimal and removable changes of existing equipment
• Green and biodegradable
• Water-resistant
• Wide range of products and applications possible

To the end-user:

• Green, biodegradable product
• Lightweight and sturdy
• Esthetically very pleasing
• Agreeable surface
• Low cost product

Contact Tim Bernstein (tbernstein@yet2.com)