University Of Iowa Research Foundation

UIRF Ref. No: 07074

IMMUNOGENIC COMPOSITIONS FOR ACTIVATING GAMMA DELTA T CELLS

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

Vg2Vd2 T cells expand during a variety of prokaryotic and eukaryotic protozoan infections such as tuberculosis, leprosy, typhoid fever, brucellosis, tularemia, ehrlichiosis, malaria, and toxoplasmosis. Vγ2Vδ2 T cells help provide immunity against Escherichia coli, Morganella morganii, and Staphylococcus aureus infections. Unfortunately, currently available small molecule vaccines result in exhaustion of the response after vaccination.

In the present invention, the Salmonella lytB gene has been deleted in the isoprenoid biosynthesis methy-erythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway. This modified MEP pathway results in accumulation of HMBPP, a known bacterial antigen which is recognized by V g2Vd2 T cells. Genes encoding part of the mevalonate pathway for isoprenoid biosynthesis are then transformed into host to produce intermediates required for survival.

In vivo animal data showing the effect of lytB deletion in the isoprenoid biosynthesis MEP in relation to the antigenicity of certain bacteria is available.

BENEFITS

• Mimics natural immunity to bacterial infections resulting in no exhaustion
• Potential for combination with conventional vaccines
• Vg2Vd2T cell activation can persist for months to years
• Use of a salmonella vaccine results in a vaccine that is mild and comparatively easy to engineer
• Can likely be used as a cancer vaccine

INVENTORS

Craig Morita and Bradley Jones

RELEVANT PUBLICATIONS

Morita, et al. Immunological Reviews (2007); 215:59

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

PCT application filed

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 98076

METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR INCREASING THE INFECTIVITY OF GENE TRANSFER VECTORS

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

The invention includes methods and compositions for increasing viral vector infection of epithelial cells and increasing the susceptibility of target cells to gene transfer vectors for the purpose treating or inhibiting a variety of diseases. The invention provides methods for expressing a polypeptide in cells of epithelial tissues. Specific examples in the area of treating Cystic Fibrosis with the CTFR gene, as well as a variety of other diseases and conditions for which genetic therapy may be appropriate are described in the invention. In the case of Cystic Fibrosis, a method of increasing transport of chloride ions in airway epithelial tissue is described as well as a method for transducing epithelial cells with a viral vector comprising delivering to said epithelial cells a packaged viral vector and EGTA in a hypotonic solution.

Relevant Publications: Influence of cell polarity on retroviral-mediated gene transfer to differentiated human airway, Wang G., Davidson B.L., Melchert P., van Es H.H.G., Slepushkin V.A., Bodner M., Jolly D.J., and McCray P.B. Jr., J Virol, 1998, 72:9818-9826.

Feline immunodeficiency virus vectors persistently transduce non-dividing airway epithelia in vivo and correct the CF defect, Wang G., Slepushkin V.A., Zabner J., Keshavjee S., Johnston J.C., Sauter J.C., Sauter S.L., Jolly D.J., Dubensky T., Davidson B.L., and McCray P.B. Jr., J Clin. Invest, 1999 104:R55-R62.

Increasing epithelial junction permeability enhances gene transfer to airway epithelia in vivo, Wang G., Zabner J., Deering C., Launspach J., Shao J., Bodner M., Jolly D.J., Davidson B.L., McCray P.B. Jr., Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol, 2000, 22:129-138.

INVENTORS

Beverly L. Davidson, Paul McCray, Guoshun Wang, DouglasJolly, Mordechai Bodner and Steven Hermann

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

Patent 6,855,549 issued February 15, 2005

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 01020

BARDET-BIEDL SUSCEPTIBILITY GENE AND USES THEREOF

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

A method of diagnosing Bardet-Biedl Syndrome comprising identification of a mutation in a NGVN polypeptide or nucleic acid. BBS is characterized by diverse symptoms such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, mental retardation, renal cancer, retinopathy and hypogonadism. The human NGVN protein is 731 amino acids in length and coded for by a gene spanning 17 exons.

INVENTORS

Val C. Sheffield, Edwin Stone, and Darryl Nishimura

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

U.S. Patent 7,008,782 and 7,947,479 issued March 7, 2006 and May 24, 2011 respectively

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 07061

ZINC-FINGER NUCLEASE AND RNA INTERFERENCE MEDIATED INACTIVATION OF VIRAL GENOMES

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

The present invention provides methods and compositions for targeted cleavage of viral genomes using recombinant zinc-finger proteins (ZFN), and target inactivation of viral gene expression using RNA interference. Specifically, the methods and compositions of the invention may be used to target viral hepatitis sequences.

INVENTORS

Anton P. McCaffrey and Thomas J. Cradick

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

Provisional Patent Application Filed

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 03014

PHOTOCHEMICAL METHOD TO ELIMINATE OXYGEN INHIBITION OF FREE RADICAL POLYMERIZATIONS

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

Current free radical polymerization methods are vulnerable to inhibition by oxygen. This oxygen inhibition reduces the polymerization rate, reduces the primary polymer chain length, and limits the ultimate attainable conversion in photopolymerization systems. This technology is a method for overcoming the oxygen inhibition of free radical polymerizations. The method involves a light-absorbing molecule interaction with oxygen to create singlet oxygen, and use of a compound which traps the singlet oxygen. This technology allows for either light-induced polymerizations or thermally-induced polymerizations, will allow for increased chain length of the primary polymer, provides a simplified process, and is much less expensive than inerting equipment. This technology can be applied to almost all industrial processes that involve free radical mechanism, including, but not limited to, coating and paint industries, adhesives, optics, dental filling, sealing compound, and stereo-lithography.

Relevant Publications: Gou, Lijing, Coretsopoulos, Chris N., Scranton, Alec B. Measurement of the dissolved oxygen concentration in acrylate monomers with a novel photochemical method. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem., 42(5):1285-1292 (2004).

Gou, Lijing, Opheim, Blaine, Coretsopoulos, Chris N., Scranton, Alec B., Consumption of the Molecular Oxygen In Polymerization Systems Using Photosensitized Oxidation of Dimethylanthracene, Chem. Eng. Commun., 193(5):620-627 (2006)

INVENTORS

Alec Scranton, Lijing Gou

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

U.S. Patent Application 10/752,778

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 05064

VACCINE FORMULATIONS FOR LEISHMANIA

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

This invention comprises a vaccine constructed from antigens found through screening a library of individuals with visceral leishmaniasis. The vaccine may comprise isolated or recombinant Leishmania protein as well as Leishmania DNA which codes for the applicable proteins. A particular delivery system for these antigens is an engineered avirulent recombinant strain of the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. The present invention also includes methods of treating humans and animals with pharmaceutical compositions made using the Leishmania antigens.

INVENTORS

Mary Wilson, Daniella Martins, John Donelson, Selma Jeronimo, Kevin Bruhns, Noah Craft, and Jeffrey Miller

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

U.S. Patent Application and Indian Patent Application Filed

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 00011

VARIANT VARICELLA-ZOSTER VIRUSES AND METHODS OF USE

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

This invention describes a new isolate of VZV which has lost an antigenic site on one of its surface proteins and which includes several, previously unreported gene sequences. The invention also provides a method for producing a modified attenuated VZV and is directed to a vaccine composition that includes a modified attenuated Varicella Zoster virus. The invention provides a method for detecting antibodies that specifically bind to a Varicella Zoster polypeptide and describes kits for detecting antibodies that specifically bind to a Varicella Zoster peptide. This invention provides a method for detecting the presence of a Varicella Zoster virus in an animal and also describes a method for diagnosing a disease, for instance chicken pox and shingles, caused by VZV.

Relevant Publication : Antigenic Variation of Varicella Zoster Fc Receptor gE: Loss of a Major B Cell Epitope in the Ectodomain, Richard A. Santos, Jorge A. Padilla, Christopher Hatfield and Charles Grose, Virology, 1998, 49, 21-31.

INVENTORS

Charles Grose and Richard Santos

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

Patent No. 6,528,066 issued March 4, 2003
Divisional Application Filed

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 98030

METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR THE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF CATARACTS (Gene PITX3)

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

A new gene discovery may create better diagnostics and treatment for cataracts. The gene, Pitx3, and its associated DNA sequence are involved in the development of the eye lens and contribute to diseases and disorders of the lens, such as cataracts. Variants or mutants forms of this gene were found in individuals having cataracts, but not in others. Thus, this invention provides methods for predicting whether a person has or is at risk of developing cataracts or other diseases associated with an aberrant Pitx3. Methods for treating cataracts or diseases or conditions associated with an aberrant Pitx3 are also disclosed, as well as assays for identifying Pitx3 therapeutics.

INVENTORS

Jeff Murray and Elena Semina

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

Patent No. 6,306,586 issued October 23, 2001

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 96053

DNA SEQUENCES ENCODING A BRAIN SODIUM CHANNEL PROTEIN

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

This invention describes cDNA sequences encoding a novel, non-voltage dependent human brain sodium channel protein. Various expression systems, capable of producing large quantities of these sodium channel proteins as well as related poly- and oligo-peptides, are also described along with uses of particular expression systems for assaying in vivo channel characteristics. For example, one of these expression systems (i.e., Xenopus oocytes) is particularly well suited to studying functional characteristics of native sodium channels including ion selectivity, gating-kinetics, ligand preferences, and sensitivity to pharmacological agents. These assays could be useful in the identification of agonists and antagonists of the channel. Drugs identified from such assay protocols could then be used for treatment of brain diseases such as depression, schizophrenia, Alzheimers, anxiety, hyperactivity, autism, dyslexia, insomnia, seizures, and the sequela of strokes.

Relevant Publication: Cloning and expression of a novel Human Brain Na+ Channel, Margaret P. Price, Peter M. Snyder, and Michael J. Welsh, The Journal of Biological Chemistry, 1996, Vol. 271, No. 14, 7879-7882.

INVENTORS

Michael J. Welsh and Margaret P. Price

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

Patent No. 5,892,018, issued April 6, 1999

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 96031

PEPTIDE TAG FOR IMMUNODETECTION AND IMMUNOPURIFICATION

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

This invention describes a short (< 20 amino acid) epitope defined by a monoclonal antibody. Using a technique termed recombination polymerase chain reaction, this amino acid epitope has been inserted into a foreign viral protein. Following the expression of this epitope-containing viral protein in a transfection system, its cytoplasmic localization could easily be observed microscopically using a two-step staining procedure which employs the monoclonal antibody and a second fluorescently labeled anti-mouse antibody. Thus, this epitope-antibody identification system should be useful for analysis of a wide variety of cloned proteins. Potential uses for this epitope-antibody combination include, but are not necessarily limited to use as a research reagent for protein purification by immuno-affinity chromatography (the epitope is efficiently bound by the antibody even in the presence of 1% SDS), use as a probe for identifying newly synthesized proteins and for following their intracellular processing pathways, use of the highly antigenic epitope as a component in a multivalent anti-viral vaccine, or use in ex vivo gene therapy protocols

Relevant Publication : Epitope mapping and tagging by recombination PCR mutagenesis, Christopher Hatfield, Karen M. Duus, Douglas H. Jones and Charles Grose, BioTechniques, 1997, Vol. 22, No. 2, 332-337.

INVENTORS

Charles Grose, Pediatrics Department

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

Patent No. 5,710,248 issued January 20, 1998
U.S. Patent No. 6,255,462 B1 issued July 3, 2001

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 95052

ß-Sarcoglycan Nucleic Acid Sequence, and Nucleic Acid Probes

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

Defects in the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex (DGC) have been implicated in several forms of muscular dystrophy. This invention describes a DNA sequence encoding a mammalian DGC component, DNA expression constructs, and cells which harbor such constructs which are useful in producing an immunogen for use in stimulating the production of polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies. Another aspect of this invention relates to nucleic acid probes which hybridize specifically to mutant forms of this DGC component, but not to the DNA of the wild-type form of the gene. Such probes would be useful, for example, in connection with the diagnosis of autosomal recessive limb-girdle muscular dystrophy.

INVENTORS

Kevin Campbell, et. al., Physiology & Biophysics

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

Patent No. 5,672,694 issued September 30, 1997

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 95008

PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITIONS AND USES OF INORGANIC PYROPHOSPHATE (PPi)

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

ATP-binding cassette (ABC) proteins are a class of membrane transporters having diverse functions and substrate specificities. Four mammalian family members are currently known and defects in their biosynthesis are believed to lead to specific metabolic diseases. For example, mutations in a gene called the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) are responsible for causing the disease Cystic Fibrosis due to improper chloride ion transport out of pulmonary epithelial cells. This invention is based on the discovery that inorganic pyrophosphates, or their analogs, can alter the activity of ABC proteins. The patent application discloses pharmaceutical compositions of PPi in a form that renders the PPi accessible to ABC proteins when administered to a subject in vivo, and methods of treating specific ABC protein associated diseases (e.g., Cystic Fibrosis, Zellweger syndrome, MHC-linked transport protein, and multidrug resistance caused by P-glycoprotein) with inorganic pyrophosphate.

Relevant publication : Welsh, et al, Pyrophosphate stimulates wild-type and mutant cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance Regulator Cl channels, J Biol Chem, 270:20466-20472, 1995.

INVENTORS

Michael J. Welsh

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

Patent 5,686,114 issued November 11, 1997
U.S. Patent 5,958,907 issued September 28, 1999

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 89012

ELECTROPHORESIS-BASED SEQUENCING FOR ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF NEUTRAL OR WEAKLY ACIDIC OLIGOSACCHARIDES

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

The electrophoretic isolation and monosaccharide sequence determination of neutral or weekly acidic oligosaccharide species of interest are disclosed. A labeling compound and a charged group are coupled to the reducing end of the species of interest, thereby facilitating electrophoretic separation and detection of the separated species. The resolved species of interest can then be recovered from the electrophoretic medium, for example, by electrophoretic transfer to a charged solid support. Following isolation, monosaccharide units can be cleaved successively from the non-reducing end of the species of interest to reveal the monosaccharide sequence. The identity of each monosaccharide unit is determined by correlating cleavage data with known exoglycosidase specificities.

INVENTORS

Robert Linhardt, et. al.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

Patent 5,284,558 issued February 8, 1994; non-exclusive licenses available

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 89011

MEASURING NON-DYSTROPHIN PROTEINS AND DIAGNOSING MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

Defects in the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex (DGC) have been implicated in several forms of muscular dystrophy. These inventions describe methods for the purification of dystrophin and the DGC, methods of isolating components of this complex, and nucleic acid sequences encoding specific components of the DGC. Diagnostic methods utilizing antibody and nucleic acid probes for identifying specific types of muscular dystrophy (i.e., Duchennes or Beckers; severe childhood autosomal recessive MD; and autosomal recessive limb-girdle MD) are also described herein. Gene therapeutic methods, employing expression vectors encoding dystrophin-associated proteins, are also described for individuals suffering from muscular dystrophy (e.g., severe childhood autosomal recessive MD).

Relevant Publications: Nature Genetics, 11:257-265(1995); Cell, 80:675-679(1995).

INVENTORS

Kevin Campbell, et. al.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

Patent 5,187,063 issued February 16, 1993
U.S. Patent 5,430,129 issued July 4, 1995
U.S. Patent 5,449,616 issued September 12, 1995

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 04081

DATA STORAGE MATERIALS

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

The invention describes materials and devices for use as an information storage system or for use as a material having a characteristic fluorescent energy. The materials and design of the invention include a first metal-organic complex comprising two or more metal atoms wherein one metal atom is associated with a first organic group comprising one or more double bonds and another metal atom is associated with a second organic group comprising one or more double bonds such that one or more double bonds in the first organic group are spatially oriented to react with one or more double bonds in the second organic group to form a second metal-organic complex containing one or more cyclobutane rings.

The invention further describes an apparatus comprising: a substrate; and having formed on the substrate a metal-organic complex comprising two or more metal atoms wherein one metal atom is associated with a first organic group comprising one or more double bonds and another metal atom is associated with a second organic group comprising one or more double bonds such that one or more double bonds in the first organic group are spatially oriented to react with one or more double bonds in the second organic group.

INVENTORS

Leonard R. MacGillivray

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

U.S. Patent 7,524,960 issued on April 28, 2009
PCT Patent Application Filed

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 03070

METHOD FOR PREPARING LADDERANES

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

The invention describes a method for preparing a ladderane comprising, associating two polyene molecules with a template such that the polyene molecules are properly aligned to allow for formation of the ladderane, and reacting the polyene molecules under conditions suitable to provide the ladderane.

Ditopic molecules in the form of linear reaction templates have been used to construct ladder-like hydrocarbons known as ladderanes. The templates assemble and position reactant molecules in the solid state by way of hydrogen bonds for photodimerization. The products, which are based on recently identified naturally occurring frameworks, form stereospecifically, in gram quantities, and in quantitative yield.

Relevant Publication: Friscic, T.; MacGillivray, L.R., Cyclophanes and Ladderanes: Molecular Targets for Supramolecular Chemists., Supramol. Chem. 2005, 17, 47-51

Gao, X.; Friscic, T.; MacGillivray, L.R., Supramolecular Construction of Molecular Ladders in the Solid State., Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. 2004, 43, 232.

INVENTORS

Leonard R. MacGillivray

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

U.S. and PCT Patent Applications Filed

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 03007

MAGNETICALLY MODIFIED PARTICLES AND ELECTRODES

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

The present invention is directed to methods for making magnetically modified electrodes. Such electrodes are useful as electrodes in batteries, such as Ni-MH (Nickel-metal hydride) batteries, Ni-Cd batteries, Ni-ZN batteries and Ni-Fe batteries.

INVENTORS

Johna Leddy and Pengcheng Zou

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

Patent 6,890,670 issued May 10, 2005

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 02086

GAS STORAGE MATERIALS AND DEVICES

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

The invention describes a novel synthetic processes and intermediates for the production of porous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for the storage of gases, such as hydrogen. The storage of hydrogen, and other gases, is important for production of fuel cells. The invention provides a fuel storage cell comprising the MOFs described. The invention further provides a method for storing a gas comprising contacting he metal organic framework of the invention, which includes organic functional groups directed into, or lining the cavities of the MOF, with gas under conditions suitable for the gas to enter the cavities of the framework and react with the organic groups so as to become fixed to the organic groups. The MOFs described are can also be used for removing gas contaminants, for example in the capture and containment of radioactive gases.

Relevant Publications: Papaefstathiou, G.S.; Friscic, T.; MacGillivray, L.R., Design and Construction of a Metal Organic Framework with Multiple Cavities: A 2-Uniform Net based on a Paracyclophane that Codes for Multiply-Fused Nodes, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2005, 127, 14160.

Papaefstathiou, G.S.; Milios, C.; MacGillivray, L.R., A 2D Metal-Organic Framework with Two Different Rhombus-Shaped Cavities: A Rare Example of a (4,4)-Net with Alternating Metal and Organic Nodes., Microporous Mesoporous Mater. 2004, 71, 11.

Papaefstathiou, G.S.; MacGillivray, L.R. An Inverted Metal-Organic Framework with Compartmentalized Cavities Constructed by Using an Organic Bridging Unit Derived from the Solid State., Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. Engl. 2002, 41, 2070.

INVENTORS

Leonard R. MacGillivray and Giannis Papaefstathiou

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

U.S. 7,481,866 Issued January 27, 2009

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 99040g,99048g,99041g

PRODUCTION OF GLYOXYLIC ACID

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

The University of Iowa Research Foundation owns domestic and international patent rights to proprietary processes for the production of glyoxylic acid from glycolic acid and oxygen in the presence of a whole cell catalyst containing enzymes glycolate oxidase and catalase. These processes are run under relatively mild conditions, produce higher yields of glyoxylic acid compared with other processes, and generates fewer undesirable waste streams. The primary use of glyoxylic acid is in the production of synthetic vanillin. Vanillin is used predominantly in flavorings, fragrances, pharmaceutical intermediates, agrochemical production and industrial chemicals.

INVENTORS

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

Patents 5,219,745, 5,439,813, 5,693,490, and 5,834,262 issued respectively June 15, 1993, August 8, 1995, December 2, 1997, and November 10, 1998

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 99045g

PRODUCTION OF PYRUVIC ACID

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

The University of Iowa Research Foundation owns domestic and international patent rights to a proprietary process for the production of pyruvic acid and its derivatives. This process converts a low cost form of lactic acid into pyruvic acid by using a whole cell catalyst. Pyruvic acids, salts, and esters are most notably used in specialty / niche markets as a chemical intermediate in the manufacturing of products such as cosmetics, a semiconductor cleaning agent, a substrate from amino acid synthesis, and a neutralizing agent in a disinfecting system for contact lenses. Ethyl and methyl pyruvate are becoming more attractive intermediate candidates in the manufacture of new agrochemicals. Pyruvic acid is also used in the manufacture of calcium pyruvate, which is marketed as a dietary supplement.

INVENTORS

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

Patent 5,538,875 issued July 23, 1996

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 96012

OPTICAL SENSOR WITH RADIOLUMINESCENT LIGHT SOURCE

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

This invention treats self-powered optical sensors able to indicate the presence or concentration of a specified substance. Such sensors may prove particularly useful in environments where obtaining power for sensors is difficult. Further, the present invention describes an oxygen sensor that is energized by a radioluminescent light source to detect a selected substance in a test medium. The sensor includes a luminophore matrix exposed to the test medium that absorbs light from the radioluminescent source. The sensing matrix provides an optical characteristic in response to the absorption of light from the radioluminescent source that varies with the presence of the selected substance. A photodetector detects the optical characteristic and provides a corresponding signal to indicate detection of the selected substance in the test medium.

This invention centers on the use of self-powered radioluminescent light (RL) sources for optical-based chemical sensors. The merits of RL sources are demonstrated with an optical sensor for measuring dissolved oxygen in aqueous solutions. The example oxygen sensor is suitable for a variety of applications in the general fields of biomedical research, clinical chemistry, biotechnology, fermentation monitoring, and environmental sciences. RL sources offer several critical design features. The principal advantage is the fact that RL sources are noiseless which provides numerous advantages from data analysis and sensor performance standpoints. In addition, the luminescence from these sources is constant over time which permits long-term operation with minimal recalibration. These features of the RL sources made possible the development of an on line oxygen sensor specifically designed for continuous monitoring of bioreactor units onboard the Space Shuttle. Initial sensor prototypes were evaluated during the STS-93 Columbia Space Shuttle mission in July 1999. By using other indicator chemistries, the invention can be extended to other critical chemical species, including pH, carbon dioxide, ammonia, etc.

INVENTORS

Han Chuang and Mark Arnold

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

Patent No. 5,708,957 issued January 13, 1998

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 94005

MAGNETIC COMPOSITES EXHIBITING DISTINCT FLUX PROPERTIES DUE TO GRADIENT INTERFACES

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

This invention relates generally to a method for forming and exploiting gradients at the interfaces between components of a composite material as well as the composite material itself and devices which incorporate the material. Composites formed with magnetic materials and ion exchange polymers are microstructured and establish strong, nonuniform magnetic field gradients. These gradients can be exploited to enhance the transport of paramagnetic ions and molecules, and to shift electrolysis potentials. These nanostructured materials have applications in separations and numerous electrochemical systems, such as metal ion separations, fuel cells, batteries, oxygen sensors, plating, solar and photocells.

These magnetic composites exhibit distinct flux properties due to gradient interfaces. The composites can be used to improve fuel cells and effect transport and separation of different species of materials. A variety of devices can be made utilizing the composites including a separator, a cell, an electrode for channeling flux of magnetic species, an electrode for effecting electrolyte species, a system for separating particles with different magnetic susceptibilities. some composites can be used to make a dual sensor for distinguishing between two species of materials and a flux switch to regulate the flow of a redox species and a flux switch to regulate the flow of a chemical species. Some composites can control chemical species transport and distribution.

The use of these magnetic composites results in enhanced transport or flux of solubilized species and the enhancement is a function of the magnetic properties of the transported species. Applications envisioned include batteries (longer life cycle, shorter discharge and recharge), fuel cells (higher flux through greater efficiency and improved kinetics), electrosynthesis (organic electrofluoridation as well as inorganic applications), and others : photo cells, photo voltaics, solar cells, depositions / plating.

INVENTORS

Johna Leddy et al, Chemistry Department

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

Multiple patent applications filed and issued.
U.S. Patent 5,786,040 issued July 28, 1998
U.S. Patent 5,817,221 issued October 6, 1998
U.S. Patent 5,871,625 issued February 16, 1999
U.S. Patent 5,928,804 issued July 27, 1999
U.S. Patent 5,981,095 issued November 9, 1999
U.S. Patent 6,303,242 issued October 16, 2001
U.S. Patent 6,479,176 B2 issued November 12, 2002
U.S. Patent 6,949,179 B2 issued September 27, 2005
U.S. Patent 6,514,575 issued February 4, 2003
U.S. Patent 6,001,248 issued December 14, 1999
U.S. Patent 6,322,676 issued November 27, 2001
U.S. Patent 6,375,885 issued April 23, 2002
U.S. Patent 6,207,313 issued March 27, 2001
Canadian Patent 2,222,618

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 93043

COST EFFECTIVE SUGAR-BASED BIODEGRADABLE POLYMERS

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

A new simplified method has been discovered for the preparation of a variety of new polymers using sugars such as sucrose and raffinose as starting materials. The method employs highly selective enzymes that eliminate costly and tedious blocking and blocking steps required by conventional synthesis techniques. The new polymers are potentially useful in a number of different applications including water absorbent materials, water treatment chemicals, and drug delivery systems. In addition, the polymers are biodegradable and therefore provide increased environmental safety. Very highly absorbent hydrogels (cross-linked polymers which are insoluble in water, but contain a lot of water themselves) have also been developed. The sugar-based material contains over 80% sugar by weight and can swell to over 300 times its weight in water.

Applications are envisioned in a variety of the following fields: Drug delivery matrices, Water absorbance, Biodegradable packaging materials, Flocculants (linear polymers which are water soluble) for water treatment, Membranes for separations, Biocompatible implantable materials, Contact lenses, etc.

Related published articles: Chemical and biochemical catalysis to make swellable polymers, Dordick, Linhardt, Rethwisch, Chemtech, January 1994.

Biocatalytic Synthesis of Sugar-Containing Poly(acrylate)-Based Hydrogels, Dordick, et al, Macromolecules, Vol.25, No. 26, 1992, 7081-7085.

Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of Novel Sucrose-containing Polymers, Patil, Dordick, Rethwisch, Macromolecules, 1991, 24.

Enzymatic Synthesis of a sucrose-containing linear polyester in nearly anhydrous organic media, Dordick, et al, Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Vol. 37, Pp. 639-646 (1991).

INVENTORS

Jonathan Dordick, David Rethwisch and Damodar Patil

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

U.S. Patent 5,474,915 issued December 12, 1995

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 01042

MULTIPLE BEAM LIDAR FOR WIND MEASUREMENT

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

This new device measures the wind and consists of two lasers, a telescope and a computer that collects and analyzes the data. The data analysis technique and multiple beam design are uniquely inventive to this system, and a prototype exists that was made from commercially available components. This apparatus improves on existing lidars by providing a simpler and less expensive system. This device has the potential to provide wind measurements with at least ten times the spatial and temporal resolution of current technologies. In a miniature form, it could provide high-speed (10 Hz) spatially-resolved (< 1m) turbulence measurements over distances of 200 meters. It can be used for meteorology, weather prediction, and measuring wind shear for aviation purposes. It can also be used for scientific or pollution control studies.

INVENTORS

William Eichinger and John Krieger

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

Patent No. 6,646,725 issued November 11, 2003

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 00073

PASSIVE OPTICAL POWER EQUALIZER FOR FIBER OPTIC NETWORKS

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

Many large optical networks use Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifiers (EDFA) to amplify optical signals. EDFAs, as useful as they are for signal amplification, create problems if the output is not equalized, especially in large reconfigurable multi-wavelength networks. This new optical power equalizer device solves the equalization problem, plus it can adapt to temporal variations in the optical power, and does not require an external power source.

This device is a filter with a wavelength dependent, variable transmission coefficient, wherein the transmission coefficient decreases with increasing power independently for each wavelength incident on the equalizer. Thus, the highest power wavelength output from the EDFA will be attenuated more strongly than the lower power wavelengths, making the output power from the EDFA more evenly distributed among the wavelengths. The device equalizes the output of an EDFA rather than its gain, and will function with changing input powers. Such an equalizer can be placed downstream from each EDFA without destabilizing the optical network so that no changes need to be made to the EDFA or to the other components in the system. The device is suitable for splicing into the fiber transmission system.

INVENTORS

David Andersen and Winston Chan

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

Patent No. 6,636,666 issued October 21, 2003

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 03008

SYSTEM FOR 3D BIOLUMINESCENT COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC RECONSTRUCTION

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

A new bioluminescent computed tomographic (BLCT) system was developed that uses multiple cameras arranged on a spherical surface to permit the detection of light in three dimensions. The system can be integrated with a CT or micro-CT scanner and can reconstruct a 3D emission image registered to multiple corresponding CT or micro-CT sources from different directions marked by bioluminescent compounds.

INVENTORS

Ge Wang, Eric Hoffman and Geoffrey McLennan

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

Patent Application Filed

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 02077

SOFTWARE SYSTEM FOR COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (CT) IMAGE RECONSTRUCTION USING A GRANGEAT APPROACH

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

This software system reconstructs an image of an object in a three-dimensional coordinate system in an x-ray computed tomographic system. A partial scan of the object is performed by rotating an x-ray beam having a cone-beam geometry around a portion of the object or rotating the object in the cone-beam. The x-ray beam forms on a scanning trajectory through a plurality of projection lines from a plurality of successive focal point locations. The scanning trajectory may be substantially circular, helical, spiral or spiral-like. The x-ray beam, attenuated by the object during the spiral scan, is detected to produce detector values. The detector values are integrated along straight lines on the detector plane to obtain intermediate data. Three-dimensional Radon values representing approximate plane integrals of the object are calculated from the intermediate data using a Grangeat relationship or a modified or extended version of the Grangeat relationship. The calculated and estimated Radon values are then reconstructed into an image volume according to the Radon inversion formula.

INVENTORS

Ge Wang and Seung Wook Lee

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

Patent No. 6,983,034 issued January 3, 2006

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 98064

BRACHYTHERAPY POSITIONING DEVICE

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

The source of radiation used in brachytherapy must be positioned properly to ensure uniform dosage to the targeted cells. If not centered correctly in the walls of the vessel being treated, the unequal dosages could have negative effects. Some of the current devices trying to solve this problem create additional problems by blocking or impeding the flow of blood. This unique brachytherapy positioning device solves both problems. It does this by employing a plurality of generally parallel wires that each expand and retract uniformly along a different radius from the centerline of the control member containing the lumen. While the device is best suited for use in vascular vessels, such as the coronary, carotid, and renal arteries and veins, it may also be utilized in any other passageways of the human body.

INVENTORS

William Barnhart

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

Patent No. 6,607,476 issued August 19, 2003

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 98055

SOFTWARE SYSTEM FOR UNRAVELING CURVED CROSS-SECTIONS SUCH AS THE GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

This software system visualizes and quantifies data associated with biological curvilinear and/or tubular structures such as the gastrointestinal tract. This system, utilizing computed tomographic data, digitally straightens or flattens such structures with curved cross-sections. The system first simulates electrical charges along the structures central path. Each curved cross-section of the structure is defined by electrical force lines due to these charges distributed along the path, and is constructed by directly tracing the force lines. The efficiency of the unraveling is improved by directly tracing only representative force lines that originate equiangularly from the current path position. The other force lines are interpolated from the traced force lines.

INVENTORS

Ge Wang, et. al.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

Patent No. 6,212,420 issued April 3, 2001

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 97073

SINGLE-HANDED CATHETER ADVANCING ASSEMBLY AND SOFT PASSING DEVICE

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

This single-handed device is a catheter advancing assembly for passing the end of a ventricular catheter. It contains a stylet including a shaft, and a catheter advancing piece which includes a rod having a bore. The bore of the rod accommodates a portion of the shaft of the stylet. A holding unit affixed to the proximal end of the shaft, to be used in conjunction with a grasping unit affixed to the rod, allows for holding and manipulating the catheter advancing assembly with only one hand.

INVENTORS

Matthew Howard, et. al.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

Patent No. 6,197,003 issued March 6, 2001

CONTACT INFORMATION