Quick, Scalable, and Precise Method to Produce Uniform Superparticles for Optical and Magnetic Applications
A method to cluster nanocrystals into uniform superparticles using a source-sink emulsion system. Problem: Superparticles present a compelling platform for customizable microscale magnets, sensors, and lasers. However, current manufacturing processes are slow, expensive, and imprecise resulting in loosely packed and polydisperse superparticles. Existing...Researcher(s):
Thomas Kodger, Emanuele Marino, Christopher Murray, Sjoerd van DongenMacrophage-Targeting Lipid Nanoparticles (MacLNPs) Deliver siRNA Intranasally to Treat Viral Pneumonia
siRNA-LNP knock-down of TAK1 delivered intranasally and to macrophages specifically prevents inflammation-induced pathology in a mouse model Problem: Macrophages are an important component of the innate immune system, but can mediate excessive inflammation and cause severe pathology if left unchecked. This poses a challenge for the treatment of acute...Bilayer Solid-State Nanopores for the Tracking, Filtering and Guiding of DNA
A bilayered solid-state nanopore material that senses and guides DNA and other biomolecules into homogeneous configurations. Problem: Current methods of DNA sensing and sequencing typically involve short read lengths, chemical labeling, labor-intensive sample preparation, and lack of portability. To minimize these issues during DNA sequencing, protein-based...Researcher(s):
Yung-Chien Chou, Marija Drndic, Chih-Yuan Lin, Dimitrios MonosKeyword(s):
NanotechnologyAdhesive Microparticle Formulation For Localized And Sustained Drug Delivery
A hairy, water-in-oil-in-water microemulsion for prolonged delivery of one or more active ingredients while adhering to target tissues. Problem: Microparticles are promising drug delivery platforms due to their biocompatibility and stability. However, existing particle-based drug delivery systems are unable to fulfill the needs for prolonged delivery...An iron oxide nanozyme formulation for augmenting the efficacy of oral care products.
A combinatory formulation for oral care products that enhances antimicrobial specificity, anti-plaque potency and prevents tooth decay. Problem: Tooth decay (dental caries), caused by the destruction of the outer layer (enamel) of teeth by bacteria in biofilms, affects nearly half of the global population and remains the most prevalent chronic disease...Adjuvanted Lipid Nanoparticles (LNPs) Enhance Protective Immunity Imparted by SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Vaccine
A lipid nanoparticle formulation that elicits a strong innate immune response for improved vaccine protection Problem: Lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-formulated mRNA vaccines have revolutionized modern vaccinology through their ability to deliver mRNA vaccines with remarkable manufacturing flexibility. However, the modified (pseudouridylated) mRNA used in...SNMF – An On-the-Fly, Multi-Filament Single-Nozzle for 3D Printing
A printing system with a single nozzle/printhead that can dispense multiple materials in a controlled manner. Problem: Multi-material additive manufacturing transcends the limitations of traditional manufacturing processes by allowing the fabrication of complex, functionally graded components with tailored material properties. However, limitations remain...Researcher(s):
Masoud Akbarzadeh, Teng Teng, Yefan Zhi3D Printable, Lightweight, High-Strength Concrete for Carbon Capture and Storage
The formulation replaces up to 50 weight percent of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) with the highly porous, biomineral, diatomaceous earth. Problem: Concrete is the world’s second-most-used material, and its production process is carbon-intensive, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. One promising solution is carbon capture and...Researcher(s):
Shu Yang, Kun-Hao (Ted) YuDye-Loaded Micelles for Direct Visualization of Colorectal Cancer
A tissue-selective, biocompatible contrast agent enables the visual identification of tumors and tumor margins during procedures Problem: Dye-based chromoendoscopy (DBC) helps endoscopists visualize colorectal mucosa and identify inflammatory polyps that could progress toward colorectal cancer in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However,...Scalable, Low Voltage Device For Liquid Crystal-Based Technologies
A multi-stable liquid crystal (LC) device based on saddle-spray director variation that enables fast optoelectronic switching and has low power requirements. Problem: LC devices are crucial for a number of modern technologies including monitors, electronic switches, and storage devices. These devices rely on an optoelectrical process by which applied...Keyword(s):
Optics & PhotonicsBiocompatible, Reversible, and Strong Multilayered Tape for Advanced Wound Care
A hydrogel-based adhesive with a hydrophobic backing layer protects it from exposure to water and offers painless removal and easy repositioning. Problem: Reversible adhesives have gained popularity in industries with a growing emphasis on reducing waste and improving sustainability. Previously, the inventors have developed a strong and reversible adhesive...Researcher(s):
Baohong Chen, Alexander Tucker, Shu YangEffective Anti-Fouling Surface Coating of Microfluidic Mixing Devices for Robust mRNA Lipid Nanoparticles (LNP) Manufacturing
Employment of omniphobic, thin-layer perfluorocarbon (TLP) coating to prevent fouling and clogging in microfluidic mixing devices during mRNA LNP formulations. Problem: Lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-based delivery systems for mRNA and other therapeutics recently gained popularity because of their application in the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines....Researcher(s):
Yoon-Ho Hwang, David Issadore, Daeyeon LeeKeyword(s):
Bioengineering, MicrofluidicsBiodegradable Batteries Operational In The Air, Environment, And Soil
A method to fabricate batteries from biodegradable materials that can operate in the environment, such as on or under soil, and are scalable in size. Problem: Recently there have been significant developments in biodegradable sensors, which can perform environmental measurements (e.g., on or below the surface of soil) for a specific time and then...Researcher(s):
Mark Allen, Jingwen ZhangScalable and Eco-Friendly Manufacturing of Tunable Heterogeneous Nanoparticle Films
A scalable heterogeneous nanoparticle film with controllable manufacturing methods with tunable properties that could be useful for a variety of applications. Problem: Current techniques for manufacturing polymer-infiltrated nanoparticle films (PINFs) include immersion in polymer melts, capillary rise infiltration, and solvent-driven infiltration....Researcher(s):
Baek Min Kim, Daeyeon LeeKeyword(s):
Nanotechnology, Soft MaterialsAn Electrophoresis Microfluidic System for Measuring Size, Shape, Charge, and Deformability of Single Particles
A microfluidic system that uses transverse alternating-current (AC) electrophoresis for multi-parameter analysis of single biological particles including mammalian or bacterial cells. Problem: With broad distributions of bacterial species in the human gut microbiome, there is a growing need for characterization methods capable of obtaining the signatures...Researcher(s):
Aaron TimpermanKeyword(s):
Soft MaterialsA Stretch-Activated Adhesive Microcapsule For The Controlled Release of Drugs In Wound-Healing Dressings
An adhesive drug-loaded microcapsule which releases therapeutic cargo upon mechanical stretching. Problem: Medicated dressings can improve healing of open wounds and improve pain management in patients. However, drug-coated bandages lack stimuli-response release mechanisms, so therapeutics are not released in a controlled and sustained manner. Poor...Researcher(s):
George Dodge, Yun Kee Jo, Daeyeon Lee, Robert MauckKeyword(s):
Drug Delivery, Soft MaterialsA Flexible, Scalable, Low-Cost Integrated Photonics Processor With On-Chip Training
A flexible photonics processor enabling on-chip optimization of light-speed information processing without requiring complex fabrication. Problem: Integrated photonics processors allow for high-speed transmission of large-bandwidth data with unlimited parallelism. However, these integrated photonics processors require intricate construction, necessitating...Base Metal Catalysts For Cyclic Conjugated Polymer Formation
A class of base metal catalysts (as opposed to expensive platinum and heavier group metals) with facile preparation methods for cyclic conjugated polymer synthesis. Problem: There is a demand for facile synthesis and purification of cyclic conjugated polymers due to their applications as lubricants, conductors, or materials with high refractive indices....Researcher(s):
Daniel Mindiola, John RussellKeyword(s):
Soft MaterialsBio-Absorbable Envelope For Improved Breast Reconstruction Outcomes In Cancer Patients
Bio-absorbable mesh envelope for use in breast reconstruction to enhance long-term cosmetic outcomes and minimize operative time and cost. Problem: In the United States, about 1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer over their lifetime and this number is rising due to improved detection by screening and patient education. Numerous women...Easily Fabricated Polymer Brushes For pH-Mediated Nanoparticle (NP) Control
A polymer brush coating on a substrate made through block copolymer coating and exfoliation for pH-mediated nanoparticle sorting, transport, and diffusion. Problem: NP-based technologies in fields such as biotherapeutics, separation, and purification require precise control of nanoparticle transport, absorption, and diffusion. Polymer brushes exhibit...Researcher(s):
Russell Composto, Yechan Kim, Karen Winey
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