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Bioresorbable Silicon Electronics for Neural Sensing Dr. John Rogers from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has developed bioresorbable silicon electronics that can be used for real-time sensing of neural... Read More Dr. John Rogers from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has developed bioresorbable silicon electronics that can be used for real-time sensing of neural electrical activity. This invention could prevent follow-up neural surgeries, and has potentials for long-term monitoring of patients. 2015-158 Photo for Web.png
Quantum Dots with Thin Coatings that Allow for Efficient Bioconjugation Dr. Andrew Smith from the University of Illinois has developed new quantum dots with a multidentate polymer coating that minimizes size while maintaining stability and... Read More Dr. Andrew Smith from the University of Illinois has developed new quantum dots with a multidentate polymer coating that minimizes size while maintaining stability and improving efficiency of conjugation. Quantum dots are promising agents for cellular and molecular imaging, but their bulky organic coatings have limited their use in cells. Dr. Smith's quantum dots are small, stable, and can be conjugated to targeting molecules and purified easily.
Algorithm Modified Deoxynybomycin for the Treatment of Gram-Negative Bacteria Dr. Hergenrother from the University of IL has developed a novel antibiotic that is effective against certain antibiotic-resistant gram-negative bacteria. His powerful... Read More Dr. Hergenrother from the University of IL has developed a novel antibiotic that is effective against certain antibiotic-resistant gram-negative bacteria. His powerful predictive algorithm determines accumulation of molecules in Gram-negative bacteria and enables conversion of known Gram-positive only antibiotics into novel compounds with Gram-negative potency.
A Sustained Inhibition of Cancer Stem Cells via STAT-3 Modulation Dr. Dipanjan Pan from the University of Illinois has... Read More Dr. Dipanjan Pan from the University of Illinois has developed a technology to enhance the bioavailability of poorly water soluble drugs. The technology involves coating such poorly water soluble drugs onto a carbon nanoparticle, cucurbituril (CB6) for controlled drug delivery and for improved antitumor activity in vivo. Benefits • Increases bioavailability of known low solubility drugs • Green carbon nanoparticles that reduces toxicity • Theranostic applications
Process for Making Modular Bioactuators Dr. Rashid Bashir has developed a process for manufacturing modular bioactuators. The process utilizes stereolithographic 3D printing to create injection... Read More Dr. Rashid Bashir has developed a process for manufacturing modular bioactuators. The process utilizes stereolithographic 3D printing to create injection molds for cell/hydrogel cultures and for skeletal scaffolds for the actuators. The resulting ring-like actuators can then be manually placed on the scaffold. This introduces a modular design that is customizable and transferable. These actuators are also triggered optogenetically and exhibit directional motion and 2D steering.
Method for Short Run-Time Spatial Gene Analysis Dr. Rashid Bashir has developed a novel method for spatial gene analysis that removes the need for purification and homogenizing steps typical in RNA amplification... Read More Dr. Rashid Bashir has developed a novel method for spatial gene analysis that removes the need for purification and homogenizing steps typical in RNA amplification techniques. This method combines microfabrication and bioengineering in a unique manner that allows for spatial gene analysis in 2 hours or less. The method uses a chip patterned with thousands of picoliter microwells with sharp edges that pixelate the tissue without cross contamination. This preserves spatial data and allows amplification in each microwell.
PathTracker Drs. Cunningham and Bashir have developed a novel point of care diagnostic device capable of detecting pathogen infection from a single drop of blood. A blood sample is... Read More Drs. Cunningham and Bashir have developed a novel point of care diagnostic device capable of detecting pathogen infection from a single drop of blood. A blood sample is channeled through a microfluidics device allowing amplification of viral DNA/RNA of interest, which is then detected using a uses smartphone. Infection information is then uploaded allowing tracking of infections geographically. Immediate uses for the technology are for diagnosis of viral infection in human patients (Zika, dengue, and Chikungunya) and diagnosis of respiratory infection in equine populations (Equine herpesvirus, Equine influenza, Strangles, Equine adenovirus type 1, and Equine arteritis virus). Further uses include water testing, food safety, and pharmaceutical quality control.
Real-Time Label-Free Acoustic Sensing at High Throughput Rate Professor Gaurav Bahl from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has developed a device that performs real-time high sensitivity acoustic sensing of flowing fluid... Read More Professor Gaurav Bahl from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has developed a device that performs real-time high sensitivity acoustic sensing of flowing fluid-suspended cells and particles using ultra-high-Q microfluidic opto-mechanical resonators (OMFRs). They aim to achieve throughput rate of 50,000 cells/second. Related Publications: Bahl, Gaurav, et al. "Brillouin cavity optomechanics with microfluidic devices." Nature communications 4 (2013). Zhu, K., et al. "Opto-acoustic sensing of fluids and bioparticles with optomechanofluidic resonators." The European Physical Journal Special Topics 223.10 (2014): 1937-1947.
Cas9 Mediated Genome Editing Tools for Archaea Dr. Metcalf from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has developed a novel method for genome editing in archaea utilizing the Cas9 system. This method utilizes... Read More Dr. Metcalf from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has developed a novel method for genome editing in archaea utilizing the Cas9 system. This method utilizes Cas9 machinery with the native archaeal HDR mechanism to edit the genome with no off-target activity. This method can also be combined with archaeal NHEJ machinery to allow random mutagenesis at a location of interest. Notably these tools allow efficient genome editing in methanogenic species potentially leading to novel biogenic strategies for methane production.
Nanomaterial for Active Release of Molecules in Response to Increase in Internal Pressure Dr. Hyunjoon Kong from the University of IL has developed a MnO2 based nanosheets complexed with alginate encapsulated in PLGA. This formulation can be used for active... Read More Dr. Hyunjoon Kong from the University of IL has developed a MnO2 based nanosheets complexed with alginate encapsulated in PLGA. This formulation can be used for active release of molecules that uses internal pressure as a trigger in response to H2O2 exposure. This invention is a composition of matter that can be used as a method in drug delivery. The nanomaterial releases O2 gas in response to H2O2. This results in an increase in internal pressure and subsequent release of the active molecule. The advantage of this system is that it can be used for targeted delivery of active molecules at a controlled rate. This technology has application in theranostics as well as food industry.