Tech Spotlight: 3D Control of Polymerization via Photofixation of Diels-Alder Networks

Researchers at the University of Colorado led by Christopher Bowman have further exploited the reversibility of the Diels-Alder (DA) reaction reaction by combining the facile formation of a DA molecular scaffold with spatially and temporally selective photo-polymerization. Their invention provides a method for “fixation” (photo-fixation, when light-activated) of otherwise reversible DA crosslinks in a polymer network. The use of photopolymerization on an existing DA macromolecular scaffold reduces deleterious transport effects of conventional photopolymerization in liquid monomer, while maintaining the advantages of high conversion and rapid reaction kinetics.

These photofixed materials and the photolithographic strategy employed to make them have far reaching implications in the field of photopolymerization. Any application that can benefit from spatial and temporal control of polymerization reactions will be greatly enhanced by the simplicity of this fixation technology. Just a few of the many possible applications of this type of 3D polymerization control include 3D prototyping and printing, microfabrication, and flexographic printing.

To read a non-confidential summary of this technology, please click the image above. For more CU technologies available for licensing, visit our Tech Explorer site.

Tech Spotlight: Peptides for Modulating T-Cell Activity, for Treatment of Inflammation and Autoimmune Disease

A major concern in autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes (T1D), multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, etc. is safely treating the destructive inflammation. During these diseases, persistent debilitating inflammation leads to tissue destruction and eventual loss of function. In T1D, for example, cells of the immune system (including T cells) migrate to the pancreas and attack the insulin producing beta islet cells. Inflammation is established in the islets, leading to loss of insulin production.

A University of Colorado research group lead by David Wagner has developed a novel method for modulating autoimmune inflammation by directly impacting the primary cells responsible for the destructive inflammation. This product is a small peptide that has been shown to prevent type I diabetes in the animal disease model; and to reverse hyperglycemia in new-onset mice. Extensive study based on size and composition of the peptide has indicated lead candidates for drug development; Dr. Wagner's work also enables monitoring of treat efficacy.

To read a non-confidential summary of this technology, including links to relevant patent and scientific documents, please click the image above. For more CU technologies available for licensing, please visit our Tech Explorer site.

Tech Spotlight: Magnetic Field-Responsive, Thermoreversible Polymers for Industrial and Medical Applications

A research team from the University of Colorado led by Brian Adzima and Christopher Bowman has discovered materials and methods that can allow in situ heating of thermo-reversible polymer networks via a self-limiting heating technique, using magnetic field-responsive particles. This method minimizes the irreversible reactions that occur at high temperatures. The material properties may be unchanged even after multiple cycles of fracture and repair, achieving its native properties after each and every fracture/repair cycle. The healing mechanisms of the invention can be faster than those obtained for thermoplastic materials, since the oligomeric liquids resulting from depolymerization can allow significantly enhanced diffusion.

Applications include use in coatings where scratches can be closed through the heating process; industrial adhesion; use as an embolic agent for vascular occlusion; and targeted drug delivery.

To read a non-confidential summary of this technology, including relevant patent and scientific documents, please click the image above. For more CU technologies available for licensing, please visit our Tech Explorer site.

July + August 2011 Newsletter Now Available

Top stories from TTO's July + August newsletter:

Perspective: Major Funding Milestones for CU Licensees and Companies
In the last few weeks, several CU licensees and partner companies achieved significant financing milestones, including VC funding rounds, acquisitions and grants. This trend fits with a statewide increase in investment in the second quarter of 2011; and while one swallow doesn't make a summer, we're hopeful that this trend will continue through 2011, enabling our partner companies to bring CU technologies closer to the market. (See the full list of recent financings in the newsletter.)

TTO Announces August 15 Deadline for BDEG Project Summaries
Under the State of Colorado's Bioscience Discovery and Evaluation Grant (BDEG) Program, CU researchers are eligible for awards of $50,000 to $200,000 for commercial proof-of-concept (POC) work; eligible fields include therapeutics, diagnostics, medical devices, platform technologies, and biofuels. Interested researchers must submit a short Project Summary to TTO by August 15, 2011, as well as an Invention Disclosure if one is not already in place. The deadline for the application itself is September 9, 2011. Applications and more information are available online. 

Heidelberg Instruments to Develop CU Nanotech Platform
Heidelberg Instruments GmbH (Heidelberg, Germany) and the University of Colorado recently completed an exclusive option agreement for a CU technique that shrinks the circuitry of nano-devices, enabling the creation of smaller computer chips and other nanodevices. (Read full press release.)

TTO Welcomes New Director, BioPharma Alliances at CU
TTO is pleased to welcome Dr. Laura Simon, Director of the new Office of BioPharma Alliances for CU Denver and the Anschutz Medical Campus. Laura will serve as a liaison between faculty researchers and biotechnology, pharmaceutical and device companies. The Office of BioPharma Alliances is a campus-supported resource for research programs interested in strategic (big picture, multi-year, large dollar) relationships with biomedical enterprises, and is part of CU Denver's Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research. (Read the full profile.)

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