University of Arizona

University of Arizona and ASU License Porous High Surface Area Materials for a DNA Collection to UA related Start-up Diomics

(Tucson, AZ) The University of Arizona’s Office of Technology Transfer working in collaboration with ASU’s AzTE recently licensed an invention out of the University of Arizona’s Center for Applied Nanobioscience and Medicine entitled, “Porous High Surface Area Materials for a DNA Collection” to the Diomics Corporation based in La Jolla, California.

There is intense interest to improve the accuracy, reduce the cost, and reduce the analysis time for DNA profiling. New methods and procedures are under investigation to address these issues. The methods that appear to be the most promising are ones that incorporate automation and miniaturization. The incorporation of these methods place stricter demands on the collection efficiency and processing of DNA samples. Currently sampling techniques typically use a cotton swab for sample collection. For many applications this technique is extremely inefficient.

For example, it has been reported in the literature that the collection efficiency and release of sperm cells using cotton swabs in sexual assault cases is a minute fraction of the total available sperm cell population from the collection area due to the strong adhesion of the sperm cells to the cotton fibers. The licensed invention addresses this issue by providing an extremely high surface area material with a degradable matrix comprised of hybrid nanomaterials for a more controlled release of the collected sample from the matrix scaffold. Advantages of the technology include:  overcoming limitations in the release of degraded materials at low recovery efficiency by combining a high surface area material in a degradable matrix, and easily modified surface chemistry of the substrate provides the flexibility to alter the mechanical, physical and chemical properties of the material to optimize sample collection and processing.

 OTT has been provided new documents relevant to the Enabling Disclosure process and they are now available on our website under "Forms and Templates" > "All Forms".
 
They are:

1. Enabling Disclosure Form
2. Enabling Disclosure Checklist

University of Arizona Licenses In-line Photoacoustic Imaging Technology to ZONARE


The University of Arizona’s Office of Technology Transfer (OTT) has recently licensed an invention entitled, “Method and Apparatus for In-line Photoacoustic Imaging” to ZONARE Medical Systems, based in Mountain View, CA.  The senior inventor, Dr. Russell Witte, is Assistant Professor in the newly-formed Department of Medical Imaging in the College of Medicine.  In-line Photoacoustic Imaging has potential application in future medical diagnostic equipment ranging from cancer detection to aiding in the early diagnosis of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s.  The device exploits the photoacoustic effect, a process that converts light to acoustic waves due to absorption, transient heating and thermal expansion. The invention couples laser light into tissue while detecting the generated ultrasonic waves. The simplicity in the design potentially enables the development of low cost photoacoustic probes built upon existing ultrasound probes.

Mark your calendars, Innovation Day 2012 will be held Tuesday March 6, 2012 at The University of Arizona's student union. For those who have not attended this event before, Innovation Day celebrates the creative endeavors of University faculty and students - including an awards ceremony for innovator(s) of the year. Students also have an opportunity to present their business ideas and plans at the expo following the ceremony.

More information, including registration information can be found at http://innovation.arizona.edu

 Pat has taken a position with the VPR's office at University of Oregon and there will be a reception in his honor 4 PM January 4th, 2012 in the Ventana Room in the Student Union. We hope to see everyone there!