Technology Opportunities from University Technology http://www.university-technology.com/sectors/Chemicals Fri, 12 Mar 2010 07:42:44 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://unitech.dogdigital.net/details/urea-or-urine-powered-fuel-cell-technology-for-low-cost-energy-systems Heriot-Watt has received EPSRC Follow on Fund award to develop a Urea Fuel Cell. Led by Dr Shanwen Tao the project focus is on developing low temperature membrane electrode assembly (MEA) and catalyst that will use Urea solutions such as Greenox (tm), Adblue (tm) or Urine as a low cost easily transported readily available fuel source. Lab experiments showing "Proof of Principle" with Urea solutions have been completed. University Technology Fri, 05 Mar 2010 13:43:47 +0100 http://unitech.dogdigital.net/details/a-new-family-of-intracellular-imaging-display-dyes Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have created a new family of fluorescein-based dyes that are in the visible range and can be used to measure intracellular pH, viscosity and temperature. University Technology Thu, 25 Feb 2010 11:21:32 +0100 http://unitech.dogdigital.net/details/cystinosis---cystagon-prodrug Nephropathic cystinosis is a rare autosomal recessive disease. It is characterised by raised lysosomal levels of cystine in the cells of most organs. If untreated, the disease, results in death from renal failure by the second decade of life. Cysteamine, the treatment for cystinosis, posesses an offensive taste and smell and irritates the gastrointestinal tract leading to nausea and vomiting following administration. In addition, cysteamine and its metabolites are excreted in breath and sweat. As a result of these problems patient compliance can be poor. University Technology Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:22:14 +0100 http://unitech.dogdigital.net/details/soluble-polymer-catalysts The project is developing commercial processes using organocatalysts for chiral chemical production. In doing so, a number of existing metal catalyst processes will be replaced. There are environmental challenges associated with recovery of the metals used (e.g., iridium, rhodium, palladium, etc.), and also cost implications necessitated by the removal of unwanted metal residues from the resulting compounds. University Technology Wed, 12 Aug 2009 15:38:41 +0100 http://unitech.dogdigital.net/details/quartz-crystal-microbalance-sensor-for-dew-point-measurement The Institute of Petroleum Engineering at Heriot-Watt University has developed a patented method of measuring the Dew Point and Bubble Point phase transitions in fluids using a Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM). This technology can provide a superior measurement of the Dew Point of rich gas condensate systems and, in particular, wet gases and lean wet gases. University Technology Fri, 12 Jun 2009 11:36:59 +0100 http://unitech.dogdigital.net/details/bijels:-emulsion-gels-stabilized-by-particles Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have invented a new generic route to gel formulation, involving particles suspended in fluid-bicontinuous mixture of two solvents. University Technology Mon, 11 May 2009 10:19:46 +0100 http://unitech.dogdigital.net/details/novel-polymeric-nano-carriers-for-drug-delivery-and-other-biomedical-applications. Researchers at The Robert Gordon University have engineered novel nano-sized polymeric solubilisers to encapsulate and deliver therapeutic agents such as peptides, proteins and water insoluble drugs. In the aqueous solution, these delivery systems form a protective core, which can trap and separate their cargo from the aqueous environment. Hence, they can also be designed to carry potent substances, which are easily degradable in an aqueous environment during processing/manufacturing. They are easy to prepare and due to the diverse architecture of these delivery systems, they can be tailored made to carry a broad range of molecules for biomedical application University Technology Thu, 02 Aug 2007 14:58:30 +0100 http://unitech.dogdigital.net/details/synthesis-of-nucleoside-triphosphates Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have developed two novel and complimentary methods for syntheses of nucleic acids. These new systems employ polymer-supported reagents to generate nucleic acids. University Technology Mon, 19 Jun 2006 14:11:45 +0100 http://unitech.dogdigital.net/details/preparation-of-enantiomerically-pure-chiral-amines. Researchers at the University of St Andrews have developed a synthetic process for the preparation of a class of enantiomerically pure chiral amines. This efficient and economical method gives rise to entities of a varied structural class, which can be used as building blocks in the synthesis of bioactives or catalysts for asymmetric synthesis. University Technology Tue, 07 Mar 2006 17:04:40 +0100 http://unitech.dogdigital.net/details/mid-infrared-spectroscopic-imager-for-gases,-liquids-and-solids A novel detection and visualisation instrument which uses the back-scatter absorption imaging technique and takes advantage of the very high optical absorption exhibited by many different substances, including hydrocarbons such as methane, in the mid-infrared spectral range. The system therefore not only detects the presence of the substance under test, but also indicates where in the field of view it is, thereby allowing the operator to rapidly find its location. Concentrations of methane have been imaged down to approximately 40ppm.m - a level 500 times lower than the lower explosive limit of this gas. University Technology Wed, 30 Nov 2005 12:20:29 +0100 http://unitech.dogdigital.net/details/oxygen-intelligent-ink Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) is a modern and much used method to protect oxygen sensitive items, most commonly foodstuffs and sterilised medical equipment. It is imperative within this form of packaging that the level of oxygen is known, to indicate product tampering and assure quality. Current oxygen sensors tend to be unreliable, due to their reversibility with oxygen, and are also typically costly with short shelf-lives. New research at the University of Strathclyde has discovered a novel sensor for measuring oxygen levels within MAP. University Technology Tue, 15 Nov 2005 09:33:35 +0100 http://unitech.dogdigital.net/details/an-intelligent-ink-for-the-detection-of-photocatalytic-films Self-cleaning glass and tiles coated with a photocatalytic semiconductor film have been on the industrial and commercial markets for some time now. Until now the stearic acid test has been the primary method of measuring photocatalytic activity. However, this is a complex, time-consuming technique and cannot be performed on products in situ. Novel technology has now emerged from the University of Strathclyde that overcomes the inherent difficulties of the stearic acid test. University Technology Tue, 15 Nov 2005 09:29:29 +0100 http://unitech.dogdigital.net/details/antimicrobial-agent-targets-in-acanthamoeba---a-treatment-for-contact-lens-induced-infection Acanthamoeba are microscopic amoeba commonly found in the environment. Through improper storage, handling, and disinfection of contact lenses, Acanthamoeba can enter the eye and cause severe ulcerations of the cornea - a condition called Acanthamoeba keratitis. Current treatments are extremely cumbersome and often fail as Acanthamoeba can develop into cysts that are resistant to the drugs used to treat it. Even if successful, the damage to the eye can be so extensive that a cornea transplant is required. Moreover, the drug-resistant cysts remaining in the eye can re-infect the transplanted cornea. University Technology Mon, 14 Nov 2005 09:43:36 +0100 http://unitech.dogdigital.net/details/wastewater-remediation:-hydrocavitational-advanced-fenton-process-(hcafp) HCAFP, pioneered by researchers at the University of Abertay Dundee, is a novel, patented process for the treatment of industrial wastewaters containing recalcitrant organic pollutants, such as those from the chemical sector. The process is an innovative development of a well-proven chemical oxidation reaction that provides a solution for the rapid and effective removal of these pollutants. Currently, a significant volume of effluent from the chemical sector is tankered off-site for disposal as it is not cost effective, or practical, to provide on-site treatment. By reducing the toxic organic content HCAFP can render these wastewaters amenable to traditional downstream treatment processes or potential direct discharge to sewer. University Technology Tue, 28 Jun 2005 10:38:18 +0100 http://unitech.dogdigital.net/details/novel-gaseous-analgesics Two different gaseous analgesics are described, the first has applications for use during labour; the second is appropriate for repeated use, for example, during daily wound dressing. Each of these mixtures overcomes drawbacks associated with the admixture of 50% oxygen and nitrous oxide that is currently used for pain relief during these procedures. University Technology Thu, 27 May 2004 15:59:31 +0100