Diagnostics Technology Transfer & Licensing Opportunities
Multi-channel Small Footprint Directly Intergrated Optical Sensors for FBG Sensor Network Interrogation >>Funded by a Scottish Enterprise Proof of Concept programme (11-DME-003) a team at Heriot-Watt University is developing lightweight high accuracy Fiber Brag Grating (FBG) network interrogators targeting applications within Civil engineering, Aerospace, biosensing and chemical detection.
Using a small footprint multi-channel design the robust sensor chip offers an alternative to existing spectrometer based solutions in FBG sensing.
High Pulse Energy Ultrafast Laser Source For Imaging, Spectroscopy & Micromachining >>Developed within Professor Derryck Reid's group, the output of the Broadband emission Ultrafast OPO laser source is suitable for applications within micromachining, waveguide fabrication and bio-imaging techniques such as multi photon, Raman or CARS spectroscopy.
High pulse energies and wavelength tuning allow a greater stand-off distance in long range spectroscopy applications.
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.
Paediatric Spinal Injection Simulator >>Spinal injections are commonly required procedures to remove fluid to carry out biochemical, microbiological and cytobiological tests and also for drug delivery. Medical students and practitioners are unable to practice the spinal injection procedure on cadavers, nor can they practice on patients due to the serious danger of spinal injury. Therefore when the procedure has to be carried out, there is ever a risk of injury to the patient. A physical simulator is essential to develop the skills of medical practitioners.
Case-Based Reasoning - learning through experience >>Researchers in the Artificial Intelligence Applications Institute at the University of Edinburgh have developed a Case-Based Reasoning Shell that can be applied to large and complex databases.
Microfluidic Chip for High Efficiency Plasma Separation for non-invasive diagnostics >>Researchers at Heriot-Watt University (Scotland) have designed a microfluidic chip capable of high efficiency separation of (whole) blood into blood plasma and red blood cell streams for further analyses.
The high flow design produces a large particle free zone shown to be 100% cell free; extracted plasma is suitable for direct PCR amplification fo the genetic material without further treatment.
Separation
Hand Held, Low Cost Drug Detection System for detecting Narcotics in Saliva >>Researchers at Heriot-Watt University have developed an innovative method for the presumptive detection of narcotics in saliva.
The technique offers a simple "Yes/No" result in seconds using a low powered handheld reader and economic disposable media.
Rapid Diagnostic Sensor Technology for Real Time Biological or Chemical Sample Detection >>Heriot-Watt University researchers have developed a patent pending fabrication system for a novel platform sensor technology, capable of highly sensitive and rapid detection of chemical or biological matter in a sample. The sensor technology, based on cantilevers, can be applied to detection of virtually any physical particle, and the fabrication method is polymer-based, low cost and high volume, opening the potential for low cost, disposable microsensor devices.
Method to improve DCE MRI >>Researchers at the University of Aberdeen have developed an improved method of undertaking DCE MRI (dynamic contrast enhancement magnetic resonance imaging) scans
Improved production of glioma neural tumour stem cell lines >>Researchers in the University of Edinburgh have developed a new method of producing a neural tumour stem cell line using a reliable method of purification that retains the characteristics of the tumour from which it was derived and can be differentiated into various neural cell types.
Monoclonal antibody specific for human soluble CTLA4, A novel therapeutic and diagnostic >>CTLA-4 is an important molecule in regulating the immune response. However, there is more than one genetic isoform of CTLA-4. Researchers at the University of Aberdeen have developed a monoclonal antibody clone JMW-3B3 that binds exclusively to the natural soluble isoform of CTLA4. The antibody significantly enhances targeted immune responses and has clear potential as a revolutionary therapeutic for treatment of cancer and infective disease with additional indications as a disease diagnostic or vaccine adjuvant. Additionally the antibody is available as a research reagent.
3D Real Time BioPhotonic Imaging & Tracking Suited to Fluoresence Microscopy Applications >>Heriot-Watt University of Edinburgh, Scotland have developed a patent pending lens system with dedicated particle tracking software to image and track cells, cell processes and small particles in real time in 3D. Compatible with existing imaging & microscopy techniques and built from commercially available optics the system offers both high quality images and positional information on biological processes within a cell.
Genespark Molecular Label >>Genespark is a fast fluorescent molecular labelling technology with unlimited multiplex scalability.
Novel target for metastatic breast cancer >>A role for an orphan receptor in metastatic breast cancer has recently been discovered by researchers at the University of Aberdeen. The expression level of this receptor may be correlated with the invasiveness and metastatic potential of breast cancer cells. The receptor may be used as a biomarker for diagnosis of the metastatic potential of breast cancer and may also be a target for therapeutic intervention.
Diagnostic Biomarkers for Ectopic Pregnancy >>Scientists at the University of Edinburgh have identified novel biomarkers, present in the first trimester of pregnancy, for rapid identification of an ectopic or extra-uterine pregnancy. A serum-based test is estimated to generate savings of up to £1 million per year in Scotland alone.
Methods for the Identification and Treatment of Multiple Organ Failure >>Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have identified potential compounds for the prevention and/or treatment of multiple-organ failure, as well as methods for monitoring the multiple-organ failure status of a patient.
Prion-specific antibody >>Researchers at the University of Edinburgh, together with colleagues from the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, Roslin Institute Neuropathogenesis Unit, and the University of Strathclyde, have developed an antibody that can distinguish abnormal PrP (PrPSc) from the normal cellular form (PrPC).
This is a major step towards the provision of a rapid and reliable screening test for the presence of the disease-associated form of the prion protein applicable to donated blood and organs for transplantation.
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
The Oncology Workbench >>Developed by Researchers at The Robert Gordon University, The Oncology Workbench is a system to support the design of novel multi-drug cancer chemotherapy regimes. There is a wide variety of anti-cancer drugs available to the modern clinician. These drugs, by their nature, are highly toxic and can cause a number of side effects which are themselves threatening. The oncologist is therefore faced with the task of designing a therapy which achieves the treatment objective whilst limiting the toxic side effects to a reasonable level. The Oncology Workbench uses genetic algorithms to assist the oncologist in this task.
Oxidative Stress Probe >>Fluorescent antioxidant used for the real-time measurement of the amount and rate of oxidative activity.
Diagnostic for genetic predisposition to Autism with therapeutic potential >>This technology developed at the University of Aberdeen relates to the discovery of mutation of a single gene in individuals with classical autism. The gene is involved in protein translation and offers possibilities in the diagnostic and therapeutic markets for those with autism spectrum disorder.
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.
Optical Dental Diagnosis >>With recent discoveries in the way that dental disease develops, the desire for the dentist to be able to detect, and subsequently diagnose, early caries has increased significantly. By adapting technology originally developed for the telecommunications industry the Institute of Photonics has built a confocal microscope suitable for use in the oral cavity. By utilising low cost laser diodes and optical fibres the instrument is capable of recording depth profiles through a lesion. The resulting curves can then be analysed and the depth and state of de-mineralisation within the lesion determined.
A device for reducing Radiation dose to patients undergoing diagnostic medical x-rays >>It is notoriously difficult to position patients correctly for x-ray imaging examinations. Reject analysis study is a continuous method of quality assurance which is undertaken daily in diagnostic medical imaging departments. The main cause of over-exposure of patients to x-rays is the need to repeat radiographic examination due to inaccurate patient positioning.
An instrument system has been developed by Glasgow Caledonian University in which such errors are minimised by using a computerised method of patient positioning which accurately centres the x-ray beam to the required position for each projection.
Medical Imager for Sub-Surface Temperature Mapping >>Our imager operates at millimetre wavelengths which result in sub-surface temperature images/maps with high spatial and thermal resolution recorded from useful depths below the skin surface. This technique simply records the natural thermal emission of the human body and there is no active illumination of the subject. This new imaging modality uses a passive, non-contacting sensor and is inherently safe as it presents no "dose" to patient or operator. Operable by nursing staff, it can "see-through" dressings, potentially reducing the chance of cross-contamination and potentially for use in combination with infrared thermal and laser doppler imaging (both synergistic technologies).
UV Light Indicator >>The incidence of skin cancer has doubled in the UK in the past 20 years, now affecting 50,000 Britons every year. Protective sun creams are widely available, however if the lotion is not reapplied at the appropriate time or is rubbed or washed off, consumers are left at risk of being burned. Researchers at Strathclyde University have developed an innovative UV light indicator in the form of a simple wrist-band, which could solve this problem. A novel ink formulation printed onto the band produces a colour change warning the user once their exposure has reached recommended levels.
Portable Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) >>The technology, developed at the University of Aberdeen, relates to the portable MRI system which will cost significantly less than current equipment. Most existing magnetic resonance imagers are highly sophisticated, occupy a large amount of space and are costly to purchase and maintain. There are numerous situations in which the ability to image small objects or localised areas of human or animal patients using portable equipment would be extremely valuable.
