Food & Drink Technology Transfer & Licensing Opportunities
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.
Printed Chip-less Smart Labels >>Researchers at the University of Glasgow have developed a novel, covert, chip-less smart label technology for protecting branded items.
High Security Hologram & Diffractive Optic devices for Anti-Counterfeiting >>Heriot-Watt University have developed a patented technology whereby a single surface relief diffractive optical element is capable of producing two distinct output patterns under different illumination wavelengths, one in the visible region and one in the non-visible region. It is believed that these elements have the potential to produce a highly secure, anti counterfeiting optical watermark.
Genespark Molecular Label >>Genespark is a fast fluorescent molecular labelling technology with unlimited multiplex scalability.
Bijel Capsules: Co-release Micro-gel >>Colloid scientists at the University of Edinburgh have invented a new generic route to gel capsule formulation, involving particles suspended in fluid-bicontinuous mixture of two solvents.
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.
Novel Method for Acoustic Deterrence (NMAD) of seal predation on fish farms >>The NMAD has been developed by members of the Sea Mammals Research Unit at the Gatty Marine Laboratory and undergone fish farm field trials. The sound profiles of the NMAD have been designed to have the maximum effect on specific target species (e.g. seals) and the minimum on species not targeted (e.g. whales, porpoises) and can be tuned to elicit a pronounced and maintained avoidance response. Our wide experience of studying sea mammals allows our providing sound profiles targeted at chosen species without harming them or other marine residents.
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
Plasma Treated Active Carbon Adsorbents >>Researchers at The Robert Gordon University have developed a completely new type of porous carbon for high performance filtration. The materials provide a pivotal role in the successful development of key technologies to meet current societal needs in the critical areas of energy, purification and safety/personal protection where the development of new, low cost, safety clothing and breathing apparatus for civilian and military protection against the threat of terrorist attacks is an ever increasing need.
Oxidative Stress Probe >>Fluorescent antioxidant used for the real-time measurement of the amount and rate of oxidative activity.
Real Time Nitrate Detector >>Researchers at The Robert Gordon University have developed a new method for detecting nitrates in foodstuffs and water. This new sensor membrane uses a compound that provides a robust solution to the limitations usually found surrounding the measurements of nitrates.
By working with partners in Portugal and Spain, RGU has produced an electrode without an inner reference solution, producing a robust sensor which can detect to a limit of 10-7M – an improvement on the method currently used which struggles to detect concentrations below 10-5M.
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.
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.
Centre for Biomedical and Nutritional Sciences >>BIO is virtually unique within UK Universities. No other single academic unit encompasses such a broad range of subjects / disciplines in its research portfolio. It has ‘opposite ends’ in biomedical and nutritional research that includes – cell & molecular biology; proteomics; food analysis; nutritional intake in childhood; microbiology of bacterial and viral pathogens; fungal toxins; physiology of tissue injury and modeling; pharmacology; cardiovascular and respiratory function; genetic diseases and cancer.
