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Office of the Vice President for Research Northern Arizona University 928-523-4340 PO Box 4087 928-523-1075 fax Flagstaff, AZ 86011-4087 www.research.nau.edu

Great minds don't think alike. If they did, the Patent Office would only have about fifty inventions.

—Scott Adams

Dear Colleagues,

Welcome to Northern Arizona University’s Intellectual Property Portfolio. Within these “covers” you will find an evolving and dynamic collection of innovations that represent the desire and willingness of NAU faculty and staff to contribute to the global body of knowledge while discovering solutions to real-world problems. These inventions are all available for licensing by both established and start-up companies, and we also welcome the opportunity to enter into research partnerships with companies interested in sponsoring further R&D on these inventions or with the specific researchers.

NAU Innovations is a catalytic organization created to develop and promote NAU’s intellectual property holdings, with a mission to create value for the public by offering high quality opportunities to the private sector. The technologies featured here are anticipated to grow into viable commercial products and services for the benefit of all.

Please contact us at [email protected] or 928-523-8288 to learn more about our offerings and to discuss how you can become one of Northern Arizona University’s partners in innovation.

Sincerely,

Lesley K. Cephas Director, NAU Innovations

William Grabe Ph.D.Vice President for Research

Lesley CephasDirector of Research Development and Technology Transfer

Timothy Vail Ph.D.Technology Development and Commercialization, NAU Innovations

NAU InnovationsPO Box 4087Flagstaff, AZ [email protected]

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Please select the side arrow to browse our IP available

for licenesing, or select a link below:

Available for Licensing

System and Software for optimizing Energy Efficiency in Programmable Devices

Germinating Chlamydomonas Zygosporesas a Source of Abundant Extractable Lipid

Vaccine against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Biofilms

Rapid Diagnostic Assay for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

Functionalized Paramagnetic Particles for In vivo diagnosis of MRSA Biofilms

Lateral Flow Diagnostic Reader with Multiassay Cassette - iTester™

MOMECCA: Moist Membranes for the Cultivation and Collection of Algae

Structural Supercapacitors

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Invention Description

This invention describes a programmed machine that, during the course of its operations, optimizes its energy efficiency. The invention provides an electronic circuit for sensing of power use and a means of controlling a sequence of register values, establishing the machine’s power-use configuration, along with a means to minimize energy use. In practice, this technology describes a hardware/software extension for embedded systems that are found in a variety of electronically controlled devices including appliances and consumer electronics. This extension monitors energy use and continuously adjusts system parameters in an attempt to improve energy efficiency. The process is undertaken autonomously, freeing the designer from the task of hand-optimizing system performance.

The system is implemented as a software library under a portable application programming interface (API), which allows it to be used with a variety of heterogeneous devices, presenting an abstracted hardware interface to the application code. This system may find applications in low-power embedded computing systems, such as those required to support the emerging Internet of Things.

Potential Applications

Insturments for industrial process control manufacturing

Wireless sensor networks

Implementation in consumer electronics

Benefits and Advantages

Frees the programmer from hand-optimizing energy usage and maintains energy optimization throughout unforeseen usage conditions.

Handles the details of energy-optimization and presents a clean interface to the application programmer.

Provides rich information regarding energy usage of particular peripherals.

Inventor

Dr. Paul FlikkemaProfessorElectrical Engineering

Intellectual Property Status:Patent Pending

ContactDr. Tim VailNAU InnovationsPO Box 4087Flagstaff, AZ 86011

928-523-5311

[email protected]

System and Software for optimizing Energy Efficiency in Programmable Devices

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Inventor

Dr. Karen VanWinkle-SwiftRegents’ ProfessorBiological Sciences

Intellectual Property Status:

Patent Pending

ContactDr. Tim Vail

NAU InnovationsPO Box 4087

Flagstaff, AZ 86011

928-523-5311

[email protected]

Germinating Chlamydomonas Zygosporesas a Source of Abundant Extractable Lipid


Markets as diverse as cosmetics, nutritional supplements, and biofuels are increasingly seeking commercial sources of renewable lipids. However, one of the biggest challenges in utilizing algal sources of lipids is the expensive and time-consuming process of extraction and separation of the lipids from the non-lipid waste materials.

NAU researchers have developed methodologies and procedures that promote the accumulation and release of intracellular lipid bodies from zygospores of the single-celled green alga, Chlamydomonas monoica, through synchronization of zygospore germination and harvesting the lipid from the zygospores when in their most fragile state (just prior to the release of progeny).

This approach is relevant to the commercial production of biodiesel and food supplements derived from fatty acids.


Production of lipids or carotenoids for nutritional supplements

Production of lipids for alternative energy/biofuels

Dormant zygospores can be induced to divide and germinate by manipulation of nutrient and light availability

Production of lipids for organic or all-natural cosmetics


The process can be automated and scaled up for commercial use

The process minimizes extraction costs

Sustainable source for biofuels

Environmentally benign

High purity products with minimal clean-up costs

Eliminates “pond-culture” maintenance issues

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 62,000 cases of MRSA infection were reported in 2011, with the vast majority affecting individuals over the age of 65. A joint research project between investigators at NAU and the University of Maryland - Baltimore has produced a vaccine for MRSA biofilms.

This quad-valent vaccine, when supplemented with vancomycin treatment, clears a significantly greater amount of the infection than with the standard treatment using vancomycin alone. This is due to the selection of antigens expressed at high levels in the various stages of biofilm development. In contrast, current vaccines in development have selected antigens expressed during the pre-biofilm stage, and do not cover the morphological and antigenic changes that occur during biofilm development.

In combination with the lateral flow diagnostic assay (see portfolio page 11, and the ability to detect MRSA infections in vivo (see portfolio page 12, this trio of inventions provides the ability to detect, localize, and prevent MRSA –related biofilm infections.


Prevention of hospital-acquired infections

Medical implant surgery patient monitoring

MRSA infection prevention and treatment


Clears more of the infection than with standard treatment

Covers the morphological and antigenic changes that occur during biofilm development

Inventors

Dr. Jeff LeidAssociate ProfessorBiological Sciences

Dr. Mark ShirtliffAssociate ProfessorUniversity of Maryland, BalitmoreSchool of Dentistry



928-523-5311

[email protected]

Vaccine against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Biofilms

MRSA from NAU News-Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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The Numbers: More than 126,000 patients hospitalized in the U.S. are infected with MRSA (methecillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) annually, leading to over 5,000 deaths, increased length of hospital stays, and significantly higher healthcare costs.

The Problem: A major hurdle to the success of diagnosing and treating a MRSA biofilm infection is the successful localization and targeting of biofilm infections in vivo. Moreover,MRSA infections are notoriously difficult to treat, as they are often associated with implanted medical devices such as artificial heart valves, catheters, and stents. Rapid diagnosis is critical to effective treatment. This patent- issued assay provides that diagnosis in ten minutes or less.

The Solution: Researchers at NAU and the University of Maryland have developed a new diagnostic assay to provide clinicians with a rapid, inexpensive and sensitive tool for early diagnosis of MRSA infections. As a stand-alone device, it can be “inventoried” to an existing commercial diagnostics portfolio, or provide rapid revenue for a start-up company to build its diagnostics base. This is likely to be a CLIA-waived device, making regulatory hurdles minimal.


Diagnosis of hospital-acquired infections


MRSA infection prevention and diagnosis


Distinguishes attached biofilm infections (e.g. endocarditis) from systemic infections

Allows rapid patient monitoring of medical device implant surgery pre- and post-operative

Can be read visually with no need for expensive diagnostic equipment

Rapid Diagnostic Assay for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

Inventors


Dr. Timothy L. VailAdjunct Professor

Chemistry & Biochemistry

Dr. Mark ShirtliffAssociate Professor

University of Maryland, BalitmoreSchool of Dentistry


Patent Pending

ContactDr. Tim Vail


Flagstaff, AZ 86011

928-523-5311

[email protected]

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Biofilms are attached communities of microorganisms that are inherently resistant to antibiotics and killing from the human immune system. These communities are often associated with indwelling medical devices such as catheters, endotracheal tubes, surgical sutures, hip and knee joint prostheses and dental implants. However, biofilms also colonize heart valves (endocarditis), bone (osteomyelitis), tooth surfaces (dental caries), gums (periodontal disease), burn patients and the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients. In all cases, these infections dramatically increase morbidity and mortality costing an estimated $20 billion dollars annually. The CDC estimates that of all nosocomial infections, >70% are caused by biofilms.

In conjunction with the diagnosis of, and vaccination against MRSA biofilm infections, a joint research project between investigators at NAU and the University of Maryland - Baltimore has produced an in vivo detection method for MRSA biofilm infections. These infections are often associated with endocarditis or osteomyelitis, and can be localized at or near medical device implants, such as catheters, heart valves, or stents. The inventors have successfully detected S. aureus biofilms on infected tibial pins whereas implanted sterile pins showed no sign of biofilm development.Specific visualization of the site of biofilm infection will give surgeons the exact site of infection leading to removal of less healthy tissue and more biofilm infection. Specific targeting of the biofilm would also allow for specific delivery of a well-defined quantity of chemotherapeutic agents that may then be effective against the biofilm-mode of growth.


Prevention of hospital-acquired infections


MRSA infection prevention and treatment


Early diagnosis

Minimizes removal of healthy tissue surrounding an infection

Inventors


Dr. Timothy L. VailAdjunct ProfessorChemistry & Biochemistry

Dr. Mark ShirtliffAssociate ProfessorUniversity of Maryland, BalitmoreSchool of Dentistry



928-523-5311

[email protected]

Functionalized Paramagnetic Particles for In vivo diagnosis of MRSA Biofilms

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Mass cultivation of algae has focused on the use of open ponds or closed bioreactors. Both approaches depend upon routine liquid culturing of the algae and require the removal of large quantities of water at the time of cell harvesting and subsequent extraction of desired products. NAU researchers have developed a technology that drastically reduces the water content at the time of cell harvesting and enables automated mass production of algal cells.

The invention uses porous inert membranes to support the growth and subsequent harvesting of algae. Moisture and nutrients required for growth are provided by misting of the porous inert membrane from above, or percolation of an aqueous nutrient medium through a semisolid basement layer in contact with the membrane. Algal cells are then harvested from the membrane surface by scraping or lifting the cells using an industrial sized “squeegee”.

The invention also induces environmental stresses, which often trigger oil accumulation in algae, by moving the membrane with adherent cells to a new basement layer, or by changing the misting or percolating solution. After cell harvesting, the membrane with residual cells can be moistened with complete medium (via misting or percolation) to induce a new round of growth and subsequent stress induction.


Mass cultivation of algae for biofuel production

Quick and efficient growth of food additives and cosmetics (e.g. carotenoids; beta carotene and astaxanthin)


Decreased water consumption and contamination, and increased control of nutrient feed

Easier to induce stress on algae

The membrane can be re-seeded

MOMECCA: Moist Membranes for the Cultivation and Collection of Algae

Inventor

Dr. Karen VanWinkle-SwiftRegents’ ProfessorBiological Sciences


Patent Pending

ContactDr. Tim Vail


Flagstaff, AZ 86011

928-523-5311

[email protected]

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The iTester™ is a diagnostic assay system in a hand-held electronic platform capable of running up to seven individual assays simultaneously, with results in approximately eight minutes. Diagnostic panels can be designed for environmental and public health needs such as water and wastewater testing, or for clinical diagnosis such as blood-borne disease, cardiac markers, lipid profiles, and drugs of abuse.

The sample volume for the iTester™ diagnostic panel is less than one milliliter, and can include fluids such as water, whole blood, serum, and saliva.

The iTester™ has wireless Internet capability, a USB port, a touchscreen interface, and a fully functional desktop PC environment.

The iTester™ is battery–powered and intended for complete operation in remote locations.


The system provides nearly instantaneous test results for multiple market uses, including water testing, healthcare, drug testing, veterinary care

This system can be readily adapted to uses such as triage and field medicine, disaster relief, or as part of a portable clinical diagnostics laboratory for developing countries


Near real-time analysis of samples in the field

Seamless upload, management, and sharing of data

Complete analysis of entire diagnostic panel from a single small sample volume

Flexibility of use for different purposes

Negates the need for sample transport for testing in laboratories

Lateral Flow Diagnostic Reader with Multiassay Cassette - iTester™

Inventors

Dr. Catherine R. PropperProfessorBiological Sciences

Dr. Timothy L. VailAdjunct ProfessorChemistry & Biochemistry

Dr. John TesterAssociate ProfessorMechanical Engineering

Dr. Niranjan VenkatramanAssociate ProfessorElectrical Engineering



928-523-5311

[email protected]

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Inventors

Dr. Constantin Ciocanel

Assistant ProfessorMechanical Engineering

Dr. Cindy BrowderAssociate Professor

Chemistry & Biochemistry


Patent Pending

ContactDr. Tim Vail


Flagstaff, AZ 86011

928-523-5311

[email protected]


NAU researchers have developed a solid polymer electrolyte resin that interfaces with carbon fiber stacks to create a structural supercapacitor—a carbon fiber based composite material suitable for high-performance applications (such as aerospace components, medical devices, wind turbines, etc.), adding power storage capability without compromising the strength and durability of the material.

The structural supercapacitor has morphology similar to that of an electric double layer capacitor (EDLC), and in addition to storing electrical charge will be able to withstand mechanical loading, making it suitable for building structures with added power storage capability.

Using our specific formulation of the solid polymer electrolyte, specific capacitance of 1.4kF/m3 and leakage resistance of 380kΩ has been achieved.


Structurally integrated actuators for medical devices such as prosthetic limbs

Battery-free electrical wind-powered generators or electric vehicles

Multifunctional lightweight aviation and aerospace components

Lightweight handheld devices such as calculators, cell phones, and GPS units


Added power storage capability by using structural material.

Moldable polymer matrix provides support for device manufacture. No compromise to strength and durability of structure

Reduced power consumption, device size, the number of required components, and can be made into virtually any required shape

Structural Supercapacitors

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