Oklahoma State University funds three research projects with high commercial potential
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Oklahoma State University has selected three faculty research projects to receive funding through its Technology Business Development Program. Now in its sixth year, TBDP selects and funds projects with high commercial potential. Money for the awards is generated by royalties from OSU-licensed technologies.
“We believe OSU has a part to play in boosting the economy through the development of new technologies that flourish into new companies and create new jobs,” said Dr. Stephen McKeever, the university’s vice president for research and technology transfer. “The three projects we’ve selected this spring present a great opportunity to do just that.”
Fluorescent protein tags
Wouter D. Hoff from OSU’s microbiology and molecular genetics department received $30,000 to develop novel fluorescent protein tags, which can be used by the commercial research market to locate proteins in a cell and observe their function. “Proteins are very tiny and often invisible under a microscope,” Hoff says. “A fluorescent tag allows scientists to see the proteins at work in a cell.” Once commercialized, the tags will enhance current biomedical research efforts. In the long-term, Hoff says the tags could enable the creation of unique biosensors with the ability to detect infectious disease.
Portable cold plasma apparatus
Jamey Jacob from OSU’s School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering received $23,746 to create a prototype of a portable apparatus for rapid decontamination and sterilization. Intended for use in the medical and homeland security industries, the battery-powered, shoe-boxed size device will generate cold plasma – an ionized gas similar to that found in neon signs – with the ability to destroy deadly microbes and break down complex chemicals and toxic biological agents. “Research shows that plasma can rapidly break down things like viruses and bacteria, such as flu and anthrax,” Jacob says. In a future project, Jacob plans to build an even smaller field model the size of an iPhone.
Hybrid composite body armor
Jay Hanan, also from the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, received $26,724 to develop advanced lightweight body armor. The invention involves newly developed high-performance ballistic inserts able to withstand impact by a 7.62 millimeter ball projectile. “Contemporary body armor inserts are ceramic-based, rigid structures that are heavy, restrict mobility and result in behind armor blunt trauma against high kinetic energy rounds,” Hanan says. “This armor solution is more than 10 percent lighter and can reduce behind armor blunt trauma by 30 percent.” The inserts are compatible with the outer tactical vest pocket of any multiple threat body armor carrier vests.
These projects were identified from a number of high-level proposals submitted in response to a solicitation earlier this spring. Since its creation in 2005, TBDP has awarded more than $700,000 to OSU faculty research projects. The program has also resulted in the formation of 11 start-up companies.