iTEAMS Program

Conductive polymers are rapidly advancing as flexible organic electronic films in several fields including energy materials such as solar cells and batteries. However, exposure to humid environments often leads to moisture absorption and a swelling of such conductive films. This alters the internal film structure and eventually has a negative impact on the overall flexibility and conductivity. To overcome this, cellulose fibers can be used to increase the mechanical integrity i.e., swelling is prevented, while the flexibility and foremost the conductivity remain unchanged.  

We are spray-coating PEDOT:PSS/cellulose films with variable thicknesses, ranging from 20 nm to around 20 µm. PEDOT:PSS serves as conductive polymer, while cellulose provides mechanical stability. The spray-coating process is easily up-scalable, i.e., we can coat large areas of the conductive PEDOT:PSS/cellulose mixture.  

The task for the iTEAMS would be to investigate possible (specific) application fields and the respective requirements regarding overall conductivity, stability, reliability, and other parameters. In which market fields would an implementation be the fastest?  

The inventors have developed a method to significantly reduce the cost of integrated optical spectrometers. The proposed devices offer sub-nanometer spectral resolution from the visible to the near-infrared wavelength range. The approach leverages photonic integrated circuit technology, resulting in a compact device roughly the size of a fingernail. By integrating standard electronic components for readout on the same chip, the cost can be dramatically reduced, as the entire device can be fabricated in an ultra-scalable way using the existing production capacities of the semiconductor industry. 

The spectrometer’s compact size and affordability finally make it both technically feasible and economically viable to put spectrometers anywhere, enabling numerous potential applications. It could be integrated into smartphones or similar electronic handheld devices, revolutionizing the way we interact with the world around us. The technology could significantly impact various sectors, including food analysis, the medical sector, agriculture, and recycling. 

The challenge for the iTEAM is to identify possible commercial applications for this innovative technology. To this end, interviews should be conducted across different industries to explore the need for this technology. The goal of the iTEAM is to advise the inventors on the most promising application for this compact and affordable on-chip spectrometer. The insights gained in this investigation will enable the inventors to tailor the technology to the identified application. 

Pseudopterosins, marine diterpene glycosides derived from the marine octocoral Antillogorgia elisabethae, have potent anti-inflammatory activity demonstrated in phase II clinical trials. 

As multi-step total chemical synthesis is not economical, Pseudopterosins applications are to date limited to anti-irritant cosmeceuticals, which are exclusively sourced by unsustainable coral extraction. However, a biotechnological route has been developed for the production of key intermediates in the biosynthetic pathway of pseudopterosins which will in the future potentially allow for usage of these bioactives. 

Besides further scientific advances needed to pursue this goal, it is of high importance to understand the market needs and potential behind pseudopterosins as drugs or cosmeceuticals, respectively. 

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy stands as a pillar in the world of analytical techniques, offering unparalleled insights into the molecular structures and dynamics of biological samples. Its precision and robustness have made it an indispensable tool in biotechnology research and applications. However, the primary limitation has often been its current sensors, which permit analysis of only one sample at a time. This constraint restricts its potential for high-throughput investigations, making large-scale studies or rapid screenings cumbersome and time-consuming. Quantum Total Analysis Systems (QTAS) has developed a new technology for hyperparallelized NMR spectroscopy. The innovative approach uses quantum technology to allow the measurements of > 1000 samples at a time, enabling high throughput screening with NMR spectroscopy. Combining NMR spectroscopy's precision and the high throughput approach could revolutionize enzyme development and single-cell screening.

The primary goal for the iTEAM is to identify and analyze the best markets for this innovative analytical method.

The inventors are developing microarray chips for chemiluminescence immunoassays, which are for example used for the detection of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 and other diseases. These rapid point-of-care test can produce an accurate result within 4-7 minutes from human whole blood samples, with a similar specificity and sensitifity to commercially available test systems. The aim is to produce microarray chips for a test that can be run directly from patient samples with no sample preparation needed. Therefore, the inventors can offer various base materials for the microarry chips as well as costum assay design according to customer requirements and a measurement service.
 

Due to the high risk, the inventors have not yet decided to enter the medical device market with their invention. Instead, the research market would also be a potential option for them. In general, the inventors are looking for a wide range of applications for the first version of their test kit including their microarray chips. 
In principle, the used method allows potential test kits to be very wide-ranging and test for a variety of biomarkers, from small molecules, antibodies, DNA/RNA to bacteria/cells. 
 

The task for the iTEAM would be to investigate possible applications of such a test kit and identifying promising markets worldwide. Where would the availability of these tests have the greatest impact, and what applications are realistically feasible for a new start-up company?

B vitamins play a crucial role in maintaining overall well-being, supporting brain function, and promoting a healthy nervous system. Currently, evaluating various vitamin B statuses, including B1, B2, B6, and B12, typically necessitates a healthcare professional's visit often involving expensive laboratory equipment. This lack of a convenient assessment solutions leaves many individuals unaware of their vitamin B levels and are only recognised when health issues have already emerged. This delay in assessment can lead to deficiencies or imbalances that impact one's health and vitality.

The inventors have developed a Vitamin B Test Kit that employs advanced technology to analyze a small blood sample, providing users with instant feedback on their vitamin B status. The technology behind this kit is a pilot diagnostic platform for vitamin B6 level determination in human blood. Furthermore, the platform has the potential to expand its capabilities to assess other essential B vitamins based on a familiar lateral flow format (known from COVID testing). This advancement in point-of-care diagnostics holds significant potential for addressing diseases associated with vitamin B deficiencies.

The challenge for the iTEAM is to investigate the market potential of the Vitamin B Test Kit BVitAlyzed by engaging with relevant stakeholders. They will identify the most promising market segments and determine which specific B vitamins hold the highest market potential. The insights gathered from the market analysis will offer valuable guidance to the inventors regarding the project's next phases.