Technology Opportunities

The following is a selection of technology opportunities currently available. To find out more information or to discuss further opportunities, please contact us.

• Plasma Etching of Tellurite Glass
• Improved Sensitivity of Nanowire-Based Biosensors
• Genetic Markers and GMO for Enhanced Water Use Efficiency in Plants
• Drought/stress tolerance genes in Plants
• Biomarkers for Cerebral Ischaemia

Plasma Etching of Tellurite Glass

Researchers in the Laser Physics Centre have developed a methodology of etching tellurite glass to achieve remarkably smooth side walls. This incredibly clean process can open up the use of tellurite and othe chalcogen-containing materials for optical processing devices. We are looking for commercial and research partners who are looking to exploit the efficiency of tellurite as a material in near to mid infra-red optical devices.

Further information is available here. Please contact Dr Tom Hammond to discuss licensing or other opportunities.

Improved Sensitivity of Nanowire-Based Biosensors

Nanowires - thin fibres or wires of matter with widths in the nano-scale - have unique properties that lend them to function as active sensing units in biosensors or electrochemical sensors. Researchers in the Department of Electronic Materials Engineering have developed a number of nobvel manufacturing methods to increase the functionality of nanowires.

More information is available here. Please contact Dr Tom Hammond for more information, or to discuss licensing opportunities.

Genetic Markers and GMO for Enhanced Water Use Efficiency in Plants

A novel gene, ERECTA, has been identified that is strongly associated with water use efficiency in plants.

Use of the gene as a selection marker can assist breeders in isolating plants with increased drought tolerance. Research is being conducted in the creation of a GMO with enhanced water use properties.

A core patent has been filed and is presently being examined in the National phase. An R&D agreement is in place with GRDC to explore applications in grains within Australia.

More information is available here. Please contact Dr Karen Edwards to discuss this opportunity.

Drought/Stress Tolerance Genes in Plants

Genes capable of altering the stress tolerance response, especially drought tolerance, of plants have been identified. A number of genes have been identified including the alx8 gene. alx8 mutant Arabidopsis plants exhibit drought tolerance and improved water use efficiency.

The technology is the subject of a patent application in National Phase.

More information is available here. Please contact Dr Karen Edwards to discuss this opportunity.

Biomarkers for Cerebral Ischaemia

A suite of protein biomarkers for perinatal hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) and transient ischaemic attacks (TIA) have been identified.

The invention is protected by an Australian Provisional Patent.

More information on this opportunity is available here. Please contact Dr Karen Edwards to discuss further.