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.

• Critical Temperature Indicators
• Improved Sensitivity of Nanowire-Based Bosensors
• Genetic Markers and GMO for Enhanced Water Use Efficiency in Plants
• Drought/stress tolerance genes in Plants
• Biomarkers for Cerebral Ischaemia

Critical Temperature Indicators

Time/Temperature Indicators are small adhesive devices that are used to inform consumers of the temperature exposure history of a product. Researchers in the Department of Applied Mathematics in the Research School of Physics and Engineering have developed a printable, extremely low-cost solution to determine if a product has ever been exposed to temperatures above a given critical setpoint.
In contrast to existing products that sell for greater than $US1.50, the Critical Temperature Indicator labels can be printed directly onto a product or packaging surface for a cost in the order of one US cent.
More information is available here. Please contact Dr Tom Hammond for more information.

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 currently protected by an Australian Provisional Patent

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 two Australian Provisional Patents.

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