Patents
The Technology Transfer Unit (UTT) of the Institute of Nanoscience and Materials of Aragon has a policy of favoring technology transfer that includes the promotion and creation of patents based on technologies or knowledge developed at the institute. It also searches for industrial partners interested in licensing and exploitation of technologies and / or R & D collaboration. INMA’s research staff has 9 active patents.
This is a high spatial and temporal resolution optical thermometry system. The system uses luminescent molecular probes that emit visible light with a temperature-dependent intensity and lifetime.
A process for depositing new elements on a substrate of interest using a focused ion beam and a platform for cooling the substrate of interest to cryogenic temperatures that can also abrade defective elements on the substrate of interest.
The technology involves the use of magnetic nanoparticles as nano-heaters for enzymes located on the surface of the nanoparticles. The present technology allows that when a high frequency alternating magnetic field is applied to a colloid of magnetic nanoparticles, the energy of the field is dissipated to the surface of the nanoparticles as heat which serves to locally control the enzyme activity.
This is a new technology of microfluidic actuators, preferably valves, which show a mechanical and functional response when subjected to external stimuli, such as changes in light intensity, temperature, pH, humidity or electromagnetic field, among others.
Magnetic technologies such as the Magnetic Random Access Memory (MRAM), the Racetrack Memory or different types of magnetic sensing devices require advanced characterization tools able to detect and analyse complex magnetic states.
La presente invención permite modificar la capacidad de calentamiento de las nanopartículas (MNPs), para poder así alcanzar gradientes de temperatura locales que coincidan con diferentes
temperaturas óptimas de distintas enzimas, sin necesidad de tunear la anisotropía de las MNPs.
The present invention consists of a device and method for generating an inhalable aerosol from micro or nanoparticles as a dry powder. The use of aerosol therapy presents significant advantages over oral or parenteral drug administration. The higher drug bioavailability obtained through direct administration allows the supply of a lower dose of active ingredient, reducing the possibility of side effects.
The technology consists in a reproducible process to obtain a magnetic colloid using a microwave protocol, which provides water-soluble magnetic nanoparticles, suitable for biomedical applications.
The technology consists of a device provided with an ion irradiation column and another electron irradiation column that act on the sample of interest, previously covered by a layer of an organometallic material deposited by spin coating.
Luminiscent molecular themometer
APPLICATION AREAS: Electronics, Microelectronics, Physical and exact sciences, Materials technology, Micro and Nanotechnology, Medicine, Human health, Biology, Biotechnology, Environment, Paints, Dyes2008
RESEARCH GROUP: M4-Multifunctional Magnetic Molecular Materials
PRIORITY DATE: 25-06-2009
CONCESION: ES
We are looking for an industrial partner interested in licensing and exploitation of this technology and/or R&D collaboration.
DESCRIPTION:
It is an optical thermometry system with high spatial and temporal resolution. The system uses luminescent molecular probes that emit visible light with a temperature-dependent intensity and lifetime. The emission is captured either by a fiber optic probe or by a camera and transformed into local absolute temperature data or a temperature image similar to IR cameras. The molecular probe can be implemented in all types of structures: block, layer (paint), molecular monolayer and nanoparticle. So far, the system has already been applied to the measurement of the local temperature reached by a magnetic nanoparticle when an alternating magnetic field is applied to it and to intracellular temperature imaging.
By relying on molecular probes, the system can potentially achieve a spatial resolution of a few nanometers and is limited only by the resolution of the detection system. For example in a conventional fluorescence microscope a resolution of less than 1 micron is achieved.
The system is based on the luminescence of lanthanide ions with much narrower emission bands than those of organic chromophores, and a much longer lifetime which facilitates detection and avoids interference from other emitters present in the sample.
INNOVATIVE ASPECTS AND MAIN ADVANTAGES:
– The calibration of the luminescent thermometer is independent of excitation intensity and sample concentration.
– The application range can be adjusted by molecular design of the probe and in principle ranges from 10 K to 350 K (-263 to 77oC).
– The thermometer uses excitation and visible emission light, which allows its implementation in conventional optical systems by simply attaching a beam splitter and associated software to the system’s optical camera or probe.
– Measuring temperature from the lifetime of the emission requires the implementation of a more complex system but eliminates interference from any other chromophores present in the sample.
– It can be processed as a block, thin film (paint), mono-molecular layer and nanoparticle.
– It operates at physiological temperatures which makes it ideal for the study of biological systems in conventional optical equipment (i.e. fluorescence microscope, confocal microscope, cytometer, etc.).
Process for ultra-fast deposition of metallic elements on a substrate of interest
APPLICATION FIELDS: Semiconductors, Electronics, Microelectronics, Information Technology, Electron Microscopy
RESEARCH GROUP: Nanofabricación y microscopías avanzadas (NANOMIDAS)
PRIORITY DATE: 25-07-2018
We are looking for an industrial partner interested in licensing and exploitation of this technology and/or R&D collaboration.
DESCRIPTION: CSIC and the University of Zaragoza have developed a procedure to deposit new elements on a substrate of interest using a focused ion beam and a platform to cool the substrate of interest to cryogenic temperatures that can also roughen defective elements that are located on it. The term “substrate of interest” refers to a substrate of an electronic device, integrated circuit, or optical lithography mask. In the semiconductor industry, focused ion beam roughing (FIB) and focused ion beam induced growth (FIBID) techniques are used by semiconductor companies. The FIBID technique has two notable limitations: on the one hand, the growth rate of the deposits at room temperature is very slow and on the other hand, many defects are introduced in the working surface/substrate and/or in the grown/deposit material, associated with the use of ions. Therefore, it is necessary to develop fast procedures for depositing elements by means of a focused beam of ions which also minimize the occurrence of defects. In the present invention “elements” deposited may be physically bonded or may be isolated, may have any composition, may have any geometry.
INNOVATIVE ASPECTS AND MAIN ADVANTAGES: – It is achieved to increase the growth rate of conductive and non-conductive elements on the substrate of interest. – Processing time is reduced by a factor of 600, resulting in significant economic savings. – Damage to the substrate of interest is minimized. – The implantation of ion beam atoms such as gallium atoms, amorphization effects and extrinsic doping caused by the gallium ion beam are minimized. – In addition, the occurrence of defects is minimized. – It is used to remove and repair electrical contacts of an integrated circuit or to repair defective parts of an optical lithography mask.Microfluidic valve, manufacturing process and uses of the valve
APPLICATION FIELDS: Semiconductors, Electronics, Microelectronics, Information Technology, Electron Microscopy
RESEARCH GROUP: Advanced Manufacturing Laboratory
PRIORITY DATE: 23-06-2020
We are looking for an industrial partner interested in licensing and exploitation of this technology and/or R&D collaboration.
DESCRIPTION: This is a new technology of microfluidic actuators, preferably valves, which show a mechanical and functional response when subjected to external stimuli, such as changes in light intensity, temperature, pH, humidity or electromagnetic field, among others.
Multi-enzyme Reactions in One Step
APPLICATION FIELDS: Medicine, Human Health, Biology, Biotechnology.
RESEARCH GROUP: Bio-Funcionalización de Nano-Particulas y Superficies (bioNANOsurf)
PRIORITY DATE: 01-07-2021
We are looking for an industrial partner interested in licensing and exploitation of this technology and/or R&D collaboration.
DESCRIPTION: The enzymes used in biocatalysis have a higher selectivity, specificity and efficiency compared to chemical catalysts, they are also eco-sustainable which allows their wide use in the food, pharmaceutical and textile industries and generally in the biotechnology industry for the production of biopolymers, pharmaceuticals and biofuels.
The implementation of these reactions in industry brings with it an important need which is to improve enzyme performance due to the different operating temperatures of the enzymes involved in the processes and the reduction of negative interactions between them.
One strategy to meet this need is the use of magnetic nanoparticles as nanocalcifiers for the enzymes located on the surface of the nanoparticles. By applying an alternating magnetic field (AMF) to a magnetic nanoparticle colloid, the energy of the field is converted into heat and thus the enzyme activity can be controlled locally without increasing the overall temperature of the reaction medium.
INNOVATIVE ASPECTS AND MAIN ADVANTAGES:
– Optimizes enzyme performance, especially when thermolabile enzymes are involved.
– The problem of different operating temperatures of the enzymes involved is solved.
– It avoids the use of several steps within a reactor or working at a compromise temperature reducing negative impact on thermolabile products and cofactors.
– Reduces negative interactions between them (e.g. cross-reactivity in cascades involving two or more enzymes competing for the same substrate).
– Opens a wide range of industrial applications.
Device and optical method for the caracterization of complex magnetic materials
APPLICATION FIELDS: Nanotechnology.
RESEARCH GROUP: Quantum Materials and Devices
PRIORITY DATE: 19-10-2022
We are looking for an industrial partner interested in licensing and exploitation of this technology and/or R&D collaboration.
DESCRIPTION: TMagnetic technologies such as the Magnetic Random Access Memory (MRAM), the Racetrack Memory or different types of magnetic sensing devices require advanced characterization tools able to detect and analyse complex magnetic states. In particular, as technologies evolve towards devices with three dimensional magnetic states, vector characterization tools able to determine the three components of the magnetization become necessary. However, most tools these days are able to probe either one component of the magnetization or its magnitude.
Magneto-optical methods employ light to characterize magnetic systems, measuring either the change of polarization, or the change of intensity of light after interacting with a magnetic material. Over the years, different approaches have been followed to perform these measurements. In some cases, it has been possible to obtain the three components of the magnetization, but only under very particular conditions and following complex procedures.
INNOVATIVE ASPECTS AND MAIN ADVANTAGES:
– Device and optical method that allows the detection of the three components of magnetization.
– Technology easy to implement, not restricted to particular conditions and complex procedures.
– Method with great magnetic sensitivity, capable to measure thin films and nanostructures.
– Compatible with conventional scanning magneto-optical microscopy techniques, allowing the creation of vector maps of magnetization with high spatial resolution.
Partículas hibridas para reacciones multi-enzimáticas concurrentes en un solo recipiente de reacción
APPLICATION FIELDS: Pharmacy, Medicine, Human Health
RESEARCH GROUP: Bio-Funcionalización de Nano-Particulas y Superficies (bioNANOsurf)
PRIORITY DATE: 03-01-2023
Industrial partners are being sought to collaborate through a patent licence agreement or R+D
DESCRIPTION: La presente invención permite modificar la capacidad de calentamiento de las nanopartículas (MNPs), para poder así alcanzar gradientes de temperatura locales que coincidan con diferentes temperaturas óptimas de distintas enzimas, sin necesidad de tunear la anisotropía de las MNPs. Consiste en la integración covalente de MNPs en micropartículas porosas para tunear su capacidad de calentamiento magnético. Un mismo núcleo inorgánico puede generar múltiples gradientes de temperatura locales por exposición a un campo magnético alterno (AMF), dependiendo de si su integración covalente en las micropartículas porosas genera una localización espacial heterogénea u homogénea, y de si su unión covalente a las micropartículas promueve o reduce su capacidad de producir calentamiento magnético mediante rotación desencadenada por aplicación de AMF.
Estas diferencias no solo se observan en la capacidad de calentamiento global de los medios de reacción en los que se suspenden las partículas híbridas, sino también en la capacidad de calentamiento local de las enzimas unidas covalentemente específicamente a la superficie de las MNP.
INNOVATIVE ASPECTS AND MAIN ADVANTAGES:
• Se resuelve la problemática de no poder: combinar en único recipiente de reacción enzimas con diferentes temperaturas operativas óptimas; ii) trabajar a temperaturas óptimas operativas incompatibles con la estabilidad de sustratos, cofactores o productos termolábiles.
• Asegura la estabilidad coloidal de las MNP debido a su integración covalente dentro de la estructura porosa que evita agregación y pérdida de capacidad de calentamiento magnético de las MNPs aunque ocurran cambios de pH o fuerza iónica durante el bioproceso objetivo.
• Facilita: i) integración del bioctalizador nanoctuable en distintos formatos de biorreactores ya implementados en biocatálisis industrial; ii) reutilización del biocatalizador nanoactuable mediante metodologías de separación ya implementadas en biocatálisis industrial.
Direct pulmonary administration of drugs as an aerosol containing Micro- or Nanoparticles
APPLICATION FIELDS: Pharmacy, Medicine, Human Health
RESEARCH GROUP: Películas y Partículas Nanoestructuradas (NFP)
PRIORITY DATE: 15-06-2022
Industrial partners are being sought to collaborate through a patent licence agreement or R+D
DESCRIPTION: The present invention consists of a device and method for generating an inhalable aerosol from micro or nanoparticles as a dry powder. The use of aerosol therapy presents significant advantages over oral or parenteral drug administration. The higher drug bioavailability obtained through direct administration allows the supply of a lower dose of active ingredient, reducing the possibility of side effects.
Inhaled drug administration represents a direct and localized route for the treatment of various respiratory tract ailments, including asthma, EPOC, COVID-10, lung cancer and respiratory infections.
This technology makes it possible to control the size and concentration of the nanoparticles in a highly disperse micro or nanoparticle aerosol. This is a key factor that allows the drug loaded particles to reach the desired lung region.
INNOVATIVE ASPECTS AND MAIN ADVANTAGES:
• It provides a high dispersion of the micro or nanoparticles, creating a homogeneous aerosol cloud.
• A precise dosing becomes possible, and the patients can breath the therapeutic aerosol without effort even if their respiratory capacity is compromised.
• Alternatively, a continuous aerosol flow can be delivered with a known and stable particle concentration that can be breathed without effort.
• Coordination of inspiration by the patient is not required (suitable for children and people with decreased cognitive abilities).
• Flexibility regarding the nature of the powder formulations.
• High efficiency, simple construction and operation
Stable iron oxide nanoparticles, nontoxic and biocompatible
APPLICATION FIELDS: Magnetic hyperthermia for oncological treatment; Iron supplements for the treatment of iron deficiency anaemia; Contrast Agents for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI); Tracers for Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI).
RESEARCH GROUP: Bio-Funcionalización de Nano-Particulas y Superficies (bioNANOsurf)
PRIORITY DATE: 18-07-2023
Industrial partners are being sought to collaborate through a patent licence agreement or R+D
DESCRIPTION: The technology consists in a reproducible process to obtain a magnetic colloid using a microwave protocol, which provides water-soluble magnetic nanoparticles, suitable for biomedical applications. The magnetic nanoparticles obtained by this method are so-called multicore nanoparticles. The nanoparticles of the invention are biocompatible and stable; the stability has been obtained by coating. Slight modifications in the nanoparticle structure may change its behaviour in magnetic hyperthermia. That is why the physical ranges as for example temperature and the chemical ranges for example concentration in the different steps of the process have defined to ensure the desired product quality. The invention is focused on cancer or tumours treatment using magnetic hyperthermia.
INNOVATIVE ASPECTS AND MAIN ADVANTAGES:
• Iron oxide nanoparticles are nontoxic and biocompatible
• Stable nanoparticles, maintaining their properties over at least 12 months
• The nanoparticles have been designed to streamline the regulatory approval process by using non-toxic reagents and implementing a Quality-by-Design (QbD) approach
• The physical ranges as for example temperature and the chemical ranges for example concentration in the different steps of the process have been defined
• The process parameters defined, and the material attributes defined in the product of the invention are those whose variability has a critical impact on product quality
Efficient fabrication of electrical contacts and electrical gating contacts
APPLICATION FIELDS: Microelectronics, instrumentation, microsensors, displays, electrodes, optoelectronics.
RESEARCH GROUP: Nanofabricación y Microscopías Avanzadas (NANOMIDAS)
PRIORITY DATE: 23-09-2023
Industrial partners are being sought to collaborate through a patent licence agreement or R+D
DESCRIPTION: Currently, there is no similar methodology that allows the fabrication of metal contacts and electrical gating contacts in a simple and fast way, thus reducing the manufacturing costs. In general, the existing methodologies are resin-based and involve several manufacturing steps.
The technology consists of a device provided with an ion irradiation column and another electron irradiation column that act on the sample of interest, previously covered by a layer of an organometallic material deposited by spin coating. Ion irradiation allows metallic contacts to be obtained directly, while combined irradiation allows electrical gate contacts to be obtained, all without the need to use more devices or steps, except for the use of a solvent that eliminates non-irradiated areas. Since all fabrication processes are carried out on the same device, the manufacturing is significantly simplified and cheaper.
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INNOVATIVE ASPECTS AND MAIN ADVANTAGES:
• It combines the fabrication of electrical contacts and electrical gating contacts in a single methodology.
• It avoids the use of numerous thin film growth and lithography steps.
• It reduces the fabrication and automation costs.
• It significantly simplifies the fabrication process.
• The use of organometallic manufacturing material allows tuning the required electrical functionality, whether conductive or non-conductive.
• The lateral resolution of the manufacturing process can reach 10 nm.
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