| WARF: P06373US |  |
| Simple Biological Method and Device for Detecting a Toxin or Other Chemical |
| INVENTORS | • | David Beebe, Dongshin Kim |
The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) is seeking commercial partners interested in developing a simple biological sensing method that uses the elastic instability of swelling hydrogels to act as a trigger to detect toxins or other chemical compounds.
OVERVIEW
Most schemes for detecting toxins or other chemicals are based on complex electronic, photonic and/or electrochemical methods, or on more elegant biomolecular methods, such as ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay). Because these methods are generally expensive and complicated, a need remains for practical, cost-effective biosensors.
THE INVENTION
UW-Madison researchers have developed a simple biological sensing method that can be used to detect toxins or other chemical compounds. The technology uses the elastic instability of swelling hydrogels to act as a trigger when contacted by a designated stimulus, such as a particular chemical. Two different types of hydrogels are bonded together by a sensitive material, such as a degradable adhesive material specific to a certain enzyme or chemical. The hydrogels swell at different rates, causing them to bend. Because the adhesive restricts the motion of the hydrogels, an elastic force is generated. When the adhesive material contacts the target chemical, the adhesive degrades, releasing the elastic instability and causing the two hydrogels to separate with an explosive motion that is detectable by the naked eye.
APPLICATIONS
- Creation of simple dipstick sensors to detect toxins, enzymes or chemicals
KEY BENEFITS
- Does not require external power sources
- Sensors may be portable or disposable.
- Highly sensitive and selective
- Rapid response time
- Generates few false alarms
- Simple to use
- Easy to manufacture
- Signal is easily observable.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For More Information About the Inventors
Intellectual Property Status
Tech Fields
Research Tools - Detection
Analytical Instrumentation - Sensors
CONTACT INFORMATION
For current licensing status, please contact our team at
licensing@warf.org
or phone 608.262.4924. (Clicking this link will open a contact form in a popup window. If you have problems viewing the form, try disabling your popup blocker software.)
Since its founding in 1925 as the patenting and licensing organization for the University of Wisconsin-Madison, WARF has been working with business and industry to transform university research into products that benefit society. WARF intellectual property managers and licensing staff members are leaders in the field of university-based technology transfer. They are familiar with the intricacies of patenting, have worked with researchers in relevant disciplines, understand industries and markets, and have negotiated innovative licensing strategies to meet the individual needs of business clients.
