Polymer Cross-Linked Aerogels (X-Aerogels): A New Class of Strong, Lightweight Materials

Innovators: Maryann Meador, Nick Leventis, James Johnston, Eve Fabrizio, Faisal Ilhan

X-Aerogels are a new class of strong, lightweight materials derived by applying a conformal polymer coating onto the skeletal framework of an aerogel. With only a nominal increase in density (a factor of two or three), X-Aerogels can be as much as 300 times stronger than the under-lying inorganic framework. This new technology offers tremendous potential in a variety of uses by simply varying the surface chemistry of the nanoparticles, the chemical identity of the polymer, and the chemical identity of the inorganic backbone itself (see Seed Fund).

A Compact Microscope Imaging System (CMIS) with Intelligent Controls

Innovator: Mark McDowell

The CMIS is a diagnostic microscope analysis tool that combines intelligent image processing with remote-control capabilities usually seen only in conventional micro-scopes. Its autofocus feature automatically scans an image and performs machine vision analysis on multiple samples simultaneously. The hardware requires less room than conventional microscopes and the system can remotely and automatically run, control, and analyze microscope experiments. The CMIS has tremendous external potential with applications in automated inline inspection of precision parts, biomedical imaging, finger-print identification, remote examination of soil/water samples, automated blood/cell analysis, and several areas of microscopy.

Non-Invasive Polarimetric-Based Glucose Sensor

Innovator: Rafat R. Ansari

Dr. Rafat Ansari’s optoelectronic apparatus non-invasively measures the concentration of glucose in the human body. By performing polarimetric and interferometric measurements of the human eye, the device acquires data that can be used to compute the concentration of glucose in the aqueous humor. With the concentration of glucose being of significant importance to human health, there could be a large potential market for instruments based on this apparatus. Further efforts in miniaturizing the system using fiber optics may result in a portable glucose sensor in the not-too-distant future.

Atomic Oxygen Removal of Biologically Active Contaminants from the Surfaces of Orthopaedic Implants to Minimize Inflammation

Innovators: Eric B. Banks, Michael Banks, Bruce A. Banks, Sharon K. Miller

The technology behind this innovation was developed while working on low Earth orbital atomic oxygen interactions with spacecraft materials. This spinoff appli-cation is a process for removing biologically active contaminants from the surfaces of orthopaedic implants. Seventy-five percent of orthopaedic implants are contaminated with endotoxins, which cannot be removed with sterilization and often lead to joint loosening and implant failure. Exposing the implant surfaces to atomic oxygen, however, removes all endotoxins and minimizes chances of inflammation in the patient after surgery (see Spinoffs*).