Available Technologies

Multiepitope Fusion Antigens and Vaccines for Broad Protection Against Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC)

U.S. Patent No.: 10,646,560 B2

Issue Date: May 12, 2020

Inventors: David A. Sack; Weiping Zhang

Assignees: The Johns Hopkins University; South Dakota State University

Technology Area: Vaccines | Infectious Disease | Global Health

Overview

This patent relates to next-generation vaccine constructs designed to prevent enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) infections, a leading cause of diarrheal disease in children in developing countries and travelers worldwide. Traditional ETEC vaccine strategies face challenges due to antigenic variation across colonization factor antigens (CFAs) and toxins expressed by circulating strains. The patented technology introduces multiepitope fusion antigens that genetically combine up to nine antigenic elements from seven major CFA adhesins (CFA/I, CFA/II and CFA/IV families) together with detoxified heat-stable (STa) and heat-labile (LT) toxin components into a single fusion protein construct. This rationally engineered platform enables broad antigen coverage within one recombinant immunogen.

What is Protected

• Recombinant polypeptides comprising multiple CFA adhesin epitopes fused into a single antigen
• Fusion constructs incorporating detoxified STa and LT toxin elements
• Vaccine compositions containing these multiepitope fusion proteins
• Methods of producing and using these constructs for prevention or treatment of ETEC-related disease

Advantages

• Broad strain coverage targeting the most prevalent and virulent ETEC CFAs
• Simultaneous induction of antiadhesin and antitoxin immune responses
• Simplified antigen design by combining multiple protective determinants into one construct
• Platform approach adaptable to evolving strain epidemiology

Commercial Applications

• Pediatric vaccines for use in low- and middle-income countries
• Traveler’s diarrhea prevention
• Military and deployment medicine
• Combination enteric disease vaccine platforms

Development and Licensing Status

This issued U.S. patent strengthens intellectual property protection for a broad-spectrum ETEC vaccine platform. The technology supports global health initiatives and commercial vaccine development efforts targeting diarrheal diseases. The invention is available for licensing, codevelopment and strategic partnership opportunities.

Targeted Platinum-Based Anticancer Compositions and Methods for Cancer Treatment

U.S. Patent No.: 10,383,943 B2

Issue Date: Aug. 20, 2019

Inventors: Hemachand Tummala; Pratik Muley

Assignee: South Dakota Board of Regents

Technology Area: Oncology | Targeted Drug Delivery | Platinum Therapeutics

Overview

This patent relates to targeted platinum-based anticancer compositions designed to enhance tumor-specific delivery while reducing systemic toxicity associated with conventional platinum chemotherapeutics such as cisplatin. Cisplatin remains a widely used anticancer agent but is limited by dose-dependent toxicities, including nephrotoxicity, immunosuppression and bone marrow suppression.

The disclosed technology introduces cisplatin prodrug compositions conjugated to targeting moieties — such as amino acids, saccharides, metal ions or fatty acids — that bind transporters overexpressed in cancer cells (e.g., LAT1 amino acid transporters). Representative embodiments include phenylalanine-conjugated platinum constructs (A‑Platin, AT‑Platin and AT2‑Platin) designed to improve tumor uptake, enhance anticancer efficacy and reduce off-target toxicity.

What is Protected

• Platinum-based anticancer compositions conjugated to targeting moieties
• Cisplatin (IV) prodrug constructs linked to amino acids, including phenylalanine
• Compositions targeting LAT1 and related nutrient transporters overexpressed in tumors
• Methods for treating cancer using these targeted platinum formulations

Advantages

• Enhanced tumor-specific uptake via nutrient transporter targeting (e.g., LAT1)
• Improved anticancer potency compared to unconjugated cisplatin in certain models
• Reduced systemic toxicity, including lower white blood cell suppression
• Platform approach adaptable to multiple targeting moieties and platinum analogs

Commercial Applications

• Targeted chemotherapy for solid tumors
• Combination regimens with radiation or immunotherapy
• Next-generation platinum therapeutics with improved safety profiles
• Licensing opportunities for oncology drug development

Development and Licensing Status

This issued U.S. patent provides intellectual property protection for targeted platinum-based anticancer compositions and associated treatment methods. The technology is suitable for further preclinical development, partnership and licensing in oncology drug development programs.

Tissue-Derived Biomaterial Composition for Ocular and Regenerative Therapeutic Applications

U.S. Patent No.: 10,765,776 B1

Inventors: Gudiseva Chandrasekher; Somshuvra Bhattacharya

Assignee: South Dakota Board of Regents

Technology Area: Ophthalmology | Regenerative Medicine | Biomaterials

Overview

This patent relates to a tissue-derived, dissolved extracellular matrix (ECM) composition prepared from corneal tissue for use in ocular and other therapeutic applications. The technology provides a biomaterial that closely mimics native corneal extracellular matrix components, including collagens, proteoglycans and glycoproteins. The ECM composition is prepared by dissolving extracted corneal tissue in an aqueous inorganic base solution, followed by dialysis to restore physiological pH and sterilization.

The resulting transparent ECM composition can be used alone, blended into a gel matrix (e.g., pectin-calcium gel) or chemically cross-linked to form a scaffold suitable for implantation. The material supports attachment, proliferation, and regeneration of corneal epithelial, stromal and endothelial cells, offering a regenerative approach for treating corneal injuries and dystrophies.

What is Protected

• Methods for preparing dissolved extracellular matrix from corneal tissue
• Extracellular matrix compositions containing native corneal proteins and proteoglycans
• Gel matrices formed from the dissolved extracellular matrix composition
• Chemically cross-linked ECM scaffolds for sustained tissue regeneration
• Methods of using the ECM composition for ocular and regenerative therapeutic applications

Advantages

• Biomimetic composition approximating native corneal extracellular matrix
• Transparent formulation suitable for ocular use
• Supports sustained proliferation of epithelial, stromal and endothelial cells
• Adaptable into gels or cross-linked scaffolds for tailored therapeutic applications
• Reduced immunogenic risk compared to synthetic or nontissue-derived materials

Commercial Applications

• Treatment of corneal injuries, dystrophies and erosions
• Ocular regenerative implants and scaffolds
• Tissue engineering and cell therapy platforms
• Regenerative medicine applications beyond ophthalmology (e.g., connective tissue repair)

Development and Licensing Status

This issued U.S. patent provides intellectual property protection for tissue-derived extracellular matrix compositions and related regenerative applications. The technology is available for licensing, collaborative development and commercialization in ophthalmology and broader regenerative medicine markets.

Repairable Precast Moment-Resisting Building Systems with Replaceable Energy-Dissipating Components

U.S. Patent No.: 10,781,582 B2

Issue Date: Sept. 22, 2020

Inventors: Mostafa Tazarv; Abdullah Boudaqa

Assignee: South Dakota Board of Regents

Technology Area: Structural Engineering | Seismic Design | Precast Concrete Systems

Overview

This patent relates to reinforced concrete moment-resisting building systems that incorporate precast beams and precast columns connected through modular, repairable beam-column joints. Traditional cast-in-place concrete buildings are difficult and costly to repair following major seismic events, often requiring demolition due to structural damage in plastic hinge regions.

The disclosed system integrates precast beams with reduced-depth neck regions, modular shear pins and channels (or sockets), detachable mechanical bar splices and replaceable buckling restrained reinforcements (BRRs). These components concentrate and control damage within replaceable energy-dissipating elements, allowing rapid postevent repair by replacing damaged BRRs rather than demolishing the entire structure.

What is Protected

• Precast moment-resisting beam-column joint configurations with modular shear transfer components
• Reduced-depth beam neck regions designed to accommodate replaceable energy-dissipating elements
• Buckling restrained reinforcement assemblies integrated into beam-column connections
• Mechanical bar splice systems enabling rapid assembly and replacement
• Systems and methods for repairable reinforced concrete buildings using modular precast components

Advantages

• Accelerated construction through off-site fabrication of precast beams and columns
• Controlled seismic damage localized to replaceable BRR fuse regions
• Rapid, low-cost repair after an earthquake via component replacement
• Reduced building downtime compared to conventional cast-in-place systems
• Enhanced displacement capacity and seismic resilience

Commercial Applications

• Seismic-resistant residential and commercial buildings
• Hospitals, emergency response facilities and essential infrastructure
• Bridge and elevated structure applications
• High-seismic region construction markets
• Modular and accelerated construction programs

Development and Licensing Status

This issued U.S. patent provides intellectual property protection for repairable precast moment-resisting building systems that combine accelerated construction with postevent resilience. The technology is available for licensing, industry partnerships and integration into next-generation seismic building design programs.

Orf Virus-Based Platform for Vaccine Delivery

U.S. Patent No.: 11,013,798 B2

Issue Date: May 25, 2021

Inventors: Diego G. Diel; Eduardo F. Flores

Assignees: South Dakota Board of Regents; Federal University of Santa Maria

Technology Area: Vaccine Platforms | Viral Vectors | Veterinary Vaccines

Overview

This patent relates to a novel vaccine delivery platform based on the orf virus (ORFV) genome engineered to carry and express heterologous antigens. ORFV is a parapoxvirus with unique immunomodulatory properties and a restricted host range, making it an attractive vector for safe and effective vaccine delivery. Conventional viral vectors may face limitations related to pre-existing immunity, safety concerns or insufficient immune stimulation.

The disclosed technology enables insertion and expression of foreign antigens within the ORFV genome to create recombinant vaccine vectors capable of inducing strong humoral and cellular immune responses. The platform supports prevention of infectious diseases and other conditions in animals and is adaptable to multiple target pathogens, offering a flexible and scalable approach to veterinary vaccine development.

What is Protected

• Recombinant orf virus vectors engineered to express heterologous antigens
• Genetic constructs and recombination plasmids for antigen insertion into the ORFV genome
• Vaccine compositions comprising recombinant ORFV vectors
• Methods of making and using ORFV-based vaccines for prevention of infectious diseases in animals

Advantages

• Established safety profile and restricted host range of ORFV
• Strong induction of humoral and cellular immune responses
• Reduced interference from preexisting immunity compared to common viral vectors
• Flexible platform adaptable to multiple veterinary pathogens

Commercial Applications

• Livestock vaccines (e.g., cattle, swine and small ruminants)
• Companion animal vaccines
• Emerging infectious disease response platforms
• Custom vaccine development partnerships in veterinary health

Development and Licensing Status

This issued U.S. patent provides intellectual property protection for an adaptable ORFV-based vaccine delivery platform. The technology is available for licensing, codevelopment and strategic partnerships in veterinary and animal health markets.

Atomic Force Microscope-Based Instrumentation for Probing Nanoscale Charge Carrier Dynamics

U.S. Patent No.: 11,016,118 B2

Issue Date: May 25, 2021

Inventors: Qiquan Qiao; Behzad Bahrami; Ashraful Haider Chowdhury

Assignee: South Dakota State University

Technology Area: Scientific Instrumentation | Nanotechnology | Semiconductor Characterization

Overview

The disclosed system integrates a conductive AFM tip, modulated optical excitation, function generator control, frequency response analysis and an external high-bandwidth bypass circuit with preamplifier to enable sub-microsecond to nanosecond-scale detection of charge carrier dynamics. The platform allows generation of local mobility maps, carrier lifetime maps, transport time maps, carrier density maps and nanoscale impedance maps for complex solid-state devices.

What is Protected

• AFM systems incorporating an electrically isolated sample holder with optical access aperture
• Bypass circuitry with external high-bandwidth preamplifier for improved temporal resolution
• Integration of function generator-driven optical excitation synchronized with AFM tip movement
• Systems and methods for mapping local carrier mobility, lifetime, density, transport time and impedance
• Methods for nanoscale characterization of photovoltaic and semiconductor materials

Advantages

• Sub-microsecond to nanosecond temporal resolution beyond conventional AFM bandwidth limits
• High spatial resolution nanoscale mapping (~1-2 nm pixel resolution in embodiments)
• Simultaneous electrical and optical modulation for dynamic carrier analysis
• Applicable to perovskites, organic photovoltaics, quantum dot devices and other semiconductor systems
• Enables improved materials development and process optimization

Commercial Applications

• Photovoltaic material development and optimization
• Semiconductor device characterization
• Advanced materials research laboratories
• Instrumentation commercialization and AFM system upgrades
• Academic and industrial nanotechnology research platforms

Development and Licensing Status

This issued U.S. patent provides intellectual property protection for an advanced AFM-based nanoscale characterization platform. The technology is available for licensing, codevelopment and integration into next-generation scientific instrumentation systems.

Methods and Systems for Detecting Exocytosis of a Target Molecule from a Population of Cells

U.S. Patent No.: 9,739,734 B2

Issue Date: Aug. 22, 2017

Inventors: Mark Alan Messerli; Emma Heart; Munan Xu; Shanta Menon Messerli

Assignee: The Marine Biological Laboratory

Technology Area: Biomedical Diagnostics | Impedance Spectroscopy | Cell Analysis

Overview

This patent relates to noninvasive methods and systems for detecting exocytosis or endocytosis of a target molecule from a population of cells using electrical impedance spectroscopy. Traditional techniques for monitoring secretion events, such as insulin release from pancreatic islets, rely on invasive single-cell patch clamp approaches that do not adequately reflect whole-cell population behavior.

The disclosed technology applies alternating current signals at two or more frequencies (or a repetitive voltage waveform) across a population of cells and measures voltage or current changes to determine electrical impedance. Changes in impedance — particularly plasma membrane capacitance — correlate with vesicle fusion events and secretion of target molecules such as insulin, enabling real-time, high-throughput functional assessment of cell populations.

What is Protected

• Methods of applying multiple-frequency alternating current signals across a population of cells
• Measurement of voltage or current changes to determine complex electrical impedance
• Equivalent circuit modeling of cell populations including capacitive and resistive elements
• Detection of exocytosis or endocytosis events based on impedance changes
• Systems integrating signal generation, analysis modules, storage and display components

Advantages

• Noninvasive, label-free monitoring of secretion events
• Real-time assessment of exocytosis at the whole-islet or tissue level
• High-throughput capability compared to single-cell patch clamp methods
• Separation of resistive and capacitive components using dual-frequency impedance analysis
• Applicable for screening, viability assessment and therapeutic evaluation

Commercial Applications

• Functional assessment of pancreatic islets prior to transplantation
• Diabetes research and insulin secretion monitoring
• Drug screening for secretagogues or secretion modulators
• Cell viability and potency testing platforms
• Biomedical diagnostic instrumentation

Development and Licensing Status

This issued U.S. patent provides intellectual property protection for impedance spectroscopy-based detection of exocytosis in cell populations. The technology is available for licensing, collaborative development and integration into next-generation biomedical diagnostic systems.

Nesting Furniture – Ornamental Design

U.S. Design Patent No.: D850,164 S

Issue Date: June 4, 2019

Inventors: Angela McKillip; Vanny Cahyadi; Grey Waletich; Kay Cutler; Chris Hume

Assignee: As identified in issued patent

Technology Area: Furniture Design | Modular Furniture | Consumer Products

Overview

This design patent protects the ornamental design of a modular nesting furniture system featuring rounded edges, horizontally layered exterior contours and a stackable nested configuration. The design integrates multiple inter-fitting components that assemble into a compact, wheeled unit, while allowing separation into individual furniture elements.

The distinctive aesthetic includes curved rectangular framing, integrated drawer elements and layered side panel detailing that creates a modern, cohesive visual identity. The patented design enhances both functionality and visual appeal for residential, commercial or educational environments.

What is Protected

• The ornamental configuration of the nesting furniture system
• The layered horizontal contour pattern and rounded rectangular frame design
• The integrated drawer and stacking visual features
• The assembled and exploded configurations as illustrated in the patent drawings

Advantages

• Distinctive modern aesthetic with layered contour detailing
• Modular nesting configuration for compact storage
• Integrated mobility through wheeled base design
• Flexible use across residential, educational or commercial spaces

Commercial Applications

• Home and apartment furniture solutions
• Educational and classroom environments
• Office and collaborative workspace furniture
• Retail or display environments requiring modular flexibility

Development and Licensing Status

This issued U.S. design patent provides protection for the ornamental appearance of the nesting furniture system. The design is available for licensing, manufacturing partnerships and commercialization opportunities in consumer furniture markets.

Connector Device for Promoting Building Skills – Ornamental Design

U.S. Design Patent No.: D949,979 S

Issue Date: April 26, 2022

Inventors: Angela McKillip; Todd Letcher; Roxanne Lucchesi; Craig Silvernagel; Barb Heller; Kay Cutler; Chris Hume; Abigail Vaz; Maggie Smither; Elisabeth Gordon; Nathan Stang; Angela Heinz; Tyana Gottsleben

Assignee: South Dakota Board of Regents

Technology Area: Educational Products | Construction Toys | Modular Connectors

Overview

This design patent protects the ornamental design of a connector device used to form joints between building pieces in skill-development and construction-based educational systems. The connector features a multiarmed, radial configuration with contoured engagement surfaces designed to receive and interlock with complementary building elements.

The distinctive geometry enables the formation of stable joints between multiple building components while maintaining a visually engaging and recognizable design identity. The ornamental configuration supports modular assembly into increasingly complex structures while preserving a consistent aesthetic across the system.

What is Protected

• The ornamental configuration of the multiarmed connector body
• The contoured engagement surfaces and radial symmetry of the connector
• The visual appearance of the connector in isolation and in joint-forming configurations
• The assembled configurations as illustrated in the patent drawings

Advantages

• Distinctive and recognizable connector aesthetic
• Supports multidirectional building configurations
• Compatible with modular educational building systems
• Scalable for simple or complex structure formation

Commercial Applications

• Educational building and STEM skill development kits
• Construction-based learning systems for classrooms
• Consumer construction toy products
• Modular educational product licensing partnerships

Development and Licensing Status

This issued U.S. design patent provides protection for the ornamental appearance of the connector device within modular educational building systems. The design is available for licensing, manufacturing partnerships and commercialization opportunities in educational and consumer product markets.