[news 2011-2012]

Bioplastics and power-generating backpack among innovative Queen’s research discoveries funded by PARTEQ Innovations

Queen’s technology transfer office surpasses $1 million mark in supporting early stage technologies

Feb. 7 , 2011

KINGSTON, ON – A greener alternative to petroleum-based polymers is one of seven innovative  technologies  from Queen’s University being awarded a total of $140,000 in development funding from PARTEQ Innovations, the university’s technology transfer office.

Compostable and biodegradable, these polymers are made from renewable resources and can substitute for petroleum-based plastics. They also have potential to enhance the utility of currently existing bioplastics, which are rigid and brittle and have poor mechanical properties.

Dr. Bruce Ramsay (Chemical Engineering) and his team are developing materials called medium-chain length polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), for use as impact-modifiers, adhesives etc. They have received $25,000 to refine their novel fermentation process used to produce these novel materials. 

“These new materials fill two important gaps in the plastics industry,” says Jason Hendry, Commercial Development Manager at PARTEQ. “They provide a more environmentally friendly alternative to some petroleum-based plastics, and they can also be combined with existing bioplastics, enhancing their properties and broadening their use in a variety of consumer products.”

Other innovations being nurtured by PARTEQ’s Proof of Principle Fund include “smart” materials that can be used as oxygen indicators and for UV barriers, a hemp-based building material, a power-saving computer power technology, a human-powered, power-generating backpack, and two promising new treatments for pancreatic cancer and heart disease.

 “With this funding, Queen’s researchers are able to pursue more market-focused applications of their discoveries in two very strategic areas, environmental sustainability and human health,” says John Molloy, President and CEO of PARTEQ.

Since it was founded in 2007, the PARTEQ POP Fund has provided more than $1 million in funding to advance 30 early-stage technologies discovered by Queen’s researchers.

“This program is a great example of how Queen’s supports innovation in a tangible way,” says Dr. Steven Liss, Vice-Principal (Research) at Queen’s. “PARTEQ’s funding and expertise gives researchers important leverage and support to further develop these exciting and important discoveries.”

Other innovative technologies funded by PARTEQ include: 

• “Smart” materials with the potential to detect the presence of oxygen in packages containing oxygen-sensitive products, and to block ultraviolet light through smart windows. Called organoboron photochromic compounds, the materials change colors in response to oxygen and/or UV light. These materials are being explored as the basis for oxygen indicators for airtight packaging; and as UV barriers for smart coatings and windows. Dr. Suning Wang received $35,000 to test the compounds in a variety of plastics used for these applications.

• A generic drug discovered by a  research team headed by Dr. Lois Mulligan (Queen’s Cancer Research Institute) that shows  promise as a treatment for pancreatic and other cancers. Dr. Mulligan received $20,000 to do additional testing of the drug in vivo using lower dosages at higher frequency.  Positive results would greatly enhance the likelihood of advancing the drug into clinical trials.

• Small-molecule compounds that target the cells involved in forming fatty deposits , or plaques, in blood vessel walls, a major cause of heart attacks. Dr. Louise Winn has received $35,000 to test a number of chemical compounds identified as being able to enhance the removal of cholesterol from macrophage foam cells. Ultimately the researchers hope to create an oral drug that could be used to directly attack atherosclerotic plaque located in blood vessel walls.

• A  low-C02 emitting biomasonry product based on hemp. Working with Stonehedge Bioresources, Dr. Colin MacDougall received $25,000 to develop a working prototype for a bio-based building material that replaces the traditional binding material of Portland cement with a “green” binder that is less energy-intensive to produce.  If successful, the bio-based material could be poured, sprayed or precast into bricks, blocks or panels.

• A human-powered backpack that harvests and stores electrical energy generated through normal activity. Dr. Qingguo Li (Mechanical and Materials Engineering) has received $10,000 to design a prototype of his biomechanical energy harvester. The aim is to provide an economical, effective and convenient alternative to transportation of batteries for powering mobile devices such as GPS, computers and cell phones when the wearer is away from grid power for extended periods of time. 

• An improved power supply design commonly used in high end servers. Dr. Yan-Fei Liu (Electrical and Computer Engineering) received $10,000 to validate and market his technology, which increases the efficiency of the 120VAC to 12VDC power conversion stage, while reducing waste heat by up to 20%, and costing mere pennies to implement.

The PARTEQ POP Fund has provided more than $1 million in funding to advance 30 early-stage technologies discovered by Queen’s researchers. Advancements included prototype development and testing, technology optimization, business plan development and market research. Eleven of these technologies have since been licensed for further development.

About the PARTEQ POP Fund:

The PARTEQ POP Fund is designed to address key obstacles to commercialization. Funded activities can include prototype development and testing, proof of concept studies, technology optimization market research, etc. A small amount of funding remains available in the current fund; PARTEQ welcomes applications from near-term, high-impact projects where spending can be committee before the end of March.

The PARTEQ POP program is funded through the Ontario Research Commercialization Program (now Ontario Centres of Excellence Technology Transfer Program).

 Contact:

John Molloy

President & CEO

P: 613. 533. 2342

E: jmolloy@parteqinnovations.com