Every day, faculty at The University of New Mexico (UNM) work to uncover the next technological frontier and expand our knowledge about the world. The research conducted at UNM has led to the creation of new inventions that have been licensed by companies for use globally.
In this article, five UNM inventions are highlighted that could help change the world. UNM Rainforest Innovations (UNMRI), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization formed and owned entirely by The University of New Mexico Board of Regents, is dedicated to protecting and commercializing technology developed by the university. They’ve selected these inventions as a brief sample of UNM’s diverse collection of patents.
The following patents were created by prolific inventors at UNM and have since been licensed by companies in and outside of New Mexico, often as part of large portfolios of related patents. Many were created by UNMRI’s Rainforest Innovation Fellows, who have been awarded for their significant commercialization efforts.
1. Powering electric vehicles with a new energy source
Patent: Non-PGM cathode catalysts for fuel cell application derived from heat-treated heteroatomic amines precursors
Inventors: Alexey Serov, Barr Halevi, Kateryna Artyushkova, Plamen B. Atanassov, and Ulises A. Martinez
As the world seeks to lower carbon emissions, exploring new ways to power cars is crucial. While most electric vehicles in the United States are powered with electric batteries, fuel cells could offer another energy alternative. This patent involves a new type of fuel cell that could provide an alternative power source to gas or electric batteries. Vehicles powered by fuel cells don’t produce harmful emissions that gas-powered cars do, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
This patent has been licensed by Albuquerque-based company Pajarito Powder for developing non-platinum-based fuel cell catalysts using non-precious group metals like nickel, cobalt, and iron. Technology utilizing this patent is currently being sold to automotive manufacturers in Japan.
2. Improving efficiency and accuracy in pathology
Patent: Flow cytometry for high throughput screening
Inventors: Larry A. Sklar, Bruce S. Edwards, Frederick W. Kuckuck
Flow cytometry is used frequently in research and medical settings to understand cell characteristics and diagnose conditions like leukemia. This invention led by Sklar has made the process faster and more automated.
Published in 2005, this patent allows pathologists and researchers to screen multiple cell samples simultaneously. It helps diagnose cancers through fast detection of biomarkers and test samples for drug discovery. In 2006, IntelliCyt Corporation was formed to commercialize Sklar’s flow cytometry inventions; it was acquired by Sartorius for $90 million in 2016 but maintains an office in Albuquerque.
3. Finding new treatments for cancer and neurodegenerative diseases
Patent: Modulators of GTPases and their use
Inventors: Angela Wandinger-Ness, Laurie Hudson, Larry Sklar, Zurab Surviladze, Tudor Oprea
Published in 2021, this patent offers a method to treat various cancers as well as diseases like Huntington’s and Alzheimer’s through targeting specific enzymes known as Rho family GTPases that contribute to disease development.
The invention presents a pharmaceutical composition used to modulate these enzymes' activity effectively inhibiting disease progression. It has been licensed by biotech companies such as Emerald Biotherapeutics seeking cures for cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.
4.Maintaining well integrity in oil drilling
Patent: Engineered nano-modified methyl methacrylate polymer for repair of microcracks
Inventors: Mahmoud Reda Taha et al.
Published in 2020, this patent involves manufacturing a composite sealant for microcracks in wellbores used for water pumping or oil extraction preventing spills or leakage which can be hazardous.
TS-Nano licenses this technology selling sealants that fill cracks as small as 30 micrometers much smaller than other market alternatives reducing methane emissions from natural gas wells ensuring environmental safety working with major companies like Chevron among others.
5.Protecting devices from hackers
Patent:System & methods generating unclonable security keys integrated circuits
Inventors: James Plusquellic et al.
Published backin2012,thispatentdescribesasystemgeneratinghigh-levelencryptionsecuringdataoncomputersandcellphonesagainstbreachesorhackingattemptsensuringdatasecurityvitalforfinancialorganizationsandsocietalfunctions.PlusquellicfoundedIC-Safetycommercializingthisinnovationkeepingdevicessecurefrompotentialcyberthreats.
Learn more about UNM patents on Rainforest Innovations website.
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