BACKA general chemical system for universally augmenting the functions of proteins
[Licensing negotiation in progress]
[Invitation for Expression of Interest- Deadline: 23 February 2025]
We are inviting expressions of interest (EoI) for commercializing “A general chemical system for universally augmenting the functions of proteins” technology. The innovation is developed by Professor LAI Hei Ming, Professor of Department of Chemical Pathology of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK Reference: 23/MED/1270).
The Technology
This inventions involves the use of two chemicals that forms a chemical system. When added in certain amount into a protein's reaction mixture, such as during an enzyme assay, enzyme-catalyzed reaction, or application of protein such as in the context of immunostaining or ELISA, the chemical system at a certain concentration can lead to the augmentation of the native protein's function in terms of reaction speed, product yield, or signal amplification by 2-5x, independent on other conditions employed in the protein assay. This is the first time where the proteins' function can be shown to be enhanced by a single chemical system in real time and improve the native functioning of the protein without altering the protein sequence. It is thus expected the general approach can impact all aspects of protein applications in industry (e.g. , to increase product yield, reduce enzyme use and thus costs, speed up reactions, reduce energy consumption by using lower temperatures), biomedical sciences (e.g ., to improve immunofluorescence and immunological assays signals for higher reproducibility and sensitivity and specificity), pharmaceutical industries (e.g., to provide higher protein yields in cell-free in vitro protein synthesis systems to generate higher yields of challenging or non-clonable proteins to produce drugs or their precursors), and agricultural fields (e.g., in pulp processing where lesser amount of enzymes or bleaching chemicals is required to achieve the same effect, making process more environmentally friendly).
Commercialization
The technology is now available for licensing on an exclusive basis. In order to fully realize the benefit of the technology, we expect substantial investment is necessary to enable further research and development. In addition to the financial commitment, the licensee is expected to have the appropriate expertise as well as plans in marketing and strategizing the end product to ensure successful transfer of the technology to the society. Previous or existing business involvement and experience in this area is a plus.
This invitation of expression of interest is without prejudice. We also stress that this invitation is not a tender, and the University is not bound to accept any offer, or to accept the highest monetary offer, as there are additional considerations (such as the widest possible benefit to the community) that we, as a public institution, will need to take into consideration.
A general chemical system for universally augmenting the functions of proteins
[Licensing negotiation in progress]
[Invitation for Expression of Interest- Deadline: 23 February 2025]
We are inviting expressions of interest (EoI) for commercializing “A general chemical system for universally augmenting the functions of proteins” technology. The innovation is developed by Professor LAI Hei Ming, Professor of Department of Chemical Pathology of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK Reference: 23/MED/1270).
The Technology
This inventions involves the use of two chemicals that forms a chemical system. When added in certain amount into a protein's reaction mixture, such as during an enzyme assay, enzyme-catalyzed reaction, or application of protein such as in the context of immunostaining or ELISA, the chemical system at a certain concentration can lead to the augmentation of the native protein's function in terms of reaction speed, product yield, or signal amplification by 2-5x, independent on other conditions employed in the protein assay. This is the first time where the proteins' function can be shown to be enhanced by a single chemical system in real time and improve the native functioning of the protein without altering the protein sequence. It is thus expected the general approach can impact all aspects of protein applications in industry (e.g. , to increase product yield, reduce enzyme use and thus costs, speed up reactions, reduce energy consumption by using lower temperatures), biomedical sciences (e.g ., to improve immunofluorescence and immunological assays signals for higher reproducibility and sensitivity and specificity), pharmaceutical industries (e.g., to provide higher protein yields in cell-free in vitro protein synthesis systems to generate higher yields of challenging or non-clonable proteins to produce drugs or their precursors), and agricultural fields (e.g., in pulp processing where lesser amount of enzymes or bleaching chemicals is required to achieve the same effect, making process more environmentally friendly).
Commercialization
The technology is now available for licensing on an exclusive basis. In order to fully realize the benefit of the technology, we expect substantial investment is necessary to enable further research and development. In addition to the financial commitment, the licensee is expected to have the appropriate expertise as well as plans in marketing and strategizing the end product to ensure successful transfer of the technology to the society. Previous or existing business involvement and experience in this area is a plus.
This invitation of expression of interest is without prejudice. We also stress that this invitation is not a tender, and the University is not bound to accept any offer, or to accept the highest monetary offer, as there are additional considerations (such as the widest possible benefit to the community) that we, as a public institution, will need to take into consideration.
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Mr. Paul Cheung
Office of Research and Knowledge Transfer Services
Professor LAI Hei Ming
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