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A Method for Generating Functional Surface Coatings and Modifications via Self-Assembly of Silk Fibroin and Silk Fibroin-Like Macromolecules
RPI ID:
2019-087-401
Innovation Summary:
A non-covalent, bottom-up coating method enables the formation of silk fibroin-based layers on chemically inert and geometrically complex surfaces. The process uses kosmotropic agents to facilitate smooth, homogeneous coatings that are tunable in thickness and free of inhomogeneities. These coatings can incorporate...
Published: 4/9/2026
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Updated: 3/10/2026
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Inventor(s): Runye Zha, Tanner Fink, Caleb Wigham
Keywords(s): antifouling coatings, bioinert, Biomaterial, biomedical coatings, Implant, implant surface, protein structure, Self Assembly, silk, spidroin, Surface modification, surface treatment, thin film coatings, universal coating
Category(s): Biotechnology and the Life Sciences
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Facile Viral Clearance Validation Through the Development of Fluorescent Viral Surrogates
RPI ID: 2022-017-201
Innovation Summary:
This system uses engineered fluorescent viral surrogates to validate viral clearance in bioprocessing. These surrogates mimic the properties of live viruses while being safe and traceable. Fluorescence tagging enables real-time monitoring during purification processes. The method reduces reliance on live virus...
Published: 3/10/2026
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Updated: 3/10/2026
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Inventor(s): Runye Zha, Hannah Doss, Todd Przybycien
Keywords(s): fluorescence, Nanoparticle, Viral clearance validation, viral surrogate particle
Category(s): Biotechnology and the Life Sciences
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Downregulation of Promoter Strength for Increased Production of Recombinant Biopolymers
RPI ID: 2021-070-401
Innovation Summary:
Recombinant E. coli strains and synthetic protein sequence designs are used to produce disordered polypeptides such as spidroins and elastin-like peptides (ELPs). The system leverages genome engineering to suppress basal expression and redirect cellular resources toward target biopolymer synthesis. This approach...
Published: 3/10/2026
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Updated: 3/10/2026
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Inventor(s): Mattheos Koffas, Derek Nelson, Runye Zha, Alexander Connor
Keywords(s): Biomanufacturing, Biomaterials, Recombinant Protein Engineering, Sustainable Materials
Category(s): Biotechnology and the Life Sciences
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Upcycling of Plastic Waste to Recombinant Silk Proteins via Pseudomonas sp
RPI ID: 2021-045-401
Innovation Summary:
This method uses engineered Pseudomonas bacteria to convert plastic waste into recombinant silk proteins. The system includes metabolic pathways that degrade polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and redirect carbon into silk protein synthesis. It supports circular bioeconomy models and reduces environmental impact....
Published: 3/10/2026
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Updated: 3/10/2026
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Inventor(s): Runye Zha, Mattheos Koffas, Alexander Connor
Keywords(s): Advanced Materials, Biomanufacturing, Metabolic Engineering, polymer upcycling, sustainability
Category(s): Biotechnology and the Life Sciences
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Recombinant Production of Silk Proteins via Bacillus Megaterium Secretion (Updated)
RPI ID:
2023-070-301
Innovation Summary:
This technology enables the recombinant production of silk proteins using Bacillus megaterium as a secretion host. The system leverages the bacterium’s natural secretion pathways to produce and release silk proteins extracellularly, simplifying downstream purification. The method supports scalable production...
Published: 3/10/2026
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Updated: 3/10/2026
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Inventor(s): Mattheos Koffas, Runye Zha, Alexander Connor
Keywords(s): advanced polymers, Biodegradable materials, Biomaterial, Biomedical material, Biomimetic material, green polymer synthesis, Materials, silk, sustainable
Category(s): Biotechnology and the Life Sciences
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