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Technologies Available for Licensing

Each year researchers at McMaster, Hamilton Health Sciences, and St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton make new discoveries that lead to new products, services, or process improvements to help companies expand their pipeline or increase their productivity. Committed to placing that knowledge in the hands of those who can put it to its best use, our Commercialization Mandate Framework Policy outlines the university’s guiding principles and the supporting infrastructure that ensures effective management of intellectual property (IP) created at the institutions. The business development team at the McMaster Industry Liaison Office (MILO) are here to help access these discoveries. Our objective is to support effective transfer of these technologies to companies for social and economic benefit and enable the continued growth of research excellence at the institutions.

Technologies Available for Licensing

Below is a list of technologies currently available for licensing or further research and development. For more information, please contact Glen Crossley, Associate Director, Business Development and Intellectual Property.

Carbonic anhydrase-catalyzed isotope equilibrium for oxygen isotope analysis of aqueous samples

A method to significantly reduce the reaction time for oxygen isotope studies of aqueous samples from 24h to less than 1h.

New chemistry to recycle vulcanized rubbers back to organic polymers

A mild and efficient method to recover organic polymers originally used to make a tire which can then be reused to create new products.

Modulated membrane chromatography device

Ion exchange membrane chromatography device capable of high-resolution and cost-effective purification of biomacromolecules.

A multi-well device for high-throughput screening of membrane for using in membrane chromatography

A tool for simultaneously analyzing multiple membranes during a single experimental run.

Scalable fabrication of self-assembled cell sheet

Scaffold-free cell sheet for tissue construction.

Cuboid size-exclusion chromatography device

A cuboid scalable SEC device for high-resolution purification and fast separation.

Protein eutectogel as a platform for advanced materials and manufacturing

A resin-based method to fabricate protein eutectogels that can be used in tissue engineering, packaging, sensors, medical devices, air and water purification, and energy storage.

Individualizing head-related transfer functions using smartphones

A fast, affordable, and accurate smartphone-based process for determining individualized Head-Related Transfer Functions that is easy to conduct and does not require expensive or specialized equipment.

Network segmentation and architecture

A mathematically provable algorithm that can generate the most secure network topologies and segmentation policies with zero vulnerabilities.

System for permeability prediction of digital rocks

Unique tool that combines a three-dimensional CNN and a physics-informed neural network (PINN) model, enabling highly accurate, real-time and end-to-end permeability prediction of digital rocks a with a large predictable sample size.

TrialTree

Fully functional, interactive platform designed for streamlining the process of creating randomized trial design, including feedback on trial design, resources for trial design, tools for statistical analysis plans, and support for various trial design protocols.

PeerOnCall & PeerOnCall Support

Paired mobile health platforms designed by and for Canadian Public Safety Personnel designed to promote high quality mental health information and provide private, secure links to peer support.

Rapid deep learning-based flood losses / risk prediction tool (RAPFLO)

Tool that uses hierarchical deep neural networks to estimate fluvial flood risk likelihood and level.

Screening Tool for Assessing Reporting of Machine Learning (STAR ML)

A novel tool for full-text screening of papers and systematically evaluating the quality of machine learning research.

Seismic mitigation using a novel elastomeric isolator

A base isolation technology to mitigate the effects of earthquakes on low-rise buildings in high seismic regions.

Novel tool surface treatment for wear and chipping improvements

A method of coating the tool with a soft metal coating that is capable of melting and functioning as an in-situ liquid lubricant during the machining operation.

New chemistry to recycle vulcanized rubbers back to organic polymers

A mild and efficient method to recover organic polymers originally used to make a tire which can then be reused to create new products.

System for permeability prediction of digital rocks

Unique tool that combines a three-dimensional CNN and a physics-informed neural network (PINN) model, enabling highly accurate, real-time and end-to-end permeability prediction of digital rocks a with a large predictable sample size.

Bio-inspired blast mitigation systems: the mimicry of falcon, orca, pangolin, and armadillo

Innovative lightweight blast mitigation systems that can efficiently minimize pressure during explosions with various intensities.

Method for determining coagulation in whole blood

Measuring coagulation activation, including thrombin generation, is useful in a number of clinical conditions. McMaster researchers have developed a novel method and class of substrates to do this using whole blood, for instance from a finger prick, using conventional fluorescence equipment.

Biomarkers of CF for better screening and therapeutic treatments

A panel of CF-specific biomarkers from blood spot extracts and sweat samples for CF screening and guide discovery of new molecular targets.

Comprehensive Antibiotic Resistance Database (CARD)

A bioinformatic database of resistance genes, their products and associated phenotypes. Resource for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance in healthcare, agriculture and environmental settings.

Treatment of breast cancer

Dronedarone is an FDA-approved drug that has shown anti-cancer activity in breast cancer cell cultures, sphere forming assays and in mice.

Plant derived pharmacological chaperones for treatment of PKU

These plant-derived natural products offer a safe, yet effective, therapeutic treatment of PKU via nutritional supplementation.

Laboratory scores for risk stratification of patients with possible cardiac injury

Using important biochemical parameters to accurately determine the risk of an acute cardiovascular event or death with easy interpretation.

Sepsis prognostic tool to create personalized mortality risk profiles

A predictive algorithm for assessing personalized sepsis-related mortality risk profiles of septic patients with utility for both clinical trials and patient care.

Antibiotic resistance platform

The antibiotic resistance platform (ARP) can be used for both the identification of antibiotic adjuvants and for antibiotic dereplication.

Assay to measure factor Xa inhibitors in blood and plasma

This assay can test both plasma and citrated whole blood to allow for simple, on-demand usage in hospital labs.

Laboratory score for predicting cardio-toxicity

A novel algorithm to detect risk of cardio-toxicity using a combination of easily detectible cardiac biomarkers in the blood.

Local infusion of immuno-therapeutics (LIIT)

A platform technology with hydrogels that can sustain and localize antibody/protein release, relevant to a wide variety of clinical applications.

Adenovirus spray drying

A robust method for preparing a thermally stable adenovirus formulation, extending the possible applications of adenovirus-based vectors as thermally stable vaccines.

Molecular systems to detect pathogenic candida species

A rapid, efficient and low-cost nucleic acid identification tool for pathogenic Candida in human test samples with clinical relevance, increased accuracy and reliability.

Antibacterial phage hydrogels

A self-healing and auto fluorescent hydrogel made entirely of bacteriophage can be used for a variety of medical and environmental applications.

Non-invasive diagnosis and treatment monitoring of inflammatory bowel disease

A reliable, low-cost method for the diagnosis of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis using urinary biomarkers offering a minimally invasive strategy for early detection.

Enhancing antimicrobial activity using bicarbonate

Using bicarbonate to potentiate the activity of antibiotics and develop novel therapies.

Brush amphiphilic block copolymers for drug delivery

Brush amphiphilic block copolymers for drug delivery and other biomedical applications.

Printable enzyme-stabilizing hydrogels for biosensing and drug discovery

A printable in-situ hydrogel-based drug screening platform for HTS that can discriminate between true and “promiscuous” inhibitors.

Novel beta-lactamase inhibitor

A unique inhibitor of metallo-beta-lactamases that can be used to re-sensitize antibiotic resistant bacteria to beta-lactam antibiotics.

Thermo-gel polymer system for improved ophthalmic drug delivery

Thermo-responsive eyedrops for controlled degradation and sustained drug delivery.

Stochastic model for simulating immune response

A mathematical system that describes how T-cells in the omentum respond when encountering antigens arising from either infection or vaccination of various kinds.

Back2Play – Development of a concussion management platform for children and youth

A comprehensive concussion management platform that monitors and evaluates symptoms in real-time.

Serum biomarkers for early detection and staging of peripheral artery disease

A screening strategy that utilizes serum biomarkers that differentiate late-stage chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) from early-onset intermittent claudication (IC) for a more accurate diagnosis and risk assessment of peripheral artery disease.

Novel diagnostic biomarker for diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBSD)

A novel non-surgical diagnostic biomarker for diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel disease (IBSD) that can distinguish from IBD and normal patients who do not have IBSD, instead of invasive colonoscopies and biopsies.

Novel high-throughput method for vitamin D screening

A high-throughput method for assessing vitamin D status from blood specimens based on direct-infusion tandem mass spectrometry that offers better precision and accuracy that immunoassays.

Psychiatry Handbook

A mobile psychiatry handbook containing evidence-supported approaches to psychiatric emergencies, substance intoxication and withdrawal, and various psychiatric symptoms.

Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) application

A mobile clinical tool designed to evaluate gross motor function changes in children with cerebral palsy.

MyTransition application

The MyTransition app aims to help children 12-18 slowly take responsibility for their healthcare and improve communication with physicians.

Beyond Silence application

A mental health literacy training program customized for healthcare workers designed to promote early intervention and support within the workplace for any employee across the organization who may be struggling with mental health issues.

Geras Fit-Frailty application

A mobile screening tool for frailty in older adults that can be completed by their caregivers or by a healthcare professional in a clinical environment.

MyEXP application

A suite of apps that gathers experiences of mental health service users, family/caregivers and service providers following each appointment.

Evidence Alerts application

A convenient notification system to ensure physicians stay up to date on all new studies, treatment advances and new prognosis methods.

MAC-PMSS application

An app to track mood and premenstrual symptoms so users can see if their symptoms are severe enough to bring them to healthcare providers.

MyCBDR – Canadian Blood Disorder Registry tracker application

A mobile hemophilia tracker that circumvents the need to log bleeds and treatments on paper manually. Users can also transmit logs to their care team.

Electrochemical biosensor for PEDv

A rapid, simple, and reagent-less platform for on-farm detection of PEDv.

Antimicrobial phage microgel sprays for bacterial control

A biomolecule-friendly, high-throughput method to synthesize sprayable phage microgels to control the growth of microorganisms in food products and other biocontrol scenarios.

Gene expression signature for predicting response to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) cancer therapy

A novel multigene and individual gene panels that can effectively predict response to ICB therapy.

Photoelectrochemical DNA biosensing using metal semiconductor nanoparticles

A novel PEC DNA biosensor method that uses DNA to create a gap between metal and semiconductor nanoparticles.

Discovery of a potent antiviral agent

A unique small molecule can be used in the treatment of DNA and RNA viruses with limited host cell cytotoxicity.

Stabilization of biological and chemical species during pasteurization

A multi-component system to protect biological and chemical species from degradation due to exposure to challenging conditions such as high/low temperatures.

Treatment of lysosomal storage diseases

Repurposed FDA-approved drugs as a treatment against neurodegenerative diseases such as Tay Sachs and Sandhoff disease.

Modifying intestinal nutrient absorption for obesity and metabolic diseases

Non-invasive method and dietary composition for treating obesity and metabolic diseases with better adherence than diets.

Novel bis-amidine compound with antimicrobial activity

Unique, effective bis-amidine compound adjuvants with low cytotoxicity that are effective at enhancing an antibacterial response against antibiotic-resistant gram-negative bacteria.

New semi-synthetic glycopeptide analogs combat drug-resistant VRE infections

A synthetic biology platform enables the synthesis of a unique type V GPA which is active against drug-resistant VRE and Mycobacteria strains.

Ergot alkaloid antibacterial activity via novel mechanism

Potent antibacterial compound that inhibit Salmonella growth via unique biochemical mechanism and are also potent inhibitors of MRSA and fluoroquinolone-resistant strains of S. aureus.

Urinary biomarkers to monitor omega-3 status

A non-invasive test will help individuals ascertain the levels of omega-3 fats in their body. Overall, this test will encourage individuals to self-monitor their own health and dietary habits.

ASK1 inhibitors as pan anti viral drugs

Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) is activated in response to pro-inflammatory stimuli, reactive oxygen species, and various other cellular stressors.

Novel combination therapy for P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii

A combination of thiostrepton and FDA-approved iron chelators like deferiprone could effectively treat biofilm-forming pathogens.

Externally-activatable cork-shell capsules for on-demand targeted drug delivery

An ultrasound-triggered cork-shell capsule/particle drug delivery system that can control the release kinetics of therapeutic drugs without causing cellular damage.

In situ-gelling nanoparticle-based hydrogels for site-specific drug delivery

This in situ-gelling nanoparticle network hydrogel can be used for intranasal delivery of drugs to the brain.

Turning biomolecules into 3D hierarchical wrinkled structures

A transformative method, free of heat and solvents, that allows for the preservation of micro and nanostructure of biologics while inducing substrate wrinkling.

Portable, high throughput platform for rapid, one-pot, point-of-use screening of phage biobanks

A high throughput, point-of-use platform technology that allows for packaging and stabilization of bacteriophage biobanks.

Protease-resistant ADAMTS13

An effective thrombolytic agent for the treatment of various cardiovascular diseases.

Novel biomarker for assessment of metformin efficacy

Biomarkers for determining cardiovascular disease risk

Novel biomarkers for the assessment of the risk for development of CV.

Convenient and quantitative strategy to improve lipidomic analyses

Novel two-step derivatization procedure as a safer alternative.

Method to determine omega-3 index

A more direct, cost-effective and practical approach for the quantitative assessment of omega-3 nutritional status.

Antibody for treatment and diagnosis of Vaccine-induced Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia (VITT)

The first anti-PF4 antibody for treatment and diagnosis of Vaccine-induced Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia (VITT).

Artificial placenta

The world’s first passive lung assist device designed to be pumped by the baby’s heart and capable of gas exchange in ambient air.

Neonatal laryngoscope

A laryngoscope designed specifically for neonatal anatomy, allowing for safer, more efficient intubation and improved vision of the larynx.

Enhanced photodiodes for sensing and communication

Differential Single photon avalanche diodes (SPADs).

Constrained shrinking of pre-stressed films to achieve high-resolution nanoscale patterns

Nanoscale formation pattern that allows for high-resolution uniform patterns for industrial applications such as semiconductor manufacturing, microsystems, and optoelectronics. This can also be applied to developing optical structures or a potential replacement for deep UV and phase shift masking technologies.

Copyright Materials Available

Click on the links below to learn more about these tools or fill out the online copyright request form if interested in licensing. If there are any further questions or inquiries, please email milo@mcmaster.ca.

A wide range of validated quality of life (QOL) questionnaires, surveys, and tools for

Disease and Health Conditions

Child Development

Data Analysis

Professional Development Training

Basadur Innovation Profile

The Basadur Profile is a proven assessment tool validated by research that provides insight into how people and teams prefer to think during the innovation process.

Basadur Simplexity Thinking

Simplexity is an innovative thinking & creative problem-solving process that separates innovation into clearly-defined steps, and can be defined as a framework that combines knowledge, process, skills needed to enable successful innovation.

Basadur Challenge Mapping

The purpose of Challenge Mapping is to uncover and clarify the different problems and subproblems lurking within a complex ill-defined situation, and to understand how they relate to one another; the Challenge Mapping Process also enables organizations significantly improve the success rate of new projects.

Basadur Telescoping

Telescoping is a three-stage tool used in the evaluation step of the two-step ideation-evaluation process of creative problem-solving, applied after a group has completed generating solution ideas.

Basadur Team InQ (Innovation Quotient) Survey

The InQ survey, or Innovation Quotient, assesses the quality of your team’s problem-solving and innovation and measures attitudes, skills, and behaviours, assigning a rating on one of 5 levels to indicate where improvements can be made.

Basadur Publications

Min Basadur, professor emeritus of McMaster’s DeGroote School of Business, is the author of several reference texts and practical guides in the field of applied creativity. A summary of each of these books is available.