UF Offers Nanotechnology Licenses for Drug Detoxification Therapy and Environmental Decontamination Methods

Researchers at the University of Florida have developed novel methods of nanotechnology therapy for detoxification and decontamination. One method involves the absorption of toxic substances into or onto nanoparticles, by using molecular templating or by exploiting differences in physiochemical properties between the toxins and the nanoparticle. Another approach involves the transformation of toxic substances into inactive metabolites, by using nanoparticles as catalysts to quickly degrade the toxins using enzyme incorporation. This new technology provides highly effective techniques for reducing the free blood concentration and physiological effects of a wide range of toxic substances, including pharmaceuticals, biological and chemical toxins, and endogenous toxins produced during organ dysfunction. It is also valuable for removing toxins from skin and other surfaces, and for cleaning up environmental hazards such as chemical spills. Moreover, the technique can be tailored depending on the goal of the application and the specific properties of the toxins involved.

 The  University of Florida is seeking a company interested in commercializing novel methods of drug detoxification. Life-threatening toxicity can result from drug overdose, organ dysfunction, exposure to toxic chemicals, or biological warfare. It is a major health care problem throughout the world, affecting hundreds of thousands of patients each year. Current treatments are ineffective against most toxic substances. However, researchers at the University of Florida have developed complementary methods in medicine, particle engineering, molecular biology, and biochemistry to solve this difficult clinical problem in a broad manner. This new technology provides highly effective therapeutic techniques for reversing the physiological effects of a wide range of toxins. It is also useful for removing toxins from skin and other surfaces, and forcleaning up environmental hazards. 

Applications: Detoxification and decontamination in a wide range of applications, such as: reversing the physiological effects of toxic substances in humans and animals; eliminating toxins from organic and artificial surfaces and removing environmental hazards. 

Advantages:  Useful for a wide range of medical, veterinary, military, industrial, and environmental applications, ensuring multiple market opportunities; effective against a wide range of toxic substances, offering a broad therapeutic solution; capable of oral, intravenous, or surface use, providing flexible application; adaptable to specific applications, maximizing user acceptance. 

Current treatments are ineffective against most toxic substances. However, researchers at the University of Florida have developed complementary methods in medicine, particle engineering, molecular biology, and biochemistry to solve this difficult clinical problem in a broad manner. This new technology provides highly effective therapeutic techniques for reversing the physiological effects of a wide range of toxins. It is also useful for removing toxins from skin and other surfaces, and for cleaning up environmental hazards. 

Contact: Anthony Palmieri, Ph.D
University of Florida
Office of Technology Licensing
352/392-8929 • email: ap3@ufl.edu
Reference UF #10453; Patent pending