Thionoesters that Release H2S upon Thiol Ligation

Case ID:
UO-18-03
Web Published:
4/29/2022
Description:

1. Technology Overview 

The invention focuses on synthesizing thionoesters that release hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) upon thiol ligation. These small molecules react with L-cysteine and other cysteine derivatives to release H₂S, terminating in the formation of N-benzoyl-L-cysteine. The technology is currently in the development stage, with promising cross-industry applications in biological detection, imaging, and targeted drug delivery. 

2. Key Features and Benefits 

  • H₂S Release: Provides optical indication of biological processes. 

  • Tunable Release Kinetics: Enables fine control over release rates. 

  • Versatility: Applicable to various industries, including biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. 

  • Scalability: Synthesis processes can be scaled for larger quantities. 

  • Targeted Applications: Ideal for biological detection, imaging, and drug delivery systems. 

3. Applications and Market Focus 

  • Biological Detection: Use in detecting and imaging biological processes involving H₂S. 

  • Drug Delivery: Integration into targeted drug delivery systems. 

  • Biotechnology: Development of novel biological detection and imaging methods. 

  • Pharmaceutical Industry: Synthesis of complex organic molecules for various applications. 

  • Chemical Industry: Use in advanced synthesis techniques and equipment. 

4. Commercial Advantages 

  • Strategic Benefits: Provides reliable and scalable H₂S-releasing compounds for various applications. 

  • Implementation Advantages: Facilitates integration into existing biological detection and imaging systems. 

  • Market Positioning: Positions technology as a key enabler for advanced biological detection and drug delivery systems. 

  • Competitive Advantages: Offers tunable release kinetics and versatility compared to existing methods. 

5. Partnership Opportunities 

  • Ideal Licensing Partners: Biotechnology firms, pharmaceutical companies, chemical industry leaders. 

  • Cross-Sector Partnership Benefits: Collaboration opportunities across biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. 

  • Diverse Market Opportunities: Potential for global market expansion in regions with strong biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. 

  • Collaborative Development: Opportunities for joint development of hybrid devices and custom synthesis services. 

Patent Information:
For Information, Contact:
Christine Gramer
Associate Director
University of Oregon
cgramer@uoregon.edu
Inventors:
Michael Pluth
Matt Cerda
Keywords:
Science
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